4 Vineyards to visit in Kent, England

Kent, in the South East of England, is producing top quality sparkling wine and gaining recognition worldwide. This beautiful part of country is a great place to visit and not too far from London. With it’s chalky soils and mild climate, the Kent terroir is similar to that of Champagne. The winemakers  mainly use the traditional wine-making method (methode traditionelle) and selected grapes used in Champagne – Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.

Hush Heath
With a history dating back to 1503, the exquisite Tudor-framed Hush Heath Manor nestles into the hill, overlooking the vineyards and estate. Surrounded by ancient oak woodlands, the 400 acre estate is a wonderful place to visit, either for a free self-guided walk through the vineyards, orchards and surrounding countryside, or for a guided vineyard tour that ends with a wine tasting experience, featuring the award winning Balfour Brut Rosé – the flagship product that the estate is best-known for. Also has restaurant and wine shop

Chapel Down
One of England’s leading producers of sparkling wine, Chapel Down offer a range of styles. In the heart of the Kent countryside, Chapel Down Estate owns over 100 acres of prime land for growing vines. Visit Chapel Down for guided tours (£10 for an adult), group tour packages and gift experiences. You can also visit or stay in the close-by picturesque market town of Tenterden.

Gusbourne
The original Gusbourne Estate in Appledore, Kent dates back to 1410. Current owner of the estate, Andrew Weeber, has a clear vision: to create English sparkling wines that would stand up alongside the very finest offerings from across the globe. Several of their wines have received critical acclaim. Gusbourne owns 40.1 hectares of vineyard and offers tours of the Estate.

Biddenden
Biddenden Vineyard is Kent’s oldest commercial vineyard, established by the Barnes family in 1969. The vineyards are set in 23 acres on a gentle south facing slope in a shallow sheltered valley, 1.2 miles from the lovely Wealden village of Biddenden.

Twice a month, they offer free guided tours to visit heir vineyard within the beautiful countryside. You can also book a short stay in ‘The Vineyard Loft’, self-catered accommodation with a balcony offering fantastic views overlooking a vineyard. (£455-555 per week)