WI Meeting June 2025 - Visit to In the Loop Drinks with Gnina Balchin

It was a clear and balmy evening when we decamped from our usual venue, Fairwarp Village Hall, to Downside Vineyard to visit Gnina Balchin’s new In The Loop vermouthery.  Surrounded by Downside vines (their wine is the base of much of her vermouth), nestled amongst Sussex hedgerows, we started our visit by sampling on of Gnina’s flavourous cocktails – an equally tasty non-alcoholic was also available!

Gnina then gave a brief account of her move from Hendall to Downside – running water and a floor drain being a big motivator!  She then took us through the winery to her space where she produces her vermouth and her vermouth-based cocktails.

It really was not very big but we all know that big does not necessarily mean best!  Every inch of available space was taken up with barrels of intoxicating yumminess.  She spoke about the importance of keeping everything clean – so much easier with running water and a floor drain.  And she showed us her simple but effective bottling paraphernalia.

To end the tour, she led us outside to her herb garden, nestled up against the side of the winery.  In it she has different varieties of wormwood – the key ingredient of vermouth – as well as other botanicals she regularly uses to create her unique tastes.

We returned to our seats to have a mingle before wending our way home – what better way to spend a summer’s evening?”

CWP