English wine tourism is booming: Could Kent be the next Cape?
Well, if the excitement around the British wine industry is anything to go by, then yes. Here’s where to go in Kent for a scenic sipping adventure –
To champion the county’s wine tourism, seven Kentish wineries have joined forces with Visit Kent to form The Wine Garden of England and encourage tipplers to enjoy a wine country escape in our own ‘Napa Valley,’ rather than the Cape Winelands, South Africa, or Barossa Valley, Australia.
Biddenden Vineyards, Chapel Down, Domaine Evremond, Gusbourne, Hush Heath Estate, Simpsons Wine Estate and Squerryes have created a wine trail experience, where visitors can taste a huge range of award-winning wines, while learning more about these picturesque vineyards.
Here’s what you need to know about each to stroll, sip and have a ‘vine’ time…
1. Biddenden Vineyards (biddendenvineyards.com)
The oldest vineyard in Kent and first to plant grapes in 1969, Biddenden will be celebrating its 50th birthday next year. Formerly an apple orchard, guests can sample the award-winning Gribble Bridge Sparkling Wines, as well as learn how they produce their famous Strong Kentish Cider and farm-pressed apple juices.
2. Chapel Down (chapeldown.com)
Chapel Down is an official wine supplier to 10 Downing Street and its wines are served in Michelin Star restaurants such as Michel Roux Jr’s Le Gavroche and Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Along with a stunning selection of wines and spirits, they have an on-site Michelin recommended restaurant – The Swan Wine Kitchen.
3. Domaine Evremond (domaineevremond.com)
Still in the early stages, Champagne Taittinger and Kent based Domaine Evremond planted their first vines in May last year – but drinkers will have to wait until 2023 for the first wine to be released. Made with the traditional grape varieties of chardonnay, pinot noir and meunier, this is the first champagne house to plant vines in Kent.
4. Gusbourne (gusbourne.com)
Situated on a 14th-century estate previously owned by the de Goosebourne family, their crest of three geese can be seen in the local parish church and a goose crest adorns every bottle. Named English Wine Producer 2017 at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), Gusbourne recently opened their new, luxurious and architecturally stunning tasting room – The Nest.
5. Hush Heath Estate (hushheath.com)
Along with their prized Balfour Brut Rose (the first English sparkling wine to be serve on British Airways First Class), their portfolio also includes sparkling whites and still wines. Head to Hush Heath in July when they open their new winery and visitor centre, and you’ll be rewarded with glorious views of the vineyard and woodlands from the balcony of their new 100 person tasting room.
6. Simpsons Wine Estate (simpsonswine.com)
Simpsons have teamed up with Barretts Jaguar Land Rover to offer guests a ‘Snapshot of the Simpsons Winery’ which includes a tour of the vineyards in a 4-wheel drive, a glass of the newly released The Roman Road Chardonnay in The Glass House Tasting Room, and a whizz down a helter skelter slide (Fruit Chute) to take you back to the winery.
7. Squerryes (squerryes.co.uk)
In addition to producing sparkling wines, the Wardes are eighth generation owners of Squerryes Court and visitors can also tour their stunning home where some of the walls are decorated with art from the likes of Rubens and Van Dyck.
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