Featured Restaurant — Hotel TerraVina
Following the sale of Hotel du Vin, Gerard and Nina purchased their new hotel in early 2007 and have spent months carefully renovating and adding a contemporary twist using the style and imagination of local craftspeople. Tasty food, an ‘open’ kitchen and an excellent wine cellar also form an essential part of an all-round experience that combines relaxed yet professional service with attention to detail.
Gerard and Nina are endeavouring to make the hotel as ‘environmentally friendly’ as possible and they are members of the Green Leaf Tourism scheme, run by the New Forest National Park. The hotel uses local, organically-grown lavender for the hand-made toiletries as well as eco-friendly housekeeping products, while in the kitchens, organically-grown free-range local produce is always the preferred choice. Gerard and Nina are delighted to share their venture with guests, old and new.
In addition to his restaurant expertise, Gerard is a well-recognised wine specialist. He holds Master Sommelier, Master of Wine and Wine MBA awards. In 1992 he won the Best International Sommelier for French Wines (Paris), in 1996 he won the Best Sommelier of Europe (Reims) and in the World Sommelier Championship he has finished twice 2nd in 1992 (Rio de Janeiro) and in 2004 (Athens) as well as 2nd equal in 2007 (Rhodes).
After qualifying from Westminster Hotel School, Nina started her career in Paris and then on returning to England, went to work at the famous Chewton Glen Hotel (where she and Gerard met). She went on to become the youngest AA Hotel Inspector (at the age of 21) and left to help set up the first Hotel du Vin in 1994 in Winchester. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality.
“We use fresh, free-range and organic produce from local New Forest suppliers, wherever possible, cooked with distinct flavours. You’re welcome to dine al-fresco on our veranda if it’s sunny… or enjoy the intimacy of our restaurant with its ‘open’ kitchen and wood-burning stove.”
The Hotel TerraVina’s Function room, “the Rutherford Bench”, is ideally suited for small or medium size parties. It can accommodate up to 36 guests.
It was designed in the same stylish fashion as the rest of the hotel with intimate lighting and beautiful furnishing. It opens out onto it’s own private terrace.
