English Wine Guide

Here are the best of the vineyards in Kent that you can visit for a marvelous day out.

Map of vineyards in Kent

Here’s a map of the vineyards in Kent that you could visit.

Balfour Winery: Vineyard in Kent

Balfour Winery, also known as Hush Heath Estate, shines as a celebrated winery in Kent, England. Found in the heart of Staplehurst, Kent, the winery is enveloped by the serene beauty of the Garden of England.

Encompassing over 400 acres of picturesque land, including vineyards, orchards, and woodlands, Balfour Winery is a true gem. As a part of the Hush Heath Estate, which has been under the ownership of the Balfour-Lynn family since the 1980s, the winery prides itself in crafting exquisite English sparkling wines, still wines, and ciders of the highest quality.

This is my favourite vineyard in Kent to visit and is somewhere I go to again and again for a celebration or a romantic date. On a sunny day, it is difficult to beat the incredible terrace overlooking the vines.

What wine does this Balfour Winery produce?

Balfour Winery makes a wide range of wines and it is currently expanding even further. You can get sparkling, including rose and reserve. My favourite drop is the Skye Chardonnay, one of the white still wines on offer.

Balfour have just launched an Albariño, a wine normally grown in Northern Spain and a unique proposition in Kent.

One of the things that I love about Balfour’s wine selection is that all bottles in the range are named after family members. A cute celebration of the family heritage of this place.

Balfour Winery: The Low Down

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Barnsole Winery: Vineyard in Kent

Barnsole Vineyard is located in Kent, England and is seen as a boutique winery. Grapes have been planted in two phases, first the winery focused on German grapes such as Reichensteiner. Latterly, grapes have been planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, specifically to make English sparkling wine.

You can find Barnsole Vineyard close to Canterbury and Sandwich in Kent. A visit here is a lovely and intimate experience, as Barnsole is a smaller winery in Kent. Barnsole welcomes visitors for a free tasting, with a view to purchasing wine from the cellar door.

In my experience, this isn’t a vineyard to plan to spend an entire afternoon at, but it is pleasant to pop by.

What wine does Barnsole Winery produce?

Barnsole’s specialty is English sparkling wine and it sells a classic English sparkling from 2018, Old Vine sparkling from 2016 and rose sparkling from 2019. Still wines include a dry reserve and a red Pinot Noir – a light delicate drop with only 11% alcohol.

Barnsole Winery: The Low Down

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Biddenden Winery: Vineyard in Kent

Located in Kent, England, Biddenden Vineyards holds the prestigious title of being Kent’s original commercial vineyard. Established by the Barnes family in 1969, the vineyard initially started on just a third of an acre and has since flourished to encompass 23 acres.

In addition to its exquisite wines, Biddenden Vineyards also crafts refreshing cider using a traditional family recipe, as well as delectable Kentish apple and pear juices. The vineyard shop warmly welcomes visitors year-round, showcasing Biddenden’s exceptional products alongside other locally-sourced, artisanal foods and drinks.

For those eager to immerse themselves in the vineyard experience, self-guided tours are available from May to September and include a delightful tasting flight; no pre-booking is required. Furthermore, the vineyard offers private guided tours for small groups, providing an in-depth exploration of the vineyard’s rich history and winemaking techniques.

What wine does Biddenden Vineyard produce?

It boasts a diverse range of award-winning wines, including white, red, rosé, sweet, and sparkling varieties, with their signature wine being the esteemed Ortega (a citrus, fresh, delicious white wine unique to Biddenden.)

Biddenden Vineyard: The Low Down

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Bradbourne Winery: Vineyard in Kent

Located in the Kent Downs, Bardbourne Vineyard is a beacon of family tradition and exceptional wine making. Renowned for its exquisite Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this vineyard invites guests to embark on personalized tours encompassing viticulture, winemaking, local history, and wildlife.

Adding to the allure, visitors have the opportunity to reside in a charming holiday cottage located on the premises. Through cellar door sales and partnerships with local establishments, they extend a warm invitation for wine enthusiasts to savor their creations, fostering a sense of intimate connection and community spirit.

What wine does Bradbourne Winery produce?

Classic Cuvee fizz and Rosé de Noirs sparkling. Bradbourne winery also offer a still Rosé.

