FOOD + DRINK
Vineyard Discovery cont...
Almost a decade later, Chapel Down( chapeldown. com) planted its first vines in 1977 at Small Hythe near Tenterden and has since grown into England’ s leading wine producer. Renowned for its awardwinning sparkling and still wines, the estate cultivates classic grape varieties including chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot meunier and bacchus vines under the careful hands of its expert winemaking team.
Chapel Down’ s reputation precedes them this year, having won the Classic Cuvée Trophy & Best SWGB Wine at the WineGB Awards 2026 for their Grand Reserve 2019, which boasts a layered flavour profile with notes of fresh red berries and green apple, underpinned by lively acidity.
Harvest is one of the best times to visit Chapel Down, with the rumble of tractors weaving through thick rows of vines, hauling the harvested grapes to the winery for pressing. Visitors can experience the excitement first-hand on a two-hour Guided Tour and Tasting(£ 30pp), which includes a tutored tasting experience of five estategrown wines. For a more indulgent visit, the Wine and Dine Experience(£ 120pp) pairs a seasonal three-course meal at The Swan with two glasses of Chapel Down’ s crisp still wine, known for its delicious citrussy undertones.
Just seven miles to the north, Balfour Winery( balfourwinery. com) offers another exceptional stop on Kent’ s wine discovery. Set within the Hush Heath Estate near Staplehurst, the estate laid its first roots in 2002 and has since earned a reputation as‘ England’ s Best Vineyard to Visit’ from Visit England. Rightfully so- with 400 acres of pastoral richness interlaced with Kent’ s deciduous woodland and manicured vines, the estate ' s charming atmosphere injects Kent’ s natural landscape into each and every bottle.
One of this year’ s standout accolades went to Balfour’ s Liberty’ s Bacchus 2025, which was crowned Best Still White at the WineGB Awards 2026; each sip bursts with vibrant citrus aromas and a balanced minerality.
Visitors can experience the estate at its liveliest during the Harvest Celebration(£ 45pp), held on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September. The weekend is welcomed with bubbling glasses of sparkling wine to be savoured before setting out on vineyard tours, guided tasting and a showcase of Balfour’ s award-winning still and sparkling vintages. While the evening unfolds, woodfired pizzas and a sizzling barbecue will be paired with live music to celebrate this year’ s grape harvest in style.
Did you know?
Balfour Winery’ s flagship Balfour Brut Rosé was the first-ever English wine to win a gold medal and trophy at the International Wine Challenge in 2007.
Perfectly boutique and nestled in Appledore just outside Ashford, Gusbourne Estate( gusbourne. com) has more than a touch of cultivated excellence. Since planting its first vines in 2004, the estate has focused on growing smaller volumes of intensely flavourful fruit. Benefitting from Kent’ s distinctive microclimate, where sandy loams and clay soils retain warmth, the vineyard consistently produces exceptional grapes, making it easy to see why Gusbourne has become England’ s most highly awarded sparkling wine producer in the UK.
The estate’ s Classic Vineyard Tour and Tasting(£ 50pp) begins with a guided walk through the vine-lined rows laden with heavy clusters of ripening fruit before concluding with a tutored tasting of four classic sparkling wines. Expect everything from the crisp, mineral character of the Blanc de Blancs to the plush, bold fruit palete of the Blanc de Noirs in Gusbourne’ s acclaimed sparkling wines.
www. insidekent. co. uk • 103