Jo
FOOD + DRINK
On The Grapevine
The vineyards seem quiet this month, with leaves and temperatures falling. In the winery, it’ s a hive of activity. Once the grapes are harvested, there’ s no time to waste. The fruit must be pressed and fermented very quickly to ensure the wine is of the highest quality. Fermentation takes a few days, and then it’ s up to the winemaker how long the new wine spends maturing. Many winemakers love this stage, because it is a chance to be creative within the winemaking process, and produce styles of wine that reflect the personality of the producer!
You can still visit vineyards during the winter months. In fact, the tasting rooms and restaurants are some of the cosiest places you’ ll find in Kent. There are two vineyards in Kent that fit the bill for a lovely winter visit.
Chapel Down( chapeldown. com) in Tenterden is the largest wine producer in the UK, with an impressive range of delicious still and sparkling wines, and vines dating back to the 70’ s- which is pretty old by UK standards! They have a well stocked shop which is great fun to browse, with a bar for tasting any wines you choose. This in itself is a lovely way to spend some time, but the main reason for your visit has to be a meal at their restaurant, the Swan Wine Kitchen. It has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes, and the food is exceptional, with a warm atmosphere to match. You could book a wine tour and tasting afterwards to make a day of it. This is available all year round, 7 days a week.
THE RADNOR ARMS LISTED IN THE GOOD FOOD GUIDE 2025
The Radnor Arms, has announced its official inclusion in the Good Food Guide 2025, securing its place among the best dining destinations in Britain after being recognised for its excellence in food, service and atmosphere.
Located in Folkestone, the Radnor Arms has been praised as‘ the kind of prototype pub every neighbourhood needs’. Its modern menu, led by head chef Niel Talan, features Southeast Asian-inspired dishes alongside elevated pub classicals.
“ Niel Talan has brought incredible skill and creativity to the kitchen and general manager Ryan Hiller leads a front-of-house team that consistently delivers warmth, professionalism and genuine hospitality,” said operations director, Jack Nimmons.“ This achievement is a direct result of their passion and hard work. They absolutely deserve this recognition.”
The Good Food Guide notably singled out the house sourdough flatbreads and Basque cheesecake as must-tries, encouraging diners to bring an appetite.
Further east is Simpsons Wine Estate( simpsonswine. com) in the picturesque village of Barham, near Canterbury. The owners are a husband and wife team, Charles and Ruth Simpson, who established their winery on the chalky slopes of the North Downs ten years ago after successfully running a French wine business in the Languedoc. They only ever intended to produce sparkling wine, but in recent years their warm microclimate has allowed them to produce excellent still wines. The success of their Rabbit Hole Pinot Noir and Roman Road Chardonnay have meant that their still wines now form 60 % of their portfolio. Visiting is by appointment, and well worth it. Their hotel chic tasting room overlooks the winery, and is the perfect place to taste through their wines. You can leave the tasting room via their Helter Skelter down into the winery. Take a look if you don’ t believe me.
If you are stuck for gift ideas, you can buy Wine Garden of England vouchers which will be valid across all of our Kent vineyards, with great discounts to be had. The bearer can use the vouchers throughout the next year. Take a look at winegardenofengland. co. uk / vouchers. So- Wine Garden of England vouchers for Christmas gifts, tick. Luxurious lunch and unforgettable wine tasting experience this month, tick.
November is looking brighter month- and try a new wine from Kent.
Cheers!
Jo
JO GINN, BRAND MANAGER WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
jo @ winegardenofengland. com winegardenofengland
144 • www. insidekent. co. uk