Interview With Henry Warde – Squerryes Wine Estate

We had the great privilege to speak with Henry Warde, the 8th generation to own the Squerryes Estate and the founder of Squerryes Wine Estate, in this interview together, he shared how it all came to be, his memorable bubbly moment, what we can look forward to for the future of Squerryes and so much more, so keep reading and discover your next Glass of Bubbly to enjoy!

It’s Great To Speak With You, Henry, Can You Tell Us A Little About Yourself & Your Journey Into The Wine Industry?

“Hi Oliver, I’m 8th generation of the Warde family who have been lucky enough to live on and own the Squerryes Estate around Westerham, Kent. It was 20 years ago this year when we had a visit from a far sighted Champagne house Duval Leroy who were looking for chalk in England to plant up Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meneuir. The story is now familiar, but back then it was a real surprise to us. When we looked at their due diligence and visited Champagne it immediately became clear we had amazing terroir and we decided to go it alone and plant up on the estate.

I reckoned then that it would be a working lifetime to establish a brand for, God willing, future generations to come. I sense we’re halfway there and loving every moment. I feel blessed that we can make world class sparkling wines and look forward to emulating our family motto ‘licet esse beatis’ (permitted to be joyful) for years to come.”

When It Comes To Pairing Sparkling Wine With Food, Do You Have Any Favourite Combinations That You Would Personally Recommend?

“It’s a constant debate with the team and honestly depends on which bottle of Squerryes you are opening. I prefer to drink Rose alone (or perhaps with pudding), Brut with crab or seafood, BdeB with scampi, our aged late disgorged blend with monkfish and a creme sauce.

The debate will continue and as a team, we are generating a small plates menu to go with the newly developed tasting bar at Squerryes. Come and see where we bottom out – exciting times.”

How Do You See The Future Of English Sparkling Wine?

“I’ve said it before… I think in 30 – 40 years the UK will be as well recognised globally as Champagne, but with 200 years less marketing behind it. So the challenge in the longer term is for the industry to develop well recognised brands.

In the short term, there are two big growth markets which are tourism and export.”

What Can We Look Forward To For The Future Of Squerryes?

“Winery investment is taking place this year at Squerryes which will double our capacity. Historically we have sold the vast majority of all our wines directly to consumers from our estate and our membership, but now we are going to be focusing a little more on the London market so your readers will see a bit more of us around and about.

The very best way to sample Squerryes is at the estate at one of our exclusive members’ events. So do get on our website, sign up and we’ll see you soon.”

Where’s The Most Memorable Place You’ve Enjoyed A Glass of Bubbly?

“A vintage blanc de blanc in a small bar in Reims 20 years ago – that’s where the light bulb ‘I want to commit the rest of my life to wine’ moment happened….”

Thank you, Henry, for sharing your story and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Photo Credit belongs to Henry Warde, Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.