Seven English wineries, located in Kent County, have formed a group known as the Wine Garden of England. The seven wineries are: Biddenden Vineyards, Chapel Down, Domaine Evremond, Gusbourne, Hush Heath Estate, Simpsons Wine Estate and Squerryes.

The Wine Garden of England website offers suggestions for visiting the area’s wineries and vineyards.

• With a Day to Explore –This one day excursion includes visits to Chapel Down with a stop at The Swan for lunch  and Gusbourne Winery.
• Escape for the Weekend – For day one stop at Squerryes and spend the evening at Hotel Du Vin & Bistro. On day two the first stop is the Hush Heath Winery, enjoy lunch at Goudhurst Inn and finally a stop at Biddenden Vineyard.
• Luxury Four Day Wine Tour – This is a chauffeur driven tour. Winery stops include Squerryes, Simpsons Winery, Gusbourne Winery, Chapel Down, Biddenden Vineyard and Hush Heath Winery.  Other stops and lodging include: Chilston Park Hotel, The Fordwich Arms, Eastwell Manor, The Swan at Chapel Down, The Milk House, Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse, The Goudhurst Inn and Hever Castle.

Wine Garden of England Wineries

Biddenden Vineyards

The first commercial vineyard was planted in 1969. Today the Biddenden Vineyards are comprised of 23 acres. Today the winery is proudcing 80,000 bottles that include white, rosé, red and sparkling wines. Cider lovers will be happy to know that the winery is also producing Biddenden cider.

Visiting: The winery is open to visitors and currently admission and tastings are free. Tours are available during the summer months for a small fee.

Chapel Down 

Chapel Down was founded in 2001. In addition to red, white and sparkling wines (made in the traditional method), Chapel Down produces cider and beer. In addition to owning their own vineyards in Kent, the winery also sources grapes from other growers.

Visiting: Open daily to the public, the winery offers wine tours of the vineyards and winery. Tours can be booked online.

Domaine Evremond

Renowned Domaine Taittinger of France and Hatch Mansfield Ltd purchased 69 hectares of farm land in Kent in 2015. Watch for more details emerging as the vineyards are planted and English sparkling wines are produced. 

Gusbourne Winery

It was in 2004 that Andrew Weeber took over the estate with the goal of creating sparkling wines. The vineyards were started  in that same year.

Visiting: The winery tasting room is open throughout the year. Enjoy a self-guided vineyard tour, or book a Vineyard Tour or Discovery Tour. Private tours are also available.

Hush Heath Estate

Hush Heath Estate, a 400-acre estate,  is a large vineyard and winery producing estate grown sparkling wines, still wines and ciders. 

Visiting:  The winery offers a self-guided tour, Winter Winery Tour and Tasting and Full Estate Winery & Tutored Tasting.

 Simpsons Wine Estate

Prior to producing wine in England, the owners had been producing wines in France at Domaine de Sainte Rose. In 2012,  they established Simpson Wine Estate in Kent county. In 2014 they planted 10 hectares (24.7 acres) including Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay in their Roman Road Vineyard. The vinyard was so named because it is believed that in 43 AD invading Romans carried the first grapevines with them. More grapevines were planted in the Railway Hill Vineyard in 2016 and 2017. Watch for special events.

Squerryes Winery

     Squerryes Winery is on a large estate that has been in the family for eight generations. The first grapevines were planted in 2006. The winery focuses on producing quality sparkling wines. The winery offers several wine experiences for wine enthusiasts.

Visiting: The wine shop is open four days a week.

Discover and experience English wines when traveling in this region of England.

Cheers!
Kathy