The Crawley Family.
Photo: PBS.org/Google Images/CC license
Plum pudding, tea, and hot cross buns … it’s time for a “Downton Abbey” party. I, personally, have not gotten around to catching the Downton fever that so many across the country have contracted. I am, however, intrigued by the post-Edwardian era of the show, and I love the idea of spending an hour or two with friends and family. Throw in some traditional food and beverages and I’m there. Actually, just say “there will be food,” and I’ll start the car.
While perusing the various nooks and crannies of the world wide web, I came across some wines and teas that would bring a bit of British ambiance to any “Downton Abbey” viewing party.
“Downton Abbey” Tea
Tea by the castle.
Photo: Film Still/Carnival Films
The Republic of Tea is a leading seller of premium teas. Each of these all natural premium teas are certified gluten-free. Grantham Breakfast also is Certified Organic by Quality Assurance International and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Each comes in colorful tins featuring “Downton Abbey” characters and holds 36 round, unbleached tea bags free of tags, strings and staples.
- Downton Christmas Tea – This festive tea is a fine blend of premium black tea with the added warmth of traditional mulling spices, sure to fill your home with an aroma of the holidays.
- Downton Abbey Gift Set – A chic gift set featuring the new Mrs. Patmore Pudding Tea and the Butler’s Pantry tea, available exclusively at Cost Plus World Market.
- English Rose Tea – This vibrant, ruby-red infusion of rose, raspberry, and hibiscus has fruity, floral notes and a touch of sweetness. Inspired by traditional British desserts, this caffeine-free tea is perfect for an afternoon treat.
- Downton Estate Blend – Earl Grey black tea has become one of the most enjoyed flavored teas in the world. This classic traditional British tea with bergamot orange oil has been paired with exotic vanilla for an intriguing finish, available exclusively at Cost Plus World Market.
- Grantham Breakfast Blend – Full-bodied malty, organic Assam black tea is infused with the spicy flavor of organic ginger root. This energizing tea is perfect for preparing for the dramas of the day.
The Republic of Tea’s Downton-inspired tea is available at Cost Plus World Market stores, through World Market’s website, online through The Republic of Tea, or by calling 800.298.4TEA (4832).
“Downton Abbey” Wines
Downton Abbey Bordeaux wines
Photo: DowntonAbbeyWine.com
Crafted with premium fruit from California, the Downton Abbey Wine Collection includes a Bordeaux “Claret” and “Blanc” along with the just-released Countess of Grantham’s “cabernet sauvignon” and “Chardonnay,” which takes inspiration from Lady Cora Crawley, the modern, American-born wife of British aristocrat Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham.
The Downton Abbey winemaking team combines the best old world wine-making practices with the newest techniques to create a distinct new taste. The cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay are full-bodied and full of fruit flavor. Scents of ripe red cherries and subtle oak mix with spicy notes and soft vanilla in the cabernet. The Chardonnay offers aromas of tropical fruits and delicate oak, giving way to citrus flavors.
In support of the two new wines, consumers will be given the chance to participate in an exclusive sweepstakes via DowntonAbbeyWine.com to win $50 PBS.org gift certificates, Downton Abbey gift sets, and discount coupons redeemable on the website. Please visit the website to enter.
“Downton Abbey” wines are available in select grocery stores, wine retailers, and World Market stores. Wines retail for $14.99 per 750-ml bottle.
Check out DowntonAbbeyCooks.com for an extensive list of incredibly yummy sounding British-inspired recipes.
Dinner party at Downton Abbey.
Photo: Google Images/CC license
About “Downton Abbey”
A Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning British television series, Downton Abbey is home to the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants. The first two seasons follow their lives from the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 through the First World War, and the later seasons follow them into the early 1920s. Created by Julian Fellowes, “Downton Abbey” stars Hugh Bonneville, Eilzabeth McGovern, and Maggie Smith, along with many other talented actors and actresses.
Season four of “Downton Abby” provided the highest-rated drama premiere in PBS history and has been watched by 120 million people around the world to date. Season five premiered on PBS in the U.S. on January 5th, 2015.
A Downton Abbey Christmas.
Photo: Google Images/Cc license
“Downton Abbey” Costume Exhibit
Don’t miss the “Downton Abbey” costume exhibit being held at Biltmore House in Ashville, North Carolina. The exhibit runs February 5, 2015 through Memorial Day. Read all about it, and view a photo gallery of some of the exquisite costumes, right here. You may also want to check out some of the special events going on at Biltmore during this exhibit. Click right here for that.
