FOOD + DRINK
THE WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
SUMMER CELEBRATION !
THE ABUNDANCE OF CROPS GROWN IN KENT EARNED US THE TITLE GARDEN OF ENGLAND LONG AGO . IN RECENT YEARS , OUR COUNTY HAS SEEN AN INCREASING NUMBER OF VINES PRODUCING FRUIT THAT ' S CREATED SOME OF THE FINEST SPARKLING WINE IN THE WORLD .
English wine is winning global awards on a regular basis , and there are more vineyards in Kent than anywhere else in the country , which is because we have well-draining chalky or limestone soil that is perfect for grape production .
More importantly , our climate is significantly warmer , drier , and sunnier , allowing longer for ripening fruit with a higher sugar content and depth of flavour . We are now producing world class sparkling wine , and increasingly good still wine too .
The Wine Garden of England is a group of the largest wine producers from Kent , who work together to encourage wine tourism to the county . The best way to sample the wine is to visit the vineyards , meet the people behind the label and wander through the vines that produced the wine in your glass . It ’ s no longer necessary to travel to Burgundy or Napa Valley to experience the joy of visiting vineyards and tasting wine . The vineyards also come together at tasting events so that you can meet all the producers and taste their wines in one day .
The next big event where you can meet the largest Kent producers in a fantastic setting is the Wine Garden of England Summer Celebration on Saturday June 10 at Balfour Winery .
Tickets are just £ 20 , which includes a sample from each of the seven producing members : Balfour , Biddenden , Chapel Down , Gusbourne , Simpsons , Squerryes , and Westwell .
Each producer will have their own large marquee where you can chat to the producers , taste the wines , buy a glass or a bottle to take home . It is set amongst Nanette ’ s Vineyard at Balfour , where the vines will be in their full glory . At the time of booking your ticket , you can also book a vineyard tour , a winery tour and a place on the masterclass hosted by Kent ’ s very own Master of Wine , Clive Barlow . All this with a backdrop of live music and delicious food locally sourced and cooked by the Balfour chef .
On arrival , you ’ ll be given a tote bag with the latest Wine Garden of England Handbook , a free Riedel tasting glass that you can use throughout the day and take home , and some free gifts courtesy of sponsors Cripps Law , Crowe Accountants , NFU and Knight Frank .
Visiting a wine tasting event can be a little frustrating for drivers , so there ’ s a free shuttle service from Marden Station throughout the day , meaning that you can leave the car at home .
Jo Smith , brand manager for Wine Garden of England and organiser of their events is excited to be bringing all these amazing producers together in June . “ After the success of last year ’ s event at Squerryes Court , we are looking forward to an even better experience for Kent ’ s wine lovers at Balfour this year . The interest in Kent wine is overwhelming , and we are privileged to be able to show our favourite wines to so many people in such a stunning setting .”
Book your tickets through www . winegardenofengland . co . uk - don ’ t delay , ticket availability is limited !
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