Hand Picked Hotels announces the launch of its Winter Wine Dinner Collection

Hand Picked Hotels is delighted to announce the launch of its Winter Wine Dinner Collection, a five-part dining series bringing together world class wines, seasonal cuisine and historic hospitality across its flagship country house and island hotels.

Master Sommelier Clément Robert hosts this intimate dinner with wines from Bird in Hand, a family owned winery in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills. Founded in 1997 by Andrew and Susie Nugent, Bird in Hand is acclaimed for its balance, creativity and sustainable practices. The evening’s pairings include Nest Egg Chardonnay, 2022 Syrah, MAC Shiraz 2016 and Nest Egg Shiraz 2016, alongside a four-course menu by Chilston Park’s Head Chef Ali Altuntas, showcasing the best of Kentish produce.

These gastronomic experiences have been created in collaboration with acclaimed wineries from old and new world and led by Hand Picked Hotels’ Master Sommelier Clément Robert.

Each evening will be centred around a four-course carefully curated menu to pair with five wines, designed to highlight each estate’s distinct character and showcase the hotels’ culinary expertise. Throughout the event, guests will be guided through each dish and wine pairing by Hand Picked Hotels’ Master Sommelier Clément Robert and the corresponding estate representatives to each event.

Would you be interested in joining with a plus one? Full media release is below to set the scene, and hope to speak more soon.

Thanks for your time always

Tanya x

Hand Picked Hotels unveils Winter Wine Dinner Collection curated by Master sommelier Clément Robert

Hand Picked Hotels is delighted to announce the launch of its Winter Wine Dinner Collection, a five-part dining series bringing together world class wines, seasonal cuisine and historic hospitality across its flagship country house and island hotels.

From the New Forest in Hampshire to the shores of Guernsey and Jersey, these gastronomic experiences have been created in collaboration with acclaimed wineries from old and new world and led by Hand Picked Hotels’ Master Sommelier Clément Robert. Guests will be able to enjoy the Bird in Hand wines from cool climate Australian terroir, Port from Quinta de La Rosa, Burgundy wines from La Croix de Brully, Bordeaux blends from Château Angélus and the Tuscan wines of Villa Saletta, exclusive to Hand Picked Hotels, where tradition and quality guide every bottle. 

Each evening will be centred around a four-course carefully curated menu to pair with five wines, designed to highlight each estate’s distinct character and showcase the hotels’ culinary expertise. Throughout the event, guests will be guided through each dish and wine pairing by Hand Picked Hotels’ Master Sommelier Clément Robert and the corresponding estate representatives to each event.

The dining series begins on 5^th November with Quinta de La Rosa at St Pierre Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Guernsey, followed by Bird in Hand at Chilston Park Hotel, Kent, Villa Saletta at Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa, Jersey, Chateau Angelus at Rhinefield House Hotel, Hampshire and closes with the final evening taking place at Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, Cheshire on 10^th December.

Julia Hands, Chairman of Hand Picked Hotels, said:

“These dinners capture the essence of Hand Picked Hotels’ craftsmanship, connection and unforgettable moments at the table. Welcoming world-renowned winemakers into our historic hotels offers guests a rare opportunity to experience global excellence in intimate surroundings. We are thrilled to collaborate with Clément and such distinguished producers to create truly memorable evenings.”

Clément Robert MS, who was named UK Sommelier of the Year and has curated several acclaimed wine programmes for Hand Picked Hotels added:

“From Burgundy and Bordeaux to Tuscany, the Douro and Australia’s Adelaide Hills, this series celebrates the diversity of terroir through carefully designed menus and thoughtful pairings. Each event is immersive, a chance to meet the people behind the wines, understand their philosophy, and enjoy beautiful food in perfect harmony with every pour.”

Event Line Up

Wednesday 5^th November

Quinta de La Rosa – St Pierre Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Guernsey - £130 per person

Hosted by Kit Weaver, seventh-generation member of the Bergqvist family, this evening showcases the acclaimed Douro Valley estate known for its expressive DOC reds and refined Ports. Guests will enjoy an aperitif of white port and tonic with canapes, followed by a four course menu culminating in a cheese course served with Quinta de La Rosa 20-year-old Tawny Port, a celebration of Portugal’s winemaking heritage in an elegant island setting.

Friday 21^st November

Bird in Hand – Chilston Park Hotel, Kent - £130 per person

Master Sommelier Clément Robert hosts this intimate dinner with wines from Bird in Hand, a family owned winery in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills. Founded in 1997 by Andrew and Susie Nugent, Bird in Hand is acclaimed for its balance, creativity and sustainable practices. The evening’s pairings include Nest Egg Chardonnay, 2022 Syrah, MAC Shiraz 2016 and Nest Egg Shiraz 2016, alongside a four-course menu by Chilston Park’s Head Chef Ali Altuntas, showcasing the best of Kentish produce.

Wednesday 26^th November

Villa Saletta – Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa, Jersey - £130 per person

In partnership with Villa Saletta Estate Director Roberto Ruscito, Clément Robert curates a dinner celebrating the Hands family’s historic Tuscan estate. Dating back to 980 AD, Villa Saletta has been revived by Guy and Julia Hands, blending centuries of winemaking tradition with modern excellence. Guests will begin with Bollinger La Grande Année 2015 and canapes, followed by pairings of Chianti Superiore, Saletta Riccardi, 980 AD and Saletta Giulia, wines that reflect the passion, heritage and expressive character of the estate.

Tuesday 9^th December

Château Angélus – Rhinefield House Hotel, Hampshire - £150 per person

A highlight of the series, this dinner celebrates the prestige of Château Angélus, one of Bordeaux’s most revered estates. Co-hosted by Anna Tkachenko-Marie, Export Director for Europe, the evening invites guests to explore the elegance of Cabernet Franc-rich blends that have defined the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe. Beginning with Bollinger La Grande Année 2015, the experience includes a pour of No3 Angélus Double Magnum 2015, served alongside a seasonal four-course menu amid the grandeur of the New Forest’s Rhinefield House.

Wednesday 10^th December

La Croix de Brully – Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, Cheshire - £130 per person

The final dinner of the series brings the grace and depth of Burgundy to Cheshire, hosted by Clément Robert and Thibault Jacquet, owner of La Croix de Brully and General Manager of Domaine Bonneau du Martray. Guests will enjoy an aperitif of Rully Clos des Mollepierres, followed by four courses paired with Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault, Chambolle-Musigny and Santenay Premier Cru. The evening offers a rare opportunity to experience Burgundy’s terroir through the lens of one of the region’s most intriguing small domains.