Once a year, Henry Warde opens the grounds of Squerryes Court to members for a summer garden party. This year was the tenth edition of the event, and we happened to be on a weekend away with eight friends when it came around. After selling our group of pals on an afternoon of English sparkling wine, sunshine, a picnic and, of course, lots of sabrage, they agreed to join us!
The house sits at the centre of the Squerryes Court estate, with beautifully manicured gardens unfolding around it. Each year, garden party guests bring a table, decorate it ostentatiously and then settle in for an afternoon enjoying Squerryes’ wonderful range of wines with a jazz band playing in the background.
After collaborating on our Founders’ Dinner and our Launch Party, the Squerryes team were keen to continue building our budding partnership with a sabrage centrepiece for the event. We had a tent, two swords, and two willing instructors, meaning that anyone could wander over with a cold bottle and be inducted into the magic of sabrage. We taught more than sixty people, with some coming back for another go (some deciding they wanted to try with a magnum!); it was joyful and silly in equal measure. Nothing beats the moment when someone who wasn’t sure they could do it watches the cork fly off with ease; that moment of surprise and delight is a big part of why we love teaching sabrage so much.
Henry was everywhere throughout the afternoon: carrying bags of ice, sorting things out, and inviting people to try out Squerryes’ new prestige wine, Patience.
There is absolutely no doubt in our minds that we’ll be back at the garden party next year. It was truly wonderful and a testament to the strong partnership we’re building with Squerryes and their team.
Licet Esse Beatis!
