Dreweatts is situated in the heart of Berkshire nestled amongst woodland with a peaceful river running through the grounds, yet just a couple of minutes from the M4 making it a perfect destination for art aficionados, antique treasure hunters and wine connoisseurs. With Dreweatts’ busy schedule of auctions including everything from Old Masters paintings through to jewellery and Bordeaux wines, there is always a reason to visit the Donnington Priory’s showrooms, elegantly presented within Georgian architecture.

Dreweatts is proud of its location and the surrounding area which is rich with culture, heritage and wonderous natural landscapes. Important sites such as Sandham Memorial Chapel, Highclere Castle and The Stanley Spencer Gallery are only a short drive, making Dreweatts a wonderful destination for a short getaway.

The first destination on our Art Trail starts just a 5 minute drive from Dreweatts, The Vineyard. This 5* luxury hotel and spa is a member of the Relais & Chateaux and Pride of Britain hotels serving up exceptional service throughout. What is particularly special about The Vineyard is the principles on which it was built. A 5* luxury service which feels relaxed, informal and contemporary. The owner, Sir Peter Michael, wanted to create a destination that encompassed his passion for wine, art and food in a way that could be shared by others.

Sir Peter Michael built a hotel filled with his own private art collection, offering outstanding wine and creating an exceptional restaurant experience with carefully selected Executive Chef, Tom Scade, to create the ultimate package for art and wine lovers alike.

On entering The Vineyard it is hard not to be immediately impressed by the monumental Henry Moore bronze sculpture that sits in the entrance hall. There is a couple sat sipping coffee and reading the morning newspaper in front of a roaring fire beside a charming painting by George Clausen. Just beyond the entrance is the Wine Vault, a glass walkway, housing just some of the wine collection on offer to all guests, which leads to an events room with a captivating mural which combines Sir Michael’s two biggest passions, wine and art – also shared by those at Dreweatts.

The mural titled ‘After The Upset’ by Gary Myatt depicts an event which took place on 24 May 1976. British wine merchant Steven Spurrier conducted a wine competition for French wine connoisseurs. Two blind tasting comparisons followed; the first of the finest Chardonnays, and the second a competition between the reds, namely the Bordeaux wines from France, and the Cabernet Sauvignon wines from California. Previously regarded the best producer of wine worldwide, the French were expecting to trump the Napa County produce. To everyone’s surprise, the Californian wines were rated best in each category, and the wine industry was turned on its head. The competition became known as the Judgement of Paris, referencing the Ancient Greek myth which required Paris of Troy to choose the fairest of Hera, Athena and Aphrodite.

At the age of 34, Sir Peter Michael went to California to try the esteemed wine for himself. Taken by its fine quality and distinct flavours, and inspired by The Judgement of Paris, Sir Peter founded his own Californian winery in 1982. Located in Knights Valley, Sonoma, here he produces sixteen wines which are now served amongst 800 other Californian wines at The Vineyard, Berkshire. Sir Peter Michael commissioned Gary Myatt to depict this important turning point in the history of winemaking and subsequently include him in the montage, depicted wearing a trilby hat at the far left watching over the chaos unfold.

The Vineyard offers outstanding accommodation, a tranquil spa, three outstanding restaurants, including an alfresco seasonal pop up restaurant, along with an award-winning wine list, making it a must visit when travelling to the area.

Contact The Vineyard

The Vineyard, Stockcross, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8JU
+44 (0) 1635 528770

Website: www.the-vineyard.co.uk

The Vineyard is offering Dreweatts’ clients a discount code to stay at The Vineyard. Please contact contact@dreweatts.com for the code.

Instagram: @thevineyardhotel
Facebook: @TheVineyardUK