From the 20th to the 28th June, the ever-growing wine sector of England has a week-long celebration in the form of English Wine Week. Home to the Wine Garden of England, we know we have some of the best wine in the whole of England right here in Kent, and so we’ve pulled together this handy post to show you how you can get in the mood and experience some of the best nectar - from full day tours, vineyard wanders to simply stocking up on your favourite wines...
Gusbourne
Gusbourne's award-winning Appledore estate is pulling out all the stops for English Wine Week with two very special events. On Saturday 20th June, join senior winemaker Alastair Benham for The Art of English Wine, an expert-led tasting of milestone vintages followed by a three-course paired lunch (£135pp). On the two Sundays of the week, the relaxed Wine Safari offers a guided vineyard stroll tasting four sparkling wines, finishing with a seasonal Kentish platter in the Nest Garden (£60pp).
Leeds Castle
To celebrate English Wine Week, Leeds Castle is hosting a special Wildshark Takeover evening at the Castle View Restaurant on 19 June, where the Wildshark Tour Team will be on hand to guide guests through personalised tastings and expert pairings. Throughout the week, visitors can also enjoy curated wine flights showcasing some of Kent’s finest vineyards, including selections from Chapel Down, Gusbourne Estate and more, offering the perfect opportunity to discover the best of English wine in a truly iconic setting.
Winston's Wine Train
All aboard the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway on 10th July! In collaboration with Biddenden Winery, the Wine Train will steam through the countryside from New Romney Station to Dungeness, complete with complimentary wine tasting, grazing boards and even a special goody bag!
Wine Garden of England
The Wine Garden of England brings together nine of the county's finest vineyards. From the celebrated sparkling wines of Balfour and Gusbourne to the distinct character of Biddenden, Westwell, Chapel Down, Squerryes, Simpsons, Domaine Evremond and Yotes Court, every estate offers its own story and tasting experience. Bespoke itineraries, guided tours and easy rail links from London makes Kent the ultimate wine lover's escape - discover each vineyard for yourself.
Biddenden Vineyards
No English Wine Week in Kent would be complete without the staple of Kentish scene, Biddenden Vineyards. In celebration of English Wine Week, they'll be offering six tastings for the price of three during a self-guided tour, giving guests the chance to discover even more of their delectable wines. Choose from two scenic routes before sampling your six wine flight, and even get £5 redeemable against any Biddenden products purchases over £20. And, of course, if you’re having a dry week, their juices are a taste of Kent and will have you pressing for more!
Ashford and Tenterden
Home to some of the most awarded vineyards in the country, Ashford and Tenterden is our go to destination for a wine weekend. South-facing slopes, chalky soils and a warming climate create the ideal conditions for world-class viticulture. From iconic names like Chapel Down and Gusbourne to boutique newcomers such as Woodchurch Wine Estate and Brabourne Vineyard, the region offers an outstanding range of vineyard experiences - guided tours, winemaker tastings, harvest visits and long lunches paired with wines grown just metres away. Raise a glass to Kent's finest.
Terlingham Vineyard
Perched above the English Channel near Folkestone, Terlingham Vineyard offers one of Kent's most memorable wine tasting experiences. Walk through their sustainably farmed vines, taking in those sweeping Channel views, before settling into the newly refurbished Tasting Barn to sample six award-winning sparkling and still wines. Upgrade to the full tasting platter of cheese, cured meats, bread and olives included for the full experience. Tastings run Fridays and Saturdays from £40pp; pre-booking essential.
Take the train with Southeastern
You don't need a car to explore Kent's wine country. With Southeastern services running from London St Pancras to Ashford International in just 38 minutes, some of Kent's finest vineyards are closer than you'd think. Hop off at Chilham for a visit to Domaine Evremond, or take a short taxi from Ashford to Chapel Down, Gusbourne or Biddenden. Mount Vineyard near Shoreham is equally easy - just a short walk from Shoreham Station. Or why not hop on the train to Charing and walk through the countryside to Westwell winery?
Balfour Winery
Being able to enjoy Balfour Winery on the Hush Heath Estate all year round is very easy, not only during English Wine Week. From their Self-Guided Tour of the 400 acre estate to the ultimate Balfour Estate Tour and Tasting experience taking you on a walk around the vineyards, orchards and ancient oak woodlands and discover how they work alongside nature when producing their award-winning wines followed by a tasting of six delicious wines ranging from still and sparkling.
Chapel Down
As England’s leading vineyard, no tour of Kent’s wine country would be complete without a visit to Chapel Down. The best way to capture the taste of the renowned vineyard is to take the tour, so book on for a visit to the winery and a tutored tasting, or why not sit and sip over a delectable dinner in the Swan Restaurant and just take it all in?
Simpsons Wine Estate
To toast the arrival of English Wine Week, why not join one of Simpsons Wine Estate’s Tasting Experiences? Nestled in the elegant Glass House Tasting Room, which offers a wonderful vantage point overlooking Simpsons’ world-class winery, discover more about the story of the Estate and enjoy a guided tasting of award-winning still and sparkling wines. Visit their website to discover more. Booking is essential.
