FOOD + DRINK
Harvest Time cont ...
CHAPEL DOWN chardonnay , pinot noir and bacchus varieties of the drink . It ’ s no wonder that the county is the perfect home for vineyards thanks to its southern sunshine , chalky soil and mild climate . A hotspot for winemaking , Kent contributes significantly to the 3.15 million bottles produced every year in the UK . In fact , the English wine industry is growing at an incredibly rapid pace - viticulture is the fastest growing agricultural sector in the UK , employing over 2,300 people full time and another 8,300 part time .
Post-pandemic , the desire for artisanal products has been amplified , leading many consumers to source their wine from independent and local businesses . Tourism in the world of English wine has also increased significantly and learning about the art of winemaking has never been more accessible . Including open days at vineyards and wine tasting events , here are some of the best ways to get involved with the grape harvest this September and immerse yourself in all that Kent has to offer .
Biddenden Vineyards , Biddenden www . biddendenvineyards . com
Kent ’ s original vineyard has been owned and managed by the Barnes family since 1969 . What began as a 40-acre apple orchard is now a diversified oasis of viticulture growing 12 different varieties of grape across the vineyard . Producing around 80,000 bottles per year , Biddenden ’ s experienced winemakers offer the Kentish market some of the best award-winning white , rosé , red and sparkling English wines .
All vine work at Biddenden is done by hand , from pruning and canopy management to picking and harvesting - which runs from mid-September through to November . To experience the most of this year ’ s grape harvest , you can head down to Biddenden Vineyards for a private guided tour . Over 90 minutes , small groups of up to eight are led on walks around the vineyards , learning about the grape varieties and growing methods at Biddenden before joining a tutored tasting in a reserved area of the grounds . To share in their passion for producing quality English wine and learn all about the history of the practice , an afternoon at Biddenden Vineyards is one you won ’ t want to miss .
Gusbourne Estate , Ashford www . gusbourne . com
Since 2004 , Gusbourne Estate has been curating English sparkling wines by handpicking only the very best of their estate-grown grapes . With a tasting room open to visitors all year round and vineyard tours starting at £ 30 per person , it ’ s no wonder that the estate is a popular attraction for both locals and visitors . From September to October , Gusbourne offers a Harvest Estate Tour for £ 100 per person , where guests can step behind the scenes of the grape harvesting season in Kent .
On arrival , you ’ ll enjoy a chilled glass of sparkling wine before heading on a guided tour of the vineyards and winery with their friendly and knowledgeable staff . Following the tour , guests will head to
The Nest for a tutored tasting and full three-course lunch with wine pairings ; an unforgettable experience .
Chapel Down , Tenterden www . chapeldown . com
Chapel Down is England ’ s leading wine producer . Based in the heart of Kent , their world-class winemaking team is dedicated to producing award-winning sparkling and still wines , selling an impressive 1.5 million bottles of wine in 2021 . Their winery estate is open to the public , with guided tours and experiences to welcome guests to their vineyards .
To experience the very best that Kent has to offer , a tour of Chapel Down will make an exciting day out this autumn . For £ 60 per person , visitors can enjoy their Tea and Tour Experience , celebrating everything quintessentially British with a tutored tasting of five wines followed by a traditional afternoon tea . Chapel Down offers a range of tours , wine tastings , lunches and overnight stays , so head to their website for more information .
Harvest time is a celebration that reminds us to reflect on the food we eat and give thanks to our community , but most importantly to enjoy what the changing seasons have to offer . Bringing welldeserved recognition to the hard work and commitment of our local farmers , brewers and winemakers , harvest is a time to praise the passion and expertise of everyone involved in curating our favourite products - from field to table . One of the best ways to
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