Flint Homes Joins The 1st North Norfolk Cellars & Coastal Exploration Company Wine Tour
Coastal living in North Norfolk really is exceptional - courtesy of the stunning natural environment & agricultural landscape, but now largely thanks to the talented brilliant people creating lifestyle business in this outstanding part of Norfolk.
In early June, Flint Homes was cordially invited on the inaugural trip of a brilliant brand mash - a spectacular wine tasting tour with @northnorfolkcellars aboard the awe-inspiring @coastalexplorationcompany whelk boat, Salford, sailing out of Wells-Next-The-Sea, where both brands have a base on the docks.
Making the trip with us were local influencers, @thida.bevington @girlaroundnorthnorfolk & @girlnextthesea ⚓️
The idea is beautifully simple… step aboard this gorgeous, stable, comfortable & traditional 1950s vessel & let CEC’s Henry make light work of sailing like a boss out of Wells Harbour & into the ethereal salt marsh creeks, with just the terns & spoonbills & your fellow guests for companionship - & let characterful & charming NNC sommelier @bertblaize introduce you & educate you on five remarkable wines.
As Henry sailed & motored us through these beguiling waters, oystercatchers peep-peeping away, water lapping at the hull, so Bert rolled out local (Wells Alpine) cheese, local (Monty’s) relish & the platoon of fine wines & their stories.
We started this tour (each will be bespoke) with a rosé from @burnvalleyvineyard just up the road - fresh off the back of winning a blind tasting award. It’s not even released yet! Talk about exclusivity…
Komokabras was next in the glass - the only white wine & from Spain. Fresher & more complex than the salt air around us, it was one I took home…
Off to Sicily next to hear a story of a wine maker 1000 steps away from the mafia - hence centopassi. It was a goodfella… & it made me an offer I couldn't refuse.
7 Fuentes took us to Tenerife of all places next - defying the altitude & wine rules! It smashed you in the face with sulphur & volcanoes, but “drinks like a fine burgundy.” Go figure. It was outstanding.
We finished in The States, with No Fine Print & that blew me away with it’s journey in the mouth. So I took her home too…
Needless to say they were all first class drops & we all learned so much about wine making, altitude, Le Terroir & Bert’s own meteoric rise to fame in the restaurant & sommelier world. Not to mention’s Henry’s moving journey from marine to mariner & why the adventurer created this slow living lifestyle biz.
Tough call who was the biggest star to be honest - the wine, the boat, the boys, or Mother Nature.
SO so good. Highly recommended.
Reach out to Henry at the Coastal Exploration Company & Bert at North Norfolk Cellars for details on when the next tour will set sail.
