Good taste comes naturally in the beautiful Chilterns countryside, where local produce is enjoyed fresh from the farm to your plate, picnic hamper or glass, whose character has been shaped by agriculture, industry and the people who have lived and worked here over the centuries. Once the larder of London, the historic market towns, tucked-away villages, pubs, farmland, chalk-fed streams and ancient woods all hint at the growing, trading and of course, enjoyment of good local food and drink.

This Defra-funded project is a joint initiative of the Chilterns Conservation Board and Chilterns Tourism Network, and those that attended the event included food producers, specialist tour companies, food festival organisers and local media including the editor of the new Chilterns Food Magazine.

In line with the Defra aims, this project has enabled the development of new ale and wine trails that encourage visitors to visit micro-breweries and wine farms to ‘taste and tour’, but to also explore the wider Chilterns countryside and historic market towns where there are lovely pubs, contemporary restaurants and farm shops selling locally produced food and drink. Working with over 40 local suppliers, the new Chilterns Festival of Food & Drink was also launched, which takes place across the Chilterns from March 25th to April 2nd. Visitors are invited to sample some of the delicious local fare that is produced with love, skill and an attention to detail that reflects what is of the Chilterns; quality, distinctiveness and great taste.

Rural Affairs Minister Lord Gardiner said: "Our thriving food and farming industry is home to thousands of exciting small businesses who are the backbone of our economy. That is why we’ve funded food trails and festivals across the UK to link tourists to the incredible local fare on offer. I am delighted to support the Taste of the Chilterns campaign, and I hope the new vineyard and brewery trails will encourage more people to explore this beautiful region, supporting local businesses and local jobs.”

View the new Taste of the Chilterns journey of food discovery and bookmark www.VisitChilterns.co.uk to plan your next dining experience

Notes to Editors 

1. The Chilterns Festival of Food & Drink takes place from 25 March - 2nd April 2017 during English Tourism Week at various locations across the Chilterns.
2. This release has been distributed by the Chilterns Tourism Network (CTN), a not-for- profit company representing over 220 local Chilterns tourism businesses who work together to promote this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as a desirable place to live, work and play.
3. www.VisitChilterns.co.uk or find the Chilterns on FaceBook, or @VisitChilterns on twitter.
4. The Chilterns stretches from the Thames in Oxfordshire through Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire to Hitchin in Hertfordshire, north-west of London.
5. Accessible on Chiltern Railways, London Midland and the Metropolitan Line on the Underground.
6. High-res images and Chilterns press pack are available on request, and for further in- formation or to discuss press trip opportunities, please contact Mary Tebje 07941 841058 or contact mary@visitchilterns.co.uk