FOOD + DRINK
WINE TOUR EXPERIENCES AT
GUSBOURNE ESTATE
WITH SPRING IN FULL BLOOM, BLUE SKIES FINALLY BREAKING THROUGH AND THE LONG- AWAITED SWITCH FROM WINTER COATS TO LIGHTER LAYERS, THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A TEAM TRIP TO GUSBOURNE ESTATE, ONE OF KENT’ S LEADING VINEYARDS, FELT PERFECTLY TIMED. BY SOPHIE SHORTER
As a self-confessed beginner in the world of wine, being invited along to experience a guided tasting of award-winning tipples was something I was, of course, more than willing to step up to. Wines, sunshine and stunning views- a paradise in itself, some may say, and not a bad way to spend a spring morning.
As vast tanks and wide stretches of vines came into view, we were greeted by our fantastic host Paul- tour guide and wine connoisseur for the day- who was effortlessly inspiring and more than happy to ensure our glasses were never empty for long.
We started with the Nest Selection, named after Gusbourne’ s award-winning cellar door and tasting room. Fresh, citrus-led and light, it brings together their three powerhouse grapes- chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier- into something crisp, easy to drink and a great introduction to the day ahead.
Then it was on to the vineyard tour. Paul walked us through the story of Gusbourne, transporting us back to 1410 when John de Gooseburn first arrived in Kent, drawn to its unique microclimate, now known as one of the driest areas in the British Isles. Fast forward to 2006, with the planting of Boot Hill, and the estate as we know it today began to take shape, with the family’ s goose emblem still standing as an honour to its rich history.
With the last drops remaining in our glasses, we were taken out to the vines, just weeks away from budding and beginning the 2026 growing season. There was something distinctly exciting about seeing the vineyard at this stage- not quite in full bloom, but full of potential. Hearing how the team protects the vines throughout winter, learning that Appledore was once a coastal town, which explains the salt-rich soils, and spotting the roses used to mark different grape varieties, I found myself completely drawn into the process and level of care behind every bottle.
Just as the glasses ran dry and curiosity peaked, Paul surprised us with a glass of the 2023 Chardonnay Guinevere, a little sharper with more depth and a subtle toasted edge- slightly unexpected but one that quickly grew on me, and not one I was in any rush to finish.
With that, we made our way back to The Nest for a three-course tasting menu, paired, of course, with even more wine. Whether it was the sunshine or the steady flow of Gusbourne’ s glorious wines, I found
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