From the 17th to the 25th June, the ever-growing wine sector of England has a week-long celebration in the form of English Wine Week. Home to the Wine Garden of England, we know we have some of the best wine in the whole of England right here in Kent, and so we’ve pulled together this handy post to show you how you can get in the mood and experience some of the best nectar - from full day tours, vineyard wanders to simply stocking up on your favourite wines...
Gusbourne
What better way to celebrate English Wine Week that at a vineyard? So why not stop by at Gusbourne and take part in their Single Vineyards Masterclass? Enjoy their limited-edition single vineyard wines crafted with precision, to express the soil, microclimate and fruit from the particular site.
Or, send those taste buds soaring with Gusbourne’s Sparkling Tasting Flight for £30 a person and indulge in a one hour tasting of their Brut Reserve, Rose, Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs which will be accompanied by a plate of local bread and cheese.
Biddenden Vineyards
No English Wine Week in Kent would be complete without the staple of Kentish scene, Biddenden Vineyards. Not only can you jump on a Private Guided Tour, but you could also take part in a Group Tour or if you like to explore the vineyards in your own time then take a Self-Guided Tour. Don't forget to taste some of the delicious fizz which has been made at the vineyard! And, of course, if you’re having a dry week, their juices are a taste of Kent and will have you pressing for more!
Balfour Winery
Being able to enjoy Balfour Winery on the Hush Heath Estate all year round is very easy, not only during English Wine Week. From their Self-Guided Tour of the 400 acre estate to the ultimate Balfour Estate Tour and Tasting experience taking you on a walk around the vineyards, orchards and ancient oak woodlands and discover how they work alongside nature when producing their award-winning wines followed by a tasting of six delicious wines ranging from still and sparkling.
Abode Canterbury
This event might not be available until Thursday 17th August, but who says wine can only be enjoyed on English Wine Week? Take part in Simpsons Wine Tour and Dinner at the Abode Canterbury for a beautiful four course menu with the perfect wine pairing hosted by an expert from Simpsons. Do not forget to visit the stunning vineyard when staying as it is only 8 miles away and can be found in one of the sunniest corners of the British Isles.
Corkk
New to Canterbury is Corkk English Wine Shop, bringing the best wines from across England including a few from Kent’s very own vineyards from Biddenden, Simpsons, Balfour Winery, Chapel Down and many more. Enjoy the immersive wine experience with their new enomatic machines allowing you to taste samples of handpicked English wines, book in for one of their regular tasting events or book a tasting at their pop up in Whitefriars where they will be joined by a different Kent vineyard each day during English Wine Week.
Chapel Down
As England’s leading vineyard, no tour of Kent’s wine country would be complete without a visit to Chapel Down. 22 acres is waiting to be explored in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so don’t expect to cover it all in one visit. The best way to capture the taste of the renowned vineyard is to take the tour, so book on for a visit to the winery and a tutored tasting, or why not sit and sip over a delectable dinner in the Swan Restaurant and just take it all in? Oh, and be sure to check out the Chapel Down Instagram before you go for an intriguing blind taste test in the Champagne region of France that left its locals pleasantly surprised, with 60% preferring Chapel Down, AKA Chapelle en Bas, over a leading Champagne.
Wine Tours of Kent
Sit back, relax and let Wine Tours of Kent take you on your journey to discovering the finest of Kent's wineries. Take in the views of the picturesque countryside whilst traveling in a tour mini bus, until you arrive at one of England's award-wining vineyards. Choose from one of their Tours and Tasting experiences designed for you to discover, taste and enjoy the day!
Simpsons Wine Estate
To toast the arrival of English Wine Week, why not join one of Simpsons Wine Estate’s Tasting Experiences? Nestled in the elegant Glass House Tasting Room, which offers a wonderful vantage point overlooking Simpsons’ world-class winery, discover more about the story of the Estate and enjoy a guided tasting of award-winning still and sparkling wines. Visit their website to discover more. Booking is essential.
Keepers Cottages
Deal is filled with wine suppliers and the picture perfect spot where you can enjoy a glass… or two. With Simpsons and Chapel Down wine available at Le Pinardier French wine shop with delicious food to pair with the wine. We know that wine week is the best so why not stay in county that has the best vineyards and wines available? Keepers Cottages have a lot of properties available during the week in Deal such as Dexter's House or French House, bring your pet and taste the delicious wines in pub gardens or vineyards (that allow dogs).