Bradbourne Winery: The Low Down

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Chapel Down: Vineyard in Kent

Chapel Down is one of the most prominent and award-winning wineries in England, renowned for producing high-quality wines, especially sparkling wines. Here’s some key information about Chapel Down:

Chapel Down is located in Tenterden, Kent, but the nearest train stations are Headcorn or Ashford International. The winery’s proximity to the English Channel provides an excellent climate for grape cultivation, particularly for traditional sparkling wine varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

For visitors, Chapel Down has a huge amount to offer. There are many tours and tasting options, including a cheese and wine tasting, or a tour with a three course lunch. Chapel Down also hosts events throughout the year.

What wine does Chapel Down produce?

Chapel Down is the most well established vineyard in Kent and produces a full spectrum of wine.

It is most known for the English Sparkling wine, but it also produces still wine – white (chardonnay and bacchus) and rose (pinot noir).

At Chapel Down, you’ll also find a selection of spirits that are now produced by the same brand.

Chapel Down: The low down

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Chartham Vineyard: Vineyard in Kent

Chartham Vineyard is a family-run artisan vineyard located near Canterbury in Kent, known for its still wines like Bacchus, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, as well as its sparkling wines. Managed by Dr. Roz Waller and her family, the vineyard also serves as a gallery space for local artists, hosts cultural events, and offers facilities for private hire.

Visitors can enjoy the unique cellar door experience, group tours, tastings, and purchase products from the cellar door or online shop. Accessible by train or road, it has become a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. It is a particularly easy vineyard to visit by train as it is very close to Chartham Train Station.

What wine does Chartham Vineyard produce?

Chartham Vineyard makes a delicious Blanc de Blanc (white sparkling) and a Classic Reserve English sparkling. There’s also a lovely still wine range, including a Pinot Noir and a white Bacchus.

Chartham Vineyard: The Low Down

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Gusbourne Winery: Vineyard in Kent

Gusbourne, an esteemed winery nestled in Appledore, Kent, is renowned for crafting exquisite sparkling wines of the highest quality. It proudly holds the prestigious title of IWSC English Wine Producer of the Year, a remarkable achievement that reflects its dedication to excellence. With meticulous attention to detail at every stage of the winemaking process, Gusbourne upholds a commitment to delivering unparalleled quality.

Embracing a thoughtful low-intervention approach, the vineyards in Kent and West Sussex are carefully nurtured to preserve the natural integrity of the soil and vines. What sets Gusbourne apart is its use of traditional Burgundy grapes, infusing its wines with distinctive character and depth. The winery invites visitors to indulge in immersive experiences such as vineyard and winery tours, wine tastings, and delectable seasonal lunches.

Notably, Gusbourne prides itself on offering a warm and inclusive environment, welcoming all visitors, including those with four-legged companions. It’s a place where wine enthusiasts come together to savor exceptional wines amidst scenic surroundings.

What wine does Gusbourne Winery produce?

Gusbourne Winery is most well known for it’s English sparkling wine, including Blanc de Blanc, Rose and Reserve. Gusbourne’s wines are fine wines, meaning the price point is a little higher than others, but the quality matches the price.

Gusbourne also offers still wines, including varieties of Chardonnay, Rose and Pinot Noir.

Gusbourne Winery: The Low Down

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Herbert Hall Winery: Vineyard in Kent

Herbert Hall Winery, in the picturesque area of Marden, Kent, embodies the vision of Nick Hall, who founded the winery in 2007 on his family’s esteemed farming grounds. With a specialization in crafting exquisite English Sparkling Wines, the winery takes pride in using organic, estate-grown fruit and employing meticulous production methods.

Embracing sustainability at its core, the winery upholds organic farming practices, undertakes conservation efforts, and remains dedicated to mitigating climate change impacts. Its bespoke barrel-fermented cuvées, produced in limited quantities, have garnered widespread acclaim and earned global recognition.

What wine does Herbert Hall winery produce?

Herbert Hall specializes in English sparkling wine. Specifically, Brut wine and Rose wine.

Herbert Hall: The Low Down

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Mereworth Wines: Vineyard in Kent

Located in the heart of Kent, Mereworth Wines has breathed new life into an old family farm by transforming it into a flourishing vineyard and winery. Embarking on its wine production journey with a special focus on sparkling wines, Mereworth employs traditional methods to craft wines that capture the essence of the local terroir.

Their distinctive sparkling wine, derived from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication to quality and their profound love for winemaking. The vineyard frequently hosts tours and tastings, offering an ideal setting to immerse oneself in their exceptional offerings.

What wine does Mereworth Wines produce?

