Your Local Guide to Food and Drink on the Isle of Wight
Last Modified: 11 February 2026 12:16 pm
Head to Quarr Abbey on Monday 30th June, for Isle of Wight Food & Drink Day! There will be plenty of tasting opportunities throughout the day. Plus, you’ll have the chance to meet the producers of some of the best local Isle of Wight produce.
Morning talks are £5, afternoon talks are also £5, or you can access all talks for £10. You can buy tickets online at: quarrabbey.org/visit/events
All things Garlic.
Covering everything from planting garlic and storing it after harvest to prepping it for cooking. You’ll explore all things garlic, including tasting the unique flavours from The Garlic Farm’s products.
From Grass to Glass: The Briddlesford Dairy Story.
With over a century of dairy farming heritage, the Griffin family will share the story behind their award-winning Guernsey herd.
Learn how their passion for sustainable, local farming has shaped the rich, creamy milk, butter and speciality cheeses that Briddlesford Farm is known for.
After the talk, enjoy a tasting of their award-winning cheeses, crafted just a few fields down the road.
Anyone for Coffee?
Dan Burgess set up The I.O.W Espresso Co. over 25 years ago with his dad. The family business now roasts over 40 tonnes of coffee a year for their Island Roasted and Wight Label ranges as well as private label coffees, in their purpose-built roastery on the banks of the River Medina.
The company also runs their flagship roastery café, Caffè Isola, in Newport, which showcases their quality products.
Spirit of the Island – From Soil to Still.
This talk explores the unique journey of Isle of Wight Gin – from the botanicals grown in the Island’s rich, sea-swept soil to the final distillation of every bottle.
Set against the peaceful backdrop of Quarr Abbey, you’ll uncover how landscape, heritage, and creativity come together to produce spirits that are more than just drinks – they’re expressions of the Island itself.
Guests will also enjoy a guided tasting of the full gin range.
Local food for local people.
Hear Graham Biss talk about Wight Marque and how it supports and promotes buying local.
The Isle of Wight has an abundance of quality food and drink produce, well established by growers, farmers and chefs who are renowned for their passion for local produce.
Introducing Wight Whisky, the first whisky from the Isle of Wight and Hampshire.
Join Lucy Gregg, Co-Founder of Wight Whisky, to hear all about their modern approach to whisky making and discover their first release, the Signature Malt Blend. A unique blended whisky bursting with complexity and character.
Lucy will offer tasters of the whisky – both straight and in a cocktail.
A Small Business’ Journey.
A dive into the importance of being flexible with your product offerings as a business owner.
Jessica, from Fruffles Cheesecake, started baking for family and friends at a young age and found a love for it. A pregnancy craving during the first lockdown suddenly became a full-time cheesecake business, which has evolved drastically over the last 5 years.
From Produce to Product.
A talk on the different elements and stages involved in bringing an idea to life.
Maria, at CFO Foods, started decorating cakes when she was 16 years old. In 2000, she was able to turn her hobby into a full-time business. Since then, she has evolved from cakes to shortbread, to specialising in gluten and dairy-free treats.
Beer through the Ages.
Along with a few anecdotes and amusing stories, Bob Simpson, from Goddards Brewery, will give a brief outline of the history of Ale and Beer production through the ages. Looking at the methods of production and ingredients used. Bob will also talk about the relationship these drinks have had on society and the role they have played in everyday life.
Growing fruit on the Isle of Wight.
Come and meet Simeon as he talks about farming his Orchards in Godshill, and have a chance to taste some of his delicious produce.
Godshill Orchards seeks to produce excellent fresh fruit and complementary products by honest endeavour, working in harmony with God, nature and the local community. The only cherry orchard on the Island. The venture began in 1992. In 2003, the husbandry of the enterprise passed into the hands of the Medway family. In 2010, the name was changed to Godshill Orchards when they began to grow a wider variety of fruits.
It’s all about the Apples.
Helen, from Grazed Knee Cider, will explain how they started out making cider. From selecting and planting the trees in their own orchard, learning about cider-making, and putting it into practice. She will discuss how the varieties of apples used affect the flavours and mouth-feel, as well as fermenting techniques.
Plus lots more – including samples!
Starting in the 1970s with a small dairy herd in Rew Valley, The Isle of Wight Biscuit Company soon expanded into retail markets. Now, their love of great local produce has expanded into creating some truly delicious biscuits. The range of sweet biscuits and savoury crackers are all handmade in small batches using some of the finest local ingredients wherever possible. The Isle of Wight Biscuit Company will be in the Abbey Pavilion, where you can taste their Isle of Wight biscuit for yourself.
A traditional Benedict style Ale brewed with Isle of Wight honey.
A lighter pale ale with delicate honey aromas and subtle sweetness, intertwined with traditional abbey yeast character.
Originally founded in 1132, Quarr Abbey is home to a community of Benedictine monks. The Benedictine way of life is one of devotion to prayer, work and hospitality. The Abbey grounds are cultivated by monks to grow a bountiful supply of fresh food for their own sustenance and to share with the local community. Abbey Beers have been brewed by monks for centuries, utilising locally grown herbs, malt and barley. Apiary Ale is inspired by the ‘Singel’ beers that were brewed by monks often for their own tables, as they were lighter in alcohol and incorporate Isle of Wight honey, lending a delicate aroma and slightly sweet flavour.
For more information on Isle of Wight Food & Drink Day, visit: quarrabbey.org
The event is sponsored by Powder Monkey Brewing Co.
