FOOD + DRINK
ON THE VINEYARD TRAIL CONT .
VINEYARDS FOR FOODIES
Squerryes , Westerham www . squerryes . co . uk
Offering tours and tastings from April to October , this is the perfect vineyard to visit for those with a passion for good wine and good food . With views across the vineyard and wider estate , the AA rosette award-winning restaurant is at the heart of the estate high up on the North Downs . Dedicated to sustainable dining and seasonal dishes , the chef draws on livestock reared on the estate , produce foraged from its woodlands and fields , as well as handpicked local producers within a 30-mile radius . Complementing the menu is a wine list authored by Laura Evans , Master of Wine . Diners can savour exciting new finds from the old and new world alongside a special collection of English wines . Or choose one of Squerryes ’ award-winning , sparkling wines to accompany your meal ! Curious but short on time ? Stop by to visit the Estate Deli and Cellar Door .
Balfour Winery at Hush Heath Estate , Staplehurst www . balfourwinery . com
Fabulous vineyard and winery complete with an acclaimed restaurant . This September Balfour are hosting a series of brilliant events including :
An Evening of Jazz with Ian Shaw and Claire Martin , 9 September , 7.30pm
Get ready to be welcomed with a glass of delicious Balfour sparkling wine before being seated for a three-course set meal , then sit back and soak in the sounds of two of the greatest jazz singers .
Vinyasa in the Vineyard , 10 September , 10am - 2pm
Combine yoga , nature and English wine for a relaxing day out . This gentle vinyasa yoga class is uniquely set against the wonderful backdrop of Balfour ’ s Foxridge Vineyard , which offers beautiful views across the estate . Bathe in the sounds of nature before finishing perfectly with a tasting of three Balfour Wines .
September Dining Club Music Sessions , 16 , 23 & 30 September
Join Balfour at their Dining Club to enjoy an evening of live music and our delicious seasonal menu for September . These intimate performances from Balfour ’ s favourite musicians will complement your evening of exceptional food and Balfour wines . Arrive at 7.30pm for a welcome drink before being seated for a tasting of three Balfour Wines followed by a delicious four-course dinner .
BEAUTIFULLY BOUTIQUE
Woodchurch Wine Estate , Ashford www . woodchurchwine . co . uk
With a cellar door shop and terrace bar , Woodchurch Wine Estate serves wines by the glass and bottle , as well as cheese and charcuterie boards outside on their terrace . Wander through the vines and explore the vineyard at your leisure , or book a special tour and a tasting of four Woodchurch wines .
Herbert Hall , Marden www . herberthall . co . uk / the-vineyard
This five-hectare organic vineyard is situated on the edge of Marden village , a sunny south-facing slope sheltered by ancient hedgerows . In the family for three generations , the philosophy here is based on remaining in harmony with nature – farming organically and encouraging the reintroduction of flora and fauna to a region so damaged by conventional farming methods . Most of the vineyard work is done by hand and grapes are pressed within hours of picking .
LAID BACK SUSTAINABILITY
Westwell Wine Estate , Ashford www . westwellwines . com
Heralded by its branded merchandise ’ s slogan : ‘ Sun , Dirt , Yeast ’, the approach here is as simple as it is sustainable . Family-founded and family-run , this estate winery may be small but it is a powerhouse in terms of its commitment to making delicious , drinkable wines that express the individuality of its interesting terroir with as little intervention as possible .
Aiming to let ‘ the fruit speak for itself ’, the estate ’ s small scale production process means the team are present for every stage of its wine making process , which thrives of experimental approaches and industry firsts ; such as being the first English vineyard to make an amphora aged wine and the first to successfully keg wine , as well as pioneering approaches to making piquette from waste grape pressings and making less traditional varieties such as pet nats and skin contact wines .
As well as offering laidback tours and tastings , expect to find a host of events too , such as sundowners boasting local food trucks , in-house bbq cookouts and music ; open air cinema screenings and outdoor theatre .
THE NEW GRAPE ON THE VINE
Nine Oaks Vineyard , Ashford www . nine-oaks . co . uk
Based in the little enclave of Hothfield in the leafy outskirts of Ashford , Nine Oaks has rapidly climbed the Kentish winemaking vine launching its very first 2022 harvest still wine just this summer .
Run by Helen Matheson-Pollock and husband Martyn , this fledgling family business is not only truly independent , but truly passionate about small batch , estate grown wines too . Their first release boasts a crisp and clean Pinot Noir Rosé made from a small plot of 500 pinot noir vines alongside a lightly oaked , apple-noted , fruit-driven 2022 Chardonnay from a small plot of chardonnay vines which is dissected by the Greensands Way , which they are proud of being a true expression of their boutique vineyard .
Committed to their philosophy ‘ that local is best ’, both wines are available at select local retailers including Hothfield Post Office and Stores , Pluckley Farm Shop , Marchants of Bethersden , Gibson ’ s Farm Shop , Macknade Foodhall , Hythe Wine Cellar , and Corkk of Canterbury .
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