Mereworth wine specializes in English sparkling wine. The Pinto Meunier is an interesting drop, referred to as “white from black”, it is a white fizz with a touch of pink. Mereworth wines also sell a delicious crisp pink rose fizz.

One of their most interesting products is Marourde, an aperitif. Personally this was a little too medicinal for my taste, but a unique drink to try.

Mereworth Wines: The Low Down

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Redhill Farm Estate Winery: Vineyard in Kent

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Though smaller and less known than some of its counterparts, Redhill Farm Estate in Kent is a hidden gem worth discovering. This boutique vineyard focuses on crafting small batches of high-quality wine, with a keen interest in sustainability and innovative winemaking techniques.

Their intimate approach to viticulture and winemaking ensures a unique and personal tasting experience for visitors.

What wine does Redhill Farm Estate Winery produce?

Redhill Farm Estate winery makes English sparkling wine. The “Rose Low” akin to a Frizzante, is particularly delicious.

Redhill Farm Estate Winery: The Low Down

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Simpsons Wine Estate: Vineyard in Kent

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Simpsons Wine Estate brings a touch of French viticulture to Kent, drawing on the owners’ experience in the Languedoc region. Known for both their still and sparkling wines, Simpsons focuses on expressing the local environment in their wines.

Their Roman Road and Railway Hill vineyards are meticulously managed to produce wines that capture the essence of Kent’s unique terroir. The estate also offers immersive experiences including vineyard tours and guided tastings.

What wine does Simspons Wine Estate produce?

Simpsons is absolutely one of my favourite English wineries, the selection of wine is simply exquisite. Still wines include the fantastic chardonnay (Roman Road) and the unusual Pinot Meunier. Sparkling wines include classic reserve, rose and blanc de blancs.

Simpsons Wine Estate: The Low Down

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Squerrys Vineyard: Vineyard in Kent

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Squerryes Vineyard, with its 300-year history tied to the Warde family, celebrates the art of winemaking in a historical context. Situated on the North Downs, the vineyard benefits from a microclimate that nurtures the growth of their vines, producing award-winning sparkling wines.

Squerryes offers a taste of luxury, not just through their wines but also with exquisite experiences that include vineyard tours, tastings, and even private events in their beautiful grounds.

What wine does Squerrys Vineyard produce?

Squerrys specializes in English sparkling wine, they produce seven different vintages and varieties of fizz. This vineyard has won countless awards for their sparkling wine, including gold medals and Decanter awards.

Squerrys Vineyard: The Low Down

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The Mount Vineyard: Vineyard in Kent

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The Mount Vineyard in Shoreham invites you to experience a serene getaway amidst stunning surroundings and a delightful selection of wines that truly embody the essence of Kent’s terroir.

This charming vineyard showcases a variety of both still and sparkling wines and offers an all-encompassing visitor experience, including opportunities for dining, events, and more. With a strong emphasis on local sales, the vineyard fosters a vibrant sense of community around its brand.

What wine does The Mount Vineyard Produce?

Mount Vineyard produces Bacchus, Rose and a Pinot Noir (£20 to £25) as well as some English sparkling wine which retails at around £45.

Mount Vineyard: The Low Down

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Woodchurch Wine Estate: Vineyard in Kent

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Located on the picturesque slopes of the Kent Downs, Woodchurch Wine Estate is a modern winery dedicated to producing fine sparkling and still wines. The vineyard’s focus on sustainable practices and meticulous attention to detail is evident in the quality of their wines, which feature classic varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Visitors can enjoy guided tours that delve into the nuances of their winemaking process and sample the exceptional end products.

What wine does Woodchurch Wine Estate produce?

Wood Church Wine Estate produces sparkling wine, including brut, rose and chardonnay – all retail between £35 and £45. The still rose and chardonnay are also delicious and retail at around £20 to £25.

Woodchurch Wine Estate: The Low Down

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Yotes Court Vineyard: Vineyard in Kent

Yotes Court Vineyard is a newcomer making significant waves in the Kent wine scene. With a focus on producing premium sparkling wines, Yotes Court prides itself on combining traditional techniques with modern technology to extract the best from their grapes.

The vineyard is set in a scenic location, offering panoramic views that make every visit memorable.

What wine does Yotes Court produce?

I really love the wide selection of wine produced by Yotes Court. There are three varieties of sparkling wine, including a delightful Pinot Gris fizz. When it comes to still wines, there are a few varieties of Pinot Meunier, Bacchus, Pinto Gris and one Pinot Noir.

Yotes Court Vineyard: The Low Down

Where to next?

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