Gusbourne – a beautiful vineyard in the heart of the Kent countryside, producing some of the finest wines in England. With tours, tastings, food pairing and more, it’s simply in Gusbourne’s nature to welcome you in and share just what makes this Kent vineyard so special.
A hop off the High Speed train at Ashford International (because who really wants to be the designated driver?) and you’re just a 15-20 minute taxi ride away from the rolling vineyards and wide views of Gusbourne. Seriously, in under an hour you could be transported from the rush of the Capital to award-winning sparkling and still wines and luscious landscapes. So now we’ve arrived, shall we start sipping?
Seasonal specialities
Sipping wine might often be seen as a summer pastime, but not at Gusbourne. Celebrate Kent's wine culture throughout the autumn and winter with their seasonal experiences. Up first are the Festive Tasting Flights where you can hunker down in their cosy tasting rooms and take part in a relaxed one-hour tasting of four sparkling wines and the ultimate pairing of a festive cheese board. If you've got a lunchtime to head to the countryside, Gusbourne are also offering a three course Christmas lunch, which might well be the way start the festive season with friends and family. Their Head Chef Anthony Coppard's menu is all about some fantastic local produce, all in season of course. Meanwhile a Master Sommelier has ensured each course is tastefully paired with a Gusbourne wine.
Vineyard Tours
We’ll start with the Vineyard Tour as the Gusbourne team shares just what goes into growing and creating their award-winning wines. This journey takes you on a two-hour hosted tour through the vines, with an insider’s guide into what makes this area so special for winemaking. The tour finishes, naturally, with a tutored tasting of some Gusbourne’s best. While the Discovery Experience takes things up a notch with an afternoon amongst the vines on a tour, followed by the chance to enjoy a tutored tasting with a relaxed three-course seasonal lunch. For a real taste of luxury, the Estate Tour combines an extended vineyard tour and exceptional lunch, with the chance to share in some exclusive rare releases and limited-edition wines.
But Gusbourne’s best tour has got to be the Gusbourne Icons Experience, a tasting experience like no other, that shares Gusbourne’s most extra-special portfolio of rare bottles that truly represent the exceptional fruit and terroir of this corner of Kent. One of Gusbourne’s Ambassadors will lead you through a masterclass as they share the story of each wine, from the soil and sun to the tank and barrel that led to each beautifully crafted bottle. As purveyors of exceptional Kentish produce, it should come as no surprise that Gusbourne also shares the story of the food that’s grown in this area, with a four-course locally-sourced lunch prepared on site, matched with the quality of limited edition, vintage, prestige cuvee and unmissable wines shared as part of the experience.
Food and Drink Experiences
As you may have already guessed, it’s in Kent’s nature, and Gusbourne’s, to serve up some of the finest food and drink, and this summer Gusbourne will be combining fresh air and fresh food at the top of Boot Hill Vineyard with a picnic for two. Artisan cheese, charcuterie, local fruit, homemade bread, and a bottle of Gusbourne Brut Reserve…this picnic was made to be shared with friends, family, and you’re even welcome to bring along your four-legged friend! Spy views across Romney Marsh as far as the coast at Dungeness, and enjoy this beautiful bio-diverse landscape that’s full of the sounds of birdsong, so if you can stand to forgo those perfect Instagram snaps for a little while, we would certainly recommend putting the phone away to soak it all in.
But that’s not the only foodie experience on offer, Gusbourne’s series of culinary events celebrate some of the best food and drink around. Some of the country’s most esteemed chefs will be taking over, with menus crafted to pair with Gusbourne’s best wines, with the likes of Executive Chef Kieran Reilly of two Michelin-starred The Hand and Flowers, and Head Chef Russel Baker of local Michelin-starred The Sportsman each hosting an exclusive Gusbourne experience this summer.
For casual summer dining with friends, local Punk Tacos will be serving up Mexican street food overlooking the Boot Hill vineyard in September, with a glass of award-winning Brut Reserve to top it all off.
Wines
Believe us, the best way to learn about Gusbourne’s tipples has got to be through a tour and tasting but allow us to spill the sparkling on some of our favourites. The ultimate classic, Brut Reserve is the place to start, with more than 19 awards to its name. While award-winning Blanc de Blancs is crafted from the finest lots of Chardonnay to bring you an exquisite glass that’s renowned at some of the finest dining restaurants – high praise indeed! But our top recommendation for this summer is the English Rosé 2022, a decadent and delicious wine that’s made for summer days and laden with flavours of strawberries and citrus. What could be a better match for a day in the Kentish countryside?
So there you have the highlights, but to truly understand the nature of Gusbourne, you’ll have to visit for yourself. From food shared with friends, to vineyard tours, it’s simply in Gusbourne’s nature to welcome you in and share the very best it has to offer.
