A Terroir Tale: Kent’s soil resonates with french elegance.

Did you know that a significant portion of the Wealden soil mirrors the famed terroir of the Champagne region and other premier sparkling wine-producing areas of France? The connection goes back to a time when Kent was once joined to France, offering a delightful historical twist to your wine-tasting experience.

Discover Kent’s rising reputation in English wines.

Uncover the charm of West Kent’s flourishing vineyards, where English wines have been making a name for themselves. Especially noteworthy are the wines crafted from grapes nurtured in the vineyards surrounding the picturesque Tunbridge Wells area.

Biddenden Vineyards: Kent’s oldest commercial vineyard, renowned for its award-winning still and sparkling English wines.

Chapel Down Winery: Nestled near Tenterden, it produces a variety of award-winning still and sparkling wines from Tenterden and Aylesford vineyards.

Balfour Winery: Located between Cranbrook and Staplehurst, this vineyard is famous for its award-winning pink sparkling wine and sparkling cider. Indulge in a hamper lunch to enhance your experience.

Squerryes Winery: Set on 2,500 acres for the past 300 years, it offers moments of joy with friends and family while sharing their exceptional vintage sparkling wine. Revel in life’s pleasures through delectable food and wine.

Wildwood Vineyard: A multi-award-winning, family-owned boutique English Vineyard located just outside the village of Eridge in East Sussex, accessible via the Spa Valley Railway steam train from Tunbridge Wells West station.

Kent’s finest vineyards: Tours and tastings.

Wine Tours of Kent invites you to experience the best of England’s winemaking landscape through expertly curated vineyard tours. With a passion for showcasing the region’s flourishing wine culture, the tours offer a delightful blend of scenic beauty and exquisite tastings. Immerse yourself in the stories behind Kent’s renowned vineyards, from the historic Biddenden to the award-winning Chapel Down. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tours provide an insider’s perspective on the winemaking process, creating an unforgettable exploration of Kent’s budding reputation in the world of fine wines. Join a tour for an enriching journey through the vineyards, where each glass tells a tale of tradition, terroir, and the evolving excellence of English wines.

Plan your escape: Ideal periods for vineyard tours.

Consider a weekend or mid-week break to fully immerse yourself in the charm of these estates. To savour each tasting fully, explore one vineyard per day and allow your palate to relish the experience.

The best time to visit Kent’s vineyards is during the temperate seasons of late spring through early autumn, typically spanning from May to September. During this period, the vineyards are adorned with lush foliage, and the weather is generally mild, creating a picturesque setting for your wine exploration. Late spring offers the beauty of blossoming vines and pleasant temperatures, while summer brings the vibrancy of grape maturation and outdoor events. September, with its harvest season, is a particularly captivating time, allowing visitors to witness the grape-picking process and partake in celebratory events. However, it’s advisable to check with individual vineyards for specific events, tours, and tastings, as the wine calendar may vary among establishments. Ultimately, the charm of Kent’s vineyards is ever-present, making any season an opportune time for a memorable wine-centric getaway.

Wine bars and culinary delights in Tunbridge Wells.

Experience the local wines and Kentish delicacies at various bars and restaurants in the Tunbridge Wells area. Don’t miss Geography in Royal Tunbridge Wells or the Goudhurst Inn (part of Balfour Winery) in the picturesque village of Goudhurst. Don’t miss the quaint village of Lamberhurst with its typical Kentish architecture. Just outside the village you will find The Vineyard, a cosy pub with rooms and a large garden overlooking the vineyards offering a selection of local wines.