What do Champagne in northern France and the tiny county of Wes-Sussex in south-east England have in common? And what does Dagmar Bistro & Wine Bar have to do with both?
A love of high-quality sparkling wines made using the traditional champagne method!
In February, you too will have the chance to experience a piece of this love when Charles and Wendy Outhwaites, owners of the prestigious Ambriel sparkling wine house, come to Dagmar Bistro & Wine Bar to talk about their award-winning wines and their crazy journey with English sparkling wines.
We’ll taste four sparkling wines in the evening alongside some of Dagmar’s favourite dishes. This is not a traditional winemaker’s dinner but a union of tasty dishes and the love of English sparkling wine!
As well as Charles and Wendy’s story, we’ll hear how soil, climate and loving winemaking influence the taste of wine and why British sparkling wines are on the lips of the wine world right now.
AMBRIEL “May your wine, like your wit, be Sparkling”
Ambriel is an ambitious English sparkling wine house with vineyards in West Sussex on sunny south-facing slopes overlooking the South Downs National Park. The vineyards grow traditional champagne grapes – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Ambriel’s owners Charles and Wendy’s journey to becoming winemakers is not strictly traditional. Charles worked as a corporate banker, and Wendy as a bannister and royal advisor. They describe their previous careers as “an unusual education in winemaking”, but their attention to detail, curiosity and perseverance have served them well in their new careers.
Indeed, they describe themselves as “control freaks” who like to pull all the strings. Wendy grows the grapes, and Charles makes the wine – although they decide which blends go to the bottles together.
Ambriel is a proud Single Estate winery, meaning all its wines are made from the estate’s grapes. All their sparkling wines are made using the traditional champagne method and extended bottle ageing, making them a subtle balance between fruitiness and toasty aromas.
The evening includes four glasses (10cl) of Ambriel sparkling wines hosted by Charles and Wendy Outhwaites. A selection of Dagmar’s starters will be paired with sparkling wines (special dietary requirements will be catered for).
Wines: Ambriel Classic Cuvee / Ambriel Rose / Ambriel Blanc de Blancs 2018 / Ambriel English Reserve.
When: 4.2.2025 at 18.00
Duration: about 2 hours
Price: 75 € / person
Reservations: TableOnline