The Ostler Inn in Uffculme has just hosted its 3rd blind wine tasting competition. And this time it came with bubbles!

“Such evenings are not possible without the kindness and generosity of so many local businesses and villagers,” said Simon Stimson of the Ostler Inn.

“I’d like to thank Station Garage, Jolly Jaunts taxis and ANR Electrical Services as well as a few locals who’ve all contributed to the event as sponsors.”

On the night there were six bottles for ticket-holders to sample: a French Champagne; 2 Italian proseccos; a Spanish Cava; an English sparkling and an Armenian Shampanskoye. The bottles ranged from £7 (Armenian) to £35 (English Sparkling). Alongside this there was an exciting individual competition where questions are posed and classy prizes of fine wines are presented to the winner and two runners up.

Simon continues: “On the night we’ve featured six bubblies all of decent quality. Herman Hendriksz, our resident chef, supplied some excellent canapés for each round, including oysters.”

Participants rated each bubbly and their scores were collated to reveal the ‘Ostler Champion Sparkling Wine’. This time round there was a huge shock as the Armenian Shampanskoye, the cheapest bottle on the night, was voted the best! It just pipped the most expensive, England’s Nyetimber, into second place by one point. The Champagne, which although very good, surprisingly came in last.

Kevin Woodward answered the most questions correctly and was crowned Gold Sparkling Wino! Sharing 2nd place were Sarah Stimson and Peter Bainton. All 3 won a bottle of Chapel Down English sparkling rosé each, a Platinum Decanter Awards winner in 2021.

The pub also plans to host rosé and red blind wine tasting evenings this year. Anybody wishing to register their interest can do so by contacting organiser Jim Clancy on [email protected].