A Toast to Community: A Successful Wine Tasting Evening at Formosa Garden
Residents of Formosa Garden recently gathered for a delightful evening of wine, cheese, and community at a wine tasting event that was as enjoyable as it was sophisticated. In partnership with The Winery on Clifton Gardens, the event offered a selection of six fine wines, providing the perfect opportunity for neighbours to meet, mingle, and indulge in some of the finest flavours France, Spain & Germany’s vineyards have to offer.
Savouring the Finest Vintages
The tasting featured an impressive line-up of wines, supported by an indulgent range of cheeses and fresh grapes. After sampling each of the six selections, residents were invited to enjoy a full glass of their favourite. While champagne was the clear favourite in 2023, this year saw a new contender rise to the top spot: the exquisite French white Burgundy, Mâcon-Solutré-Pouilly Sur Le Mont 2022, Cheveau. This wine, noted for its crisp and complex flavours, is set to become fully organic by 2024, making it a choice to watch for wine enthusiasts.
Weathering the Weather
Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the spirits of the attendees remained high. Thankfully the rain waited until after the event concluded, allowing the tasting to proceed without a hitch. The atmosphere was open and inviting, much like the wines themselves, creating an evening that was both relaxing and celebratory.
A Lucky Winner
The evening also featured a special prize draw, courtesy of sponsors Savills Estate Agents. One fortunate resident, Luc Roeg, walked away with six bottles of his favourite wine. Impressed by the selection on offer on the night, Luc chose the same 6 and mentioned that he plans to uncork these treasures to celebrate his father-in-law's 90th birthday on September 6th. His win added an extra layer of excitement to an already lively event.
Exploring the Garden's Splendour
Beyond the wine and cheese, residents had the chance to enjoy a guided walk through the garden, led by the passionate and knowledgeable Jan Melkenbeek. Jan, who masterminded the garden's recent enhancements, shared insights into the unique biodiversity of the area. He highlighted how the garden's positioning has created microclimates that allow for a stunning variety of plant life, such as ferns that remain green year-round near the sequoia tree.
Jan also introduced the concept of themed garden beds, including Mediterranean, subtropical, and even a Californian-inspired section. He revealed a particularly exciting idea to plant micro banana trees, which could reach heights of 4 meters, adding to the garden's already impressive array of flora. His enthusiasm for the garden is infectious, and his efforts to plant a diverse range of species ensure that the garden offers visual interest, texture, and fragrance across all seasons.
A Call for Garden History
One area where the garden could benefit, Jan noted, is in its historical records. Given the unusual and eclectic plant varieties, a documented history of when and why certain plants were introduced would be fascinating from a local history perspective. Jan and Steff Roeg are keen to gather any information from long-standing residents who might have insights into the garden's past. Those with knowledge to share are encouraged to contact them via email at support@formosagarden.co.uk.
Looking Ahead
The wine tasting evening at Formosa Garden was a resounding success, bringing residents together in celebration of fine wine, good company, and the beauty of their shared outdoor space. As the garden continues to evolve under Jan's care, and as more events like this are planned, the sense of community within Formosa is sure to grow. Here’s to many more evenings of wine, laughter, in the special environment of the Formosa Garden.
