Explore The Marches: A New 100-Mile Drinks Destination

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Discover the emerging drinks region of The Marches along the English-Welsh border, showcasing unique wines and spirits from local producers.

Introduction to The Marches

The Marches is an exciting new drinks region emerging along the English-Welsh border, stretching over 100 miles from Wrexham in Shropshire to Chepstow in Monmouthshire. This area is rich in history and has recently garnered attention for its potential in the food and drink industry. A collaboration between four counties—Herefordshire, Monmouthshire, Shropshire, and Powys—has formed a partnership aimed at promoting economic growth and attracting investments to enhance local producers’ reach.

Local leaders are enthusiastic about this initiative. Mary Ann Brocklesby, Monmouthshire Council Leader, describes it as a “no-brainer” due to shared landscapes and economies predominantly consisting of small businesses. By improving supply chains and marketing strategies, they hope to boost local production of wine, beer, and spirits significantly.

The Unique Terroir of The Marches

The geographical diversity of The Marches contributes significantly to its unique terroir. With micro-climates that favor various grape varieties such as Solaris, Madeleine Angevine, Regent, and Pinot Noir Précoce, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire are emerging as quality wine producers. James Tanner of Tanners Wines emphasizes that warmer temperatures are benefitting local vineyards.

In Shropshire, vineyards like Rowton and Colemere are gaining attention for their innovative approaches despite the marginal climate. This area’s soil composition—ranging from clay to sandy loam—supports not only grape cultivation but also a burgeoning damson industry.

• Key micro-climates:
  • Herefordshire’s sandy loam soils
  • Monmouthshire’s ripening qualities
  • Shropshire’s unique weather patterns

Economic Impact on Local Producers

The Marches Forward Partnership is more than just a marketing strategy; it’s an economic lifeline for many rural producers. With government funding available for new wineries and equipment, local businesses are poised to innovate and grow. Jo Hilditch from White Heron Estate highlights how supportive county councils have been in fostering this development.

Many producers are looking beyond traditional markets to compete with renowned beverages from France and Portugal by creating British versions of classic drinks like Crème de Cassis and Champagne. As demand for these products rises, so does the opportunity for growth within the community.

Notable Producers:

• Jo Hilditch (White Heron Estate) – known for her British Cassis.
• Robb Merchant (White Castle Vineyard) – produces award-winning wines.
• Jeanie Falconer (Frome Valley Vineyard) – offers both still and sparkling wines.

Collaboration Across Borders

One of the most promising aspects of The Marches is the collaboration among producers across county lines. Distilleries are teaming up with cider makers to create innovative spirits like apple brandy—a testament to the creativity stemming from this partnership. Shaun Ward at Ludlow Distillery has worked closely with Oliver’s Cider & Perry to craft unique apple-based drinks that showcase regional flavors.

This cross-border approach is not only enhancing product offerings but also building a stronger identity for The Marches as a whole. Events featuring collective stands at major expos will further increase visibility for these remarkable products on national and international stages.

Celebrating Heritage through Food and Drink

The Marches isn’t just about wine; it embodies a rich culinary heritage celebrated through various festivals and local traditions. Visitors can explore market towns such as Ludlow known for their food festivals or experience cultural events like Wassail celebrations during harvest season. Mark Hooper from Visit Shropshire articulates that these collaborations highlight the area’s diversity while making it an attractive destination for food lovers.

By uniting under one banner—The Marches—the counties can present a unified front showcasing their artisanal offerings while inviting tourists into their vibrant communities filled with history.

Why Visit The Marches?

• Discover award-winning wines & spirits
• Experience rich cultural traditions
• Support local economies & artisans

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

In conclusion, The Marches represents a significant opportunity for economic growth in rural communities along the English-Welsh border. With strong collaborative efforts among producers supported by county councils, this region is well-positioned to become a notable player in the UK’s drinks industry.

Wine experts like Master of Wine John Downes express enthusiasm about exploring this ancient yet newly recognized area—underscoring its potential as an essential destination for anyone interested in discovering quality food and drink experiences.

Photo by Thimo van Leeuwen on Unsplash