Discovering the Flavours of the Isle of Wight

The Island boasts a rich agricultural heritage, where the lush landscapes and temperate climate combine to create the perfect conditions for cultivating an array of produce. From the tangy zest of fresh garlic to the crisp notes of locally brewed beer, the Isle of Wight’s local producers are making waves in the culinary world. We explore some of our favourite food and drink producers, each offering a unique taste of the Island…

The Garlic Farm

The Garlic Farm, located in Newchurch, is one of the Isle of Wight’s most iconic and beloved producers. Established by the Boswell family over 40 years ago, this farm has grown from a small-scale operation into the UK’s largest specialist garlic farm. The family’s passion for garlic is evident in every aspect of their business, from their diverse range of garlic varieties to their innovative products.

Visitors to the farm can enjoy an immersive experience that goes beyond just purchasing garlic. The Garlic Farm offers guided tours that delve into the history and cultivation of this versatile plant, allowing visitors to learn about the many different types of garlic grown on-site. The farm’s renowned restaurant serves up garlic-inspired dishes that showcase the versatility of this pungent bulb, from garlic bread and aioli to more adventurous offerings like garlic ice cream or beer!

The Tomato Stall

The Tomato Stall in Arreton is another shining example of the Isle of Wight’s agricultural prowess. Established in 2007, The Tomato Stall has quickly become one of the UK’s leading producers of vine-ripened tomatoes. The farm takes full advantage of the Island’s unique microclimate, which provides optimal growing conditions for their crop.

The tomatoes grown here are left to ripen naturally on the vine, allowing them to develop a rich and intense flavour that is often lacking in supermarket varieties.

The Tomato Stall offers an impressive range of tomatoes, including heirloom varieties, cherry tomatoes, and beefsteak tomatoes, each bursting with flavour and vibrant colour.

In addition to fresh tomatoes, The Tomato Stall produces a variety of tomato-based products, such as their award-winning tomato juice, passata, and a range of sauces and chutneys. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their farming practices, which include using biodegradable packaging and minimising food waste by turning surplus tomatoes into delicious products.

Living Larder

Living Larder is a farm with a mission: to provide the Island with fresh, seasonal produce that’s grown with care for the environment. This family-run farm operates on a 'field-to-fork' philosophy, ensuring that the produce they grow is harvested at peak freshness and delivered directly to their customers.

Living Larder offers a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs, all grown using sustainable and organic farming methods. The farm’s subscription produce boxes are a popular choice among locals, providing a convenient way to enjoy fresh, seasonal vegetables all year round. Their dedication to sustainability extends to their delivery service, which uses minimal packaging and encourages customers to return and reuse boxes.

Nunwell Home Farm

Nunwell Home Farm, located in Brading, is steeped in history. This working farm is part of the historic Nunwell Estate, which dates back to the Norman Conquest. Despite its long history, Nunwell Home Farm is anything but stuck in the past. The farm is managed and run collaboratively by two young farmers who are committed to ecologically minded land use and fighting climate breakdown through land and animal management practices. Nunwell is known for its innovative approach to farming, combining traditional practices with modern techniques to produce high-quality beef, lamb, and pork.

The farm’s commitment to animal welfare is evident in their free-range and grass-fed livestock, which are reared in a way that prioritises their well-being. The result is meat that is not only ethically produced but also incredibly flavourful. Nunwell Home Farm supplies its meat to local restaurants and butcher shops, as well as selling directly to the public

Isle of Wight Distillery

For those who prefer a tipple, the Isle of Wight Distillery is a must-visit. This small but mighty distillery is the Island’s first and only distillery, and it has quickly gained a reputation for its premium spirits, particularly its range of gins. The distillery’s flagship product, Mermaid Gin, is a tribute to the Island’s coastal heritage, with botanicals such as rock samphire and elderflower capturing the essence of the Isle of Wight.

The distillery is committed to sustainability, using ethically sourced botanicals and packaging its products in plastic-free, biodegradable bottles. In addition to gin, the Isle of Wight Distillery produces a range of other spirits, including vodka and rum, each crafted with the same care and attention to detail.

Visitors to the distillery can take part in tours and tastings, where they can learn about the distillation process and sample the various spirits on offer. The distillery’s Mermaid Bar offers a cosy setting to enjoy a cocktail or two!

Goddards Brewery

Goddards Brewery is one of the island’s oldest and most respected breweries. Founded in 1993, Goddards has been brewing traditional ales using locally sourced ingredients for over 30 years. Their beers are crafted with a focus on quality and consistency, resulting in a range of ales that are both classic and innovative.

Goddards is known for its commitment to sustainability, with initiatives such as using spent grain to feed local livestock and sourcing ingredients from local suppliers whenever possible. Their beers, such as the popular Fuggle-Dee-Dum and Starboard Porter, are a staple in pubs across the Island and beyond.

In 2023, Goddards relocated to a purpose-built brewery and visitor centre located in Hale Common, Arreton. Here you can enjoy tours and tastings and learn about the brewing process and the history of beer-making on the Isle of Wight. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking to try something new, Goddards Brewery is sure to impress with its rich flavours and dedication to craft.