Marlborough-based winery Cloudy Bay has nabbed a great spot on the main avenue at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, set to feature a garden designed by David and Harry Rich. Billed as “a visual representation of Cloudy Bay’s essence” by the team, the brand will again have a bar at the show (last year’s is pictured below), so you can appreciate the taste as well as the topiary.
Extended for 2015, The Cloudy Bay Bar (below) will be a simple and elegant space with planting details emulating elements of The Cloudy Bay Garden. Visitors can expect the bar to include a long central refectory-style table which will make it a meeting point for visitors. The winery’s signature Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties will be served up in the quieter surroundings of the South Ranelagh Way area, meaning drinkers can rest up during what’s set to be a frenetic five days of flowers. “It’s a quiet retreat to experience Cloudy Bay, away from the bustle of the show,” explains Cloudy Bay’s Maria Ines Pina.
During the week of the show, Cloudy Bay’s Estate director Ian Morden will be making a rare UK visit. In both the garden and the bar, he will be co-hosting informal tutored tasting sessions with the designers for Cloudy Bay guests.
The garden design takes cues from Cloudy Bay’s signature wines, with a contrast between clean, simple vegetation and darker hues depicting the characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The pièce de resistance of the garden will be a moveable oak and steel structure on rails with an expansive glass façade, mimicking the winery's New Zealand home: located in the heart of the Marlborough vineyards, this award-winning design is affectionately known as ‘The Shack’.
To coincide with the Chelsea Flower Show, Cloudy Bay have also teamed up with St Pancras Renaissance Hotel to create a Cloudy Bay Garden pop-up in the Hansom Lounge. Visitors are treated to a floral wall installation and themed planting throughout the space, as well as the Cloudy Bay Garden Afternoon Tea, served with a glass of wine (choose from the sparkling Pelorus NV, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir) each afternoon until 6pm. From Wednesday to Saturday, the Marble Bar is also serving Cloudy Bay-infused cocktails every evening. The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel pop-up is open 6-24 May.
To keep the spirit of the Chelsea Flower Show alive throughout summer, Cloudy Bay are planning to create a stunning garden terrace at the Oxo Tower Restaurant (a Harvey Nichols brand), Southbank, for guests to explore Cloudy Bay’s portfolio while admiring the London skyline. The restaurant’s head chef, Jeremy Bloor, will create a special six-course tasting menu designed to pairing with the full Cloudy Bay range, from the signature varieties through to the rarer Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc, Te Wahi Pinot Noir and Late Harvest Riesling. The tasting menu will be available 1 June - 30 September, alongside a la carte options.
Cloudy Bay’s Garden will be located on the Main Avenue (MA17) within the Chelsea Flower Show, while The Cloudy Bay Bar will be on South Ranelagh Way.
This article was published 14 May 2015