Hattingley Valley appoints chef ambassador

Hampshire-based English sparkling wine producer Hattingley Valley has named Shaun Rankin, chef patron of the Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, as its inaugural chef ambassador.

In his role as chef ambassador, Rankin will work closely with Hattingley Valley on its culinary offerings, collaborating with head winemaker Rob MacCulloch MW and his team to explore how to get the most out of food pairings with the producer’s range of wines.

Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall in Ripon, Yorkshire, will be serving the dishes developed through the partnership alongside Hattingley Valley’s wines, including its Kings Cuvée (£85 RRP for the 2015 at cellar door) by the glasses.

Rankin said of the team at Hattingley Valley: “Their dedication to crafting exceptional English sparkling wines perfectly mirrors my own commitment to creating memorable dining experiences. I look forward to exploring the endless possibilities of combining
our culinary expertise and their outstanding wines to delight our guests.”

The restaurant, which currently holds one star in Michelin, is described by the guide as “beautifully decorated” and “formal” with Rankin’s “creative, modern cooking…a perfect fit for these surroundings”.

Simon Robinson, who founded Hattingley Valley in 2008 and currently serves as its chairman, added: “His [Rankin’s] culinary artistry and deep understanding of seasonal ingredients perfectly complements our winemaking philosophy. We are excited to collaborate with Shaun to create extraordinary experiences that celebrate the harmonious relationship between food and wine.”

A number of English wine producers are now investing in their culinary offerings, exploring how food can be used to bolster vineyard visitor experiences and also market the wines in the on-trade. Likewise, some chefs are also investing in the wine side of things – chef Michael Caines’ Lympstone Manor is launching its first traditional method sparkling from its Devon vineyard.