The George in Rye this month is doing its bit to celebrate English Wines, which have been gaining a stella reputation as of late.

Gone is the undrinkable plonk of old, replaced by an incredible number of wines that are performing brilliantly on the international stage - our bubbly is regularly beating Champagne in blind tastings, much to the upset of the French. And though Sussex may not be the Napa Valley quite yet, you'd be surprised how many vineyards there are just a stones throw away from Rye (x in a half-hour drive).

In our dining room, and in The George Tap (our pub), we've been serving eight English wines since we re-opened, from Sedlescombe Vineyard's Bodiam Brut organic ros� sparkling to Regent Pinot Noir, which is showing that the English can do red as well as white.

Now, we're launching a gastronomic break that gives you the opportunity to enjoy the finest food and wines (many from England) that The George in Rye offers; we've timed this to coincide with the glut of wonderful summer produce that's coming to us from the farms around Rye.

Available as a midweek break, your stay will include two nights in a deluxe room or junior suite, breakfast, and a five course dinner in the dining room with food and wine matching.

We are also offering you the opportunity to visit the vineyard and winery at nearby Tenterden, which is owned by Chapel Down, the biggest producer of English wines. This is a trip for both serious oenophiles and new wine enthusiasts. A guided tour will take you to the vineyard where you'll find out about the pioneering methods English wine makers have been using, and the reasons behind the grapes they grow. You'll then get to see the winery to find out about wine production, before heading for the best bit: a tasting of Chapel Down's award winning wines. The Tenterden vineyard also has some lovely grounds and gardens you can explore once the tour ends.

If this break sounds like your perfect excuse for some serious gluttony, you can find out more here.

Don't forget to book soon if you plan to visit us in August; our rooms are booking up scarily quickly so don�t leave it too late, especially at weekends!

Best Wishes

Alex and Katie Clarke

The George In Rye
www.thegeorgeinrye.com