Origins of Wealden Fermented Taste

Origins of Wealden Fermented Taste is a curated, time spanning exploration of how the Weald’s flavours developed from ancient ingenuity to modern excellence. Set in the woodland landscape that shaped centuries of food and drink craft, the event invites corporate groups to experience fermentation, cheesemaking and drink creation across more than two millennia.

The journey begins with Wild Cheesemaking. Guests make fresh lactic cheese the way Celtic communities once did, using simple tools and woodland heat, before stepping forward in time to create Sussex Mozzarella inspired by Roman methods. This hands on progression reveals how early European techniques influenced local food culture.

From here, the tasting arc expands. Guests sample three of today’s finest Wealden cheeses — Golden Cross, Winterdale Shaw and Burwash Rose — each representing the pinnacle of contemporary regional craft. The experience continues with single tree ciders made at Wild Weald from Malus sylvestris, the only apple variety available in Britain before the Romans arrived. These rare bottlings offer a unique glimpse into how Britons would have tasted cider in pre Roman times.

The tasting then moves to the present day, exploring exceptional Wealden ciders made by producers who combine ancient methods with modern technology. Guests also taste museum release English sparkling wines from Sugrue and Breaky Bottom — two of the country’s most celebrated producers, whose bottlings Francis has worked with and has rare access to.

The event concludes with a Wild Weald cocktails or mocktails session. Guests create drinks using only ingredients found in the Weald, exploring how woodland dwellers might have mixed spirits after their arrival in medieval times. The session uses the finest local gins and rums alongside ingredients grown at Old Barn Farm, Wild Weald’s home.

Origins of Wealden Fermented Taste can be delivered as a competitive challenge or as a shared, reflective experience. Alcohol free versions can centre on natural infusions, distillates and pre /probiotic ingredients for a wellbeing focused event. Every version offers a premium, atmospheric and deeply rooted journey through the flavours that define the Weald.