FOOD + DRINK
KENT : THE WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND A HISTORY & CELEBRATION CONT .
SQUERRYES COURT VINEYARD
CHAPEL DOWN VINEYARD
With over 50 individual vineyards in Kent , a number which is increasing rapidly vintage by vintage , it is not just the wine itself that consumers want to experience . In an age of experiences , discovery and the need for knowledge , tourists flock to Kent to admire the vineyards for themselves and learn about the process behind what may , or may not be , their favourite tipple . With more and more vineyards opening their gates to welcome guests and teach them their miraculous ways , the art and appreciation of wine and its making has become more accessible . Kent has seen everyone , from tourists and locals to wine coinessuers and non-drinkers , visit vineyards and appreciate their beauty with perhaps a glass in hand in their hoards . Wine Tours of Kent , as featured on pages 112-113 , can vouch for this having seen a huge rise in business especially since lockdown . ‘ We are seeing more and more people come from further afield wanting to embrace English wine ,’ says Abi Ireland , so much so that Abi has organised a brand new music-meets-vineyard experience , with her Heard it Through the Grapevine festival which will see guests tour round a collection of
Kentish vineyards whilst enjoying both wine and live music , such as Ibiza-style saxophonists in glorious settings - this already creates idyllic sunset images of long summer evenings indulging in the best of Kent ’ s beauty and wine .
Another event which embraces the county ’ s vineyards and wines takes place this month , on the 29th May . The Wine Garden of England Summer Festival invites guests to meet the top seven wine producers from Kent alongside carefully selected local food at the iconic Squerryes Court in Westerham . Partnering with Produced in Kent , the festival also brings the very best food from Kent to pair with the wine , of which your ticket includes 21 different wines to sample !
Canterbury Wine Festival takes place on 25th June , although not hosted at a vineyard it provides the opportunity to indulge in our county ' s vibrant viticulture , meet the growers , try a range of sensational locally produced wines and buy your favourites to take home . Plus you can book a masterclass to hear Master of Wine Clive Barlow share his insights and expertise to enhance your experience .
The most well-known English wine producer however , is Chapel Down . Chapel Down can now be found in supermarkets and shops across the country and is a famous name in the wine world . It comes as no surprise that Chapel Down has hundreds of acres of vineyards in Kent . Just last month the prolific producer announced that they had partnered with the English Cricket Board and have thus become its official sparkling wine . The partnership will see Chapel Down ’ s sparkling wine offered to winning teams on the podium at all Men ’ s International , Women ’ s International and Domestic Finals – watched by millions worldwide . Previous partnerships include Champagne , further solidifying the fact that this partnership is yet another testament to the brilliance of Kentish wine .
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