Despite a Brexit setback, a celebration of the release of a new French wine will go ahead at Askham Hall.
The hall, at Askham, near Penrith, will throw open its barn doors in November to mark the release of the 2021 Beaujolais Nouveau.
Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé is a French tradition celebrated across France on the third Thursday in November with music and festivals.
Under French law, the wine is released at 12.01am, just weeks after the wine’s grapes have been harvested in the Beaujolais region.
However, thanks to new-post Brexit rules, maitre d and sommelier Nico Chieze was not able to obtain this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau.
But because last year’s celebration was cancelled due to COVID-19, this year’s event will feature the 2020 release left untouched – so not strictly Beaujolais Nouveau ‘nouveau’ but still ‘nouveau’ to guests on the evening, a spokesman for the hall said.
The event, on Thursday November 18, also features Richard Swale’s French-inspired rustic three-course menu.
Tickets, at £55 per person for the meal and unlimited Beaujalois, are strictly limited and go on sale on Friday 24 September at 9am at www.askhamhall.co.uk
