insideKENT Magazine Issue 133 - May 2023 | Page 131

Balfour www . balfourwinery . com
The View at Balfour Winery is an undoubtedly wonderful place to enjoy great food whilst relaxing in the breathtaking countryside and cheersing to the new monarch . Set within the vineyard of the Hush Heath Estate , you ’ ll enjoy panoramic views of the vines and ancient oak woodlands combined with a fresh , local seasonal menu . To really get the most out of your visit , opt for a tour experience or a selfguided tasting before your meal .
With over 70 vineyards , Kent is also home to several smaller and boutique vineyards , many of which are open for tours and tastings and will be celebrating the coronation by raising a glass of their best .
Terlingham Vineyard www . terlinghamvineyard . co . uk
A coastal family-run vineyard with gorgeous views over the Channel . Terlingham ’ s tours include tasting a selection of their wines , accompanied by a cheeseboard , bread selection , and tea , coffee and cake . Terlingham now also craft their own smallbatch , artisan gin from bacchus grapes , but recommend you celebrate the coronation by indulging in a taste of luxury with their limited edition 2020 Sparkling Rosé . “ Crafted from a blend of chardonnay , pinot noir , and pinot meunier , all grown on our naturally farmed vineyard , this wine is a treat for the senses ,” says founder Jackie . “ With its rose petal pink hue and delicate notes of strawberry shortcake on the nose , this sparkling wine is perfect for any occasion - including the coronation . On the palate , you ' ll taste white cherry and wild strawberry notes , followed by a fresh and tangy finish . This wine has been left on the lees for 24 months and has been riddled , corked and labelled by hand with love , ensuring a truly exceptional experience .”
Meophams www . meophams . co . uk
With a selection of inaugural sparkling wines released last year , Meopham Valley Vineyard has a gorgeous selection of bottles to choose from . A family run boutique vineyard located in the North Downs and currently growing nine grape varieties , Meophams has the picturesque Happy Valley as its scenic backdrop . The winemaking team is led by Nick Lane , who has an abundance of experience having been a winemaker at Cloudy Bay , Veuve Clicquot ,
Moët & Chandon and Dom Pérignon . All of Meophams ’ wines are vegan friendly and passed PDO / PGI Certification , thus they are able to use the term ‘ English Quality Sparkling Wine ’. The collection includes the Signature Brut , Premiere Brut and Phoenix Brut Rosé .
A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY English Wine Week , 18-26 June
Almost all of Kent ’ s vineyards and wineries will be taking part in English Wine Week , a national campaign designed to raise awareness of English wine across the country . Our vineyards will be opening their doors to welcome visitors and hosting a plethora of events and special tours , tastings , offers and more to celebrate English wine and the industry . With the sun destined to shine over our sprawling vineyards that will be green and luscious at this time of year , there ’ s no better place to enjoy the warm weather with a cool , crisp glass of Kentish wine in hand .
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