Guest written by Jo Ginn, Wine Gardens of England
The Kent landscape has been changing over the last few years, and now views of perfectly straight vines adorning the hillside are commonplace. As you drive through the countryside, you can be forgiven for thinking you are in Champagne in some places. It’s a relatively unknown attraction for tourists, who still feel they need to travel to Europe or California to visit vineyards. The vineyards in Kent are starting to offer fantastic restaurants, tours, and tastings of award-winning wine which would rival any overseas experience. In summer, the appeal is obvious — there’s no better place to be. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how deliciously seasonal a visit to Kent’s vineyards can be, and you’ll be beating the crowds, which is always rather satisfying.
From West to East, there are nine vineyards that come highly recommended during the darker months. Starting with Yotes Court, a stunning location with far-reaching views over West Peckham and beyond. The Vineyard is owned by successful racehorse owner Susannah Ricci, and the wines are unmistakably linked with the jockey silks of her winning riders. Although this vineyard near Tonbridge comes into its own in the summer, the lovely tasting room that feels home from home is open at weekends until the end of the year.
On to Westerham, where Squerryes is home to the eighth generation of the Warde family, who have been custodians of over 2,500 acres of Kent for more than 300 years. The wine is from vineyards that sit high on the chalk North Downs, and the resulting sparkling wines are of the utmost elegance. Matching these wines is the highly regarded Squerryes Winery Restaurant, tasting bar and deli, all of which are open throughout the winter. A bracing walk through the vines followed by a leisurely lunch overlooking them seems like a great way to spend a winter afternoon.
Balfour Winery is just seven minutes from Marden station, and is very popular with the London crowd, who can get there within the hour. It has a wonderful restaurant on two floors that overlooks perfectly manicured vines. The wine selection covers all tastes, from their signature sparkling Rosé to a velvety red, all made by the father and son team who have built Balfour’s reputation as a leading UK winery. The estate is open every day — why not book Christmas dinner?
Biddenden Vineyards are the oldest in Kent, and have a wine selection that has developed over time to be the most crowd-pleasing and accessible in the country. Despite being the most experienced and accomplished of the vineyards, it has kept its down to earth ‘farm to glass’ atmosphere. During the winter, go to Biddenden to browse their extensive shop full of the best local produce — perfect for building a hamper, or simply enjoying by the fireside. They’ll be happy to offer you a tasting and some cheese while you browse.
Chapel Down, England’s largest wine producer, is a short drive from the beautiful town of Tenterden, which is the perfect place to wander through on a frosty day. Their estate is open all year round, with a wonderful shop and award-winning restaurant. There is a packed programme of tours and tastings to choose from, or simply turn up for a self-guided walk through the vines, and finish with an amazing lunch.
Just eight miles from the south coast is Gusbourne. The reputation of the wines has reached all four corners of the world, and a visit to the estate will not disappoint. During the winter, there are in-depth tastings of their library of wines that will fascinate and delight the most savvy of wine lovers. If you’re in it for the food, then the restaurant is well known to pair local produce perfectly with the wines, which range from sparkling Blanc de Blancs to the best Pinot Noir you’ll find this side of Burgundy.
Westwell near Ashford could not be more different in terms of experience, but the quality of the food, wine, and welcome is as good as you’ll come across. Run by two veterans of the music world, the winemaking, and overall design tells the story of uber-cool quirkiness. Relax in the warm atmosphere of the cellar door, eating homemade food and watching the wine bubbling away in the huge stainless steel tanks in the winery. If you can drag yourself away from that, a walk-up through the vines to the top of the world gives you sweeping views of the north Downs.
Champagne Taittinger has invested in Kent because our climate and soil is just like that of Champagne 30 years ago. Together with their great friends Hatch Mansfield, who imports their wine into the UK, they have created an extraordinary winery in Chilham – Domaine Evremond – that is built into the chalk hillside. The wine is Taittinger quality, but its freshness is quintessentially English. There are tours, tastings, and special events going on throughout winter.
Last (but certainly not least!) Simpsons is nestled in the glorious Elham Valley, just outside Canterbury. Owned by a husband and wife team who decided to grow grapes for sparkling wine in Kent after successfully building a French wine business in the Languedoc. The wines are a superb range of sparkling and still, and can be tasted overlooking the state-of-the-art winery in a hotel-chic tasting room. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even exit the room via a helter-skelter into the winery!
Get in touch to book a stay in Kent with Bloom Stays. Whatever your priorities, our friendly team will be happy to help you find the perfect holiday cottage for your next trip. We’re always on hand to chat, on the phone, on 01227 903404, via email, at [email protected] or on WhatsApp, on 07361 584861.
