A WINE TOUR AT MEREWORTH WINES: A SPARKLING SLICE OF KENTISH CHARM.
Mereworth Wines is exactly the sort of place that you want to stumble upon accidentally, perched just of the A228, it’s one of those places when it’s so worth pulling over for an impromptu nose. It manages to feel both tucked away and yet is incredibly easy to reach from nearby towns and villages like Tonbridge and Maidstone.
Rustic yet refined. Stylish but not smug. And on a recent Sunday, I found myself spending a few splendid hours there on a tour and tasting – and yes, I’m already plotting a return.
A Vineyard With Roots (Quite Literally)
The story of Mereworth is a fascinating blend of old and new. The estate, once used for hop growing and beer production, has belonged to owner Will Boscawen’s family for generations. Although he wasn’t there on the day of our visit, the presence of his family history is felt everywhere – from the beautifully stencilled hop harvest years on the walls to the old hop sacks framed like works of art. This nod to the past gives the space a kind of offbeat elegance. Or as Will reportedly describes it: “rustic chic”. And honestly? That hits the nail on the head.
The vineyard buildings – all whitewashed brick inside and old Kentish farmyard charm on the outside– are effortlessly stylish without trying too hard. Potted plants bear the Mereworth logo.
High ceilings let the light flood in. Indoor and outdoor seating means there’s always a good spot to sip in, whatever the weather. And although the show vineyards are right beside the tasting barn, the real action takes place up in the hills, a couple of miles away, where the three classic grapes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier – grow in earnest.
A Boutique Approach
Mereworth is a small, boutique grower – and proudly so. They handle the entire production process themselves: from harvesting right through to bottling, labelling, and everything in between. Nothing gets sent away. Everything stays “of the land.” And that’s something quite rare in English wine, and quietly rather wonderful.
Their gin and still wines are worth a mention, but make no mistake – the star here is their sparkling wine. This is where they shine.
Sunday Sparkle with a Side of Jazz
We visited on a breezy, sun-dappled Sunday – the courtyard was lively with guests enjoying Mereworth’s increasingly popular “wine brunch” – made even better by a jazz pianist tickling the keys in the corner. Apparently, he’s a regular at Ronnie Scott’s, which adds just the right amount of cool to the whole scene.
Before our tour even kicked off, we were handed a full glass of their “White from White” – Mereworth’s 100% Chardonnay fizz and their answer to the French Blanc de Blancs.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciated this move. There’s nothing worse than being led around a vineyard stone-cold sober, forced to stare longingly at unopened bottles while someone waxes lyrical about terroir. At Mereworth, the corks had already popped and we were sipping happily as the tour began.
Tour & Tasting: A Local Affair
Our group – a lovely mix of couples and family duos, most visiting for birthdays or anniversary treats – was guided by a warm, charismatic tour guide with decades of experience in the wine world. She walked us through the Mereworth story, from hop fields to sparkling wine success, with clear passion, knowledge and no pretence.
At the vines, we learned the lifecycle of the grapes. Then on to the winery – aka “Scott’s domain.” Scott Gebbie, the head winemaker, is described as experimental and Kentish through and through – even if he has worked in Champagne, which I suppose brings a little touch of French flair to the operation.
We then settled in for a properly structured tasting: a trio of sparklings, each poured generously and explained with clarity and enthusiasm.
I go to a lot of wine tastings, and it’s not often that the guide takes time to teach the group the proper basics of tasting – a great addition. I was worried it might all get a bit too technical, but the guide found just the right balance.
No snobbery here – just good guidance on how to view, sniff and sip each one. Someone in the group asked about the “legs,” and our guide smoothly brought the conversation back to basics, making sure no one felt lost.
To the wines
We tasted all three of Merewoth’s sparkling wines. Of note, vintages of each have won Decanter awards – most notably the White from Black (2018) which won a Silver in 2024 and was awarded a huge 91/100.
White from White – fresh, vibrant, full of funky finesse.
Pink – made with Pinot Noir clones from Burgundy, it was creamy, mouss-y, and hands-down the crowd favourite.
White from Black – a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this was my personal top pick. Sophisticated and rich with those gorgeous brioche notes. (Naturally, it’s the priciest one.)
Beyond the Bottles
It’s hard not to leave Mereworth with a smile on your face. The staff – everyone from the tour guide to the bar team – go above and beyond. Even something as simple as a cheerful “How are you today?” feels like a genuine invitation to relax and enjoy yourself. There’s no trace of pomp here, just people who love what they do and want you to love it too.
Between the vineyard’s eccentric nods to its past and its fresh, forward-thinking approach to English wine, Mereworth manages to strike a unique balance. A little nostalgic, a little innovative – and a lot of fun.
Need to know
- Tours and tastings run every weekend and often sell out fast – booking ahead is a must. The cost is £30, and given that a glass normally costs £10, I’d say that it’s tremendous value for money.
- The venue hosts other events too, from wine brunches to live music and even the odd yoga and wine session (yes please!)
- Easily accessible by car (and not too far from the train station in West Malling), it makes a perfect day trip from London or surrounding Kent towns.
- Indoor and outdoor spaces mean it’s a year-round destination – though the sunny courtyard does have a certain magic.
*My experience at Mereworth was gifted. All opinions are my own.
Where to next?
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