Kent has been stealing the spotlight as the most awarded and largest wine region in England. Visit one of our 120 Kent vineyards and you’ll have the chance to discover why this region is leading the UK’s wine industry, and why Kent’s chalky terroir and climate, similar to that of the Champagne region, has attracted the attention of major French wineries, including Taittinger.
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Discover just a few of our favourite producers of Kentish sparkling wine, from iconic wineries like Chapel Down, Gusbourne and Biddenden to even more newcomers and smaller gems in Ashford’s growing wine region, each selecting the area for its south-facing slopes and chalk soils. Discover Ashford’s leading wineries and vineyards and start planning your break, whether you choose to take a guided vineyard tour of Chapel Down, one of England’s most renowned and awarded vineyards, or discover Kent’s original vineyard, Biddenden and stay the night in their very own cottage, The Grape Escape. Alternatively, Gusbourne’s award-winning vineyard is a perfect day out, offering a wide range of tours, tastings and foodie events at their beautiful estate throughout the year. The latest vineyard to steal the headlines is Domaine Evremond, brought to Ashford by the creators of Taittinger who have chosen Chilham for its chalk soil which mirrors that of the ‘Côte de Blancs’ in Champagne. Keep an eye out as we await the release of their first ever Classic Cuvee in spring 2025.
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Many will have heard of Canterbury for its magnificent Cathedral and UNESCO World Heritage Site, but lately, its been capturing interest for its annual Wine Festival, held in the city centre. Celebrating the diversity of Kent’s vineyards, it’s the perfect place to sip, sample and learn why Kent has become one of the most exciting wine producing regions in the world. Not far from the city centre in the charming village of Barham, Simpsons have used their extensive wine-producing knowledge from their French wine estate, Domaine Sainte Rose vineyard, to select the perfect vineyard location on the sunny, sheltered slopes of the North Downs of Kent. Visit for a tour and tasting and you’ll discover an exceptional collection of award-winning still and sparkling wines.
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For a fantastic winery experience, Balfour near Staplehurst boasts acres of vineyards, stunning countryside, award-winning wines and a commitment to sustainable viticulture. Take a guided tour or take a seat in the restaurant for a true taste of local produced, perfectly paired with their exceptional wines.
While in the village of Staple, Barnsole Vineyard is another favourite which offers tastings with the winemaker and behind-the-scenes look into how their wines are made.
For vineyard visits without the designated driver, Wine Tours of Kent’s drive-free tours take care of all the planning, with their very own tour bus, guides and relationships with vineyards across the county. They’ll even book your overnight stay in one of Kent’s many sumptuous accommodations, and arrange dinner in Kent’s very best restaurants, so all you need to do is work out which vineyard you want to visit first.
Need a little more inspiration? From vineyard breaks to festivals and guided tours, take a look at our must-visit wineries.
10 Best Lane Canterbury Kent CT1 2JB
Ashford & Tenterden Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable Dover, Deal & Sandwich Faversham, Isle of Sheppey and Sittingbourne Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh Gravesend and the Borough of Gravesham Maidstone Margate, Broadstairs & Ramsgate Rochester, Chatham & Gillingham Sevenoaks Tonbridge and Malling Tunbridge Wells