FOOD + DRINK
PICNIC IN THE VINES AT SILVERHAND ESTATE WORDS + IMAGERY BY SAMANTHA READY
There is something wonderfully indulgent about escaping to wine country without ever needing to climb behind the wheel. Thanks to Southeastern’ s high-speed service, what feels like a countryside retreat began remarkably easily, whisking us from our Ashford HQ( although London is equidistant) to Ebbsfleet before a short transfer delivered us into the rolling North Downs and the heart of Silverhand Estate, England’ s largest certified organic vineyard.
Spread across more than 900 acres of Kent countryside, Silverhand is a place where history and innovation sit comfortably side by side. Named after the ancient legend of King Lud, whose silver hand is said to have inspired the estate’ s name, the vineyard today is equally defined by its commitment to organic winemaking. Every vine is cultivated without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, while after harvest the estate’ s own sheep are released into the vineyards to naturally graze and nourish the soil, part of a wider farming philosophy that places sustainability firmly at its heart.
Our afternoon began with the wonderfully effervescent Louise, who greeted us beside a beautifully restored vintage Land Rover. Rather than heading straight for the wine, we climbed aboard for a gentle tour through the vines, learning about the estate, its organic principles and the landscape that has made Kent one of England’ s most exciting wine regions. Eventually, tucked away among the vines, we reached our destination: a secluded picnic setting accommodating no more than eight guests.
Blankets were spread beneath the summer sky, a wicker hamper sat waiting and rustic picnic benches overlooked row upon row of flourishing vines. It felt wonderfully private, as though we’ d stumbled upon our own hidden corner of the estate.
Waiting on ice was a chilled bottle of Silverhand’ s limited-edition Strawberries & Cream Rosé, a playful seasonal release launched for Wimbledon and perfect for sunny, lazy Kentish days. Lightly sparkling with aromas of ripe strawberries and fresh cream, it carried delicate red berry sweetness balanced by refreshing acidity, making it every bit as enjoyable as the setting itself.
Our picnic celebrated Kent’ s larder beautifully. Coronation chicken and egg mayonnaise sandwiches- both generously filled and wonderfully fresh- sat alongside
a traditional pork pie, creamy blue and local Cheddar-style cheeses, all accompanied by crackers, olives, charcuterie, grapes and, naturally, bowls of fresh Kentish strawberries served with thick cream. It was generous without being overcomplicated, allowing the produce and the surroundings to do the talking.
After an hour happily lingering among the vines, topping up our glasses in the gentle breeze, we returned to the tasting room to continue the experience.
First came Silver Reign, the estate’ s sparkling wine that is quietly challenging Prosecco’ s dominance and, now stocked in Sainsbury’ s for around £ 16 a bottle, is happily making quality English sparkling more accessible than ever. Bright orchard fruit, crisp citrus and lively bubbles made it wonderfully easy drinking. The Rosé Brut followed with delicate notes of wild strawberry, redcurrant and rose petals before finishing clean and dry, while the Solaris, a newer grape for Kentish viticulture, offered something entirely different being aromatic with elderflower, citrus blossom and tropical fruit, and balanced by refreshing minerality. Thankfully, under Louise’ s expert tutelage, we were encouraged to take a long first sip, then go again for takes two and three, by which point the initial citrus zing had mellowed into an easier yet still complex mouth feel, perfect for food pairing with creamy pasta or fresh fish.
What struck us most was the sense of momentum( and hospitality ease) around the estate. Silverhand feels like a vineyard looking firmly towards the future. Yoga among the vines is launching soon, while the much-anticipated transformation of The Lion will see the historic pub reborn as a 100-cover restaurant celebrating Kentish small plates. Much of the produce will travel mere food metres rather than food miles, supplied by the estate’ s own herds, kitchen garden and surrounding farmland.
For a vineyard rooted in centuries of history, Silverhand feels remarkably forwardthinking. Beautiful wines, thoughtful hospitality and one of the most memorable picnics in Kent make this an experience well worth raising a glass to!
The Silverhand Special Edition Strawberries and Cream Picnic for Two cost £ 60 for two people and includes a bottle of the limited edition Strawberries and Cream Rosé and a picnic of sweet and savoury treats prepared by The Lion’ s kitchen team. September events at Silverhand include the Harvest Festival Community event, which costs £ 45pp and includes behind the scenes access to harvest at the vineyard, welcome tour, harvest helping, blending experience, wine, food and a goody bag.
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