Taste the sunshine on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight was recently named the sunniest part of the UK, being the only region to enjoy an average of over five hours of sunshine per day. This is a game-changer when it comes to the Island’s food and drink. Here, we’re going to take a look at the farmers, growers and brewers who are tickling our taste buds and taking full advantage of the Island’s unique climate.

For those with a penchant for the smellier things in life, The Garlic Farm offers a sensory journey like no other. Here, amid fields of fragrant garlic bulbs, visitors can explore the wonders of this humble yet versatile ingredient, by simply roaming the farm’s expansive pasture. We also recommend tasting some of the farm’s offerings for yourself! The aptly named onsite ‘Garlic Farm Restaurant’ showcases the versatility of garlic in all its glory, with an array of dishes that celebrate its unique flavour profile in innovative and delicious ways. If you like what you see (or taste), there’s also an onsite shop offering an array of suitably ‘garlicky’ wares, from beer to ice cream!

Also located in Arreton Valley is Isle of Wight Tomatoes. The family-run enterprise has been taking full advantage of the Island’s unique microclimate when it comes to growing its produce, using long hours of daily sunshine, along the rich fertile soil of Arreton Valley, to grow exceptionally juicy, flavourful sun-soaked tomatoes. Their deliciousness has not gone unnoticed, with the company supplying produce to many local restaurants and shops. An assortment of their products can even be seen on the shelves of luxury retailer giant, Harrods! You can now also order a box of them to your front door with their new online delivery service.

But it’s not just vegetable farms that thrive on the Isle of Wight. At Briddlesford Lodge, a dairy farm with a proud tradition dating back to 1923, the lush pastures and gentle climate provide the perfect conditions for happy cows to roam and graze. The result? Milk of unparalleled richness and quality, that serves as the foundation for all of their dairy products. In fact, you may already have had a taste of their delicious milk in your tea or coffee on your journey with Wightlink, as they supply all the milk for the Wight Taste cafés and outlets. A highlight is the range of artisanal and farmhouse cheeses, which have garnered awards and acclaim far beyond the Island’s shores. The onsite shop offers a full range of their own dairy products, in addition to products from over 50 local producers.

The flourishing, nutrient-rich grasslands of the Island are also ideal when it comes to rearing livestock, resulting in flavourful, tender cuts of meat. One of the most popular suppliers of Island-sourced beef, alongside speciality cuts of lamb and pork, is the Isle of Wight Meat Co., whose cows are reared on the local Cheverton Farm and sold in their onsite shop.

The sunshine’s influence doesn’t stop at the fields; it extends to the Island’s breweries and vineyards, where it plays a pivotal role in crafting beverages that capture the essence of summer in every sip.

Adgestone Vineyard remains the oldest continuously operating vineyard in the UK. The Island’s ample sunshine provides an ideal setting for grape cultivation, allowing the fruit to ripen slowly and develop complex flavours while retaining natural acidity. Furthermore, the Isle of Wight’s chalky soils, reminiscent of those found in the Champagne region of France, impart minerality and depth to the wines that make each bottle truly unique. They are also the UK’s only producers of sparkling blue wine, as seen on Channel 5’s Isle of Wight Jewel of the South. The Vineyard serves as an excellent spot for those looking to learn more about the processes involved in producing English wine, from grape to glass, with audio-guided tours around the 10-acre site and wine-tasting lessons. There’s also an onsite cafe and a shop stocked with local produce.

Dating back to 1993, Goddards Brewery has earned itself a reputation for producing exceptional, innovative craft brews using traditional methods. They’ve always sought to use locally-grown hops wherever possible when producing their beers, with the abundant sunshine providing the perfect environment for their cultivation. The result is brews infused with unique floral notes and nuanced flavours, reflective of the Brewery’s countryside surroundings.

Their new state-of-the-art visitor facility opened in 2023 and lets visitors see the Brewery in action, and learn more about the day-to-day operations. Additionally, the onsite Firkin’ Deck Restaurant and Bar allow guests to sample a huge range of Goddards beers, which they also incorporate into many of their menu offerings.