Seven Kent wineries: Biddenden Vineyards, Chapel Down, Domaine Evremond, Gusbourne, Hush Heath Estate, Simpsons Wine Estate and Squerryes, have joined forces to form The Wine Garden of England – a new partnership to champion and develop the county’s wine tourism offering.
The Wine Garden of England represents the diversity of top quality producers and wineries in Kent – a group of industry pioneers, many already delivering award-winning English wines around the world. The seven wineries have now collectively committed to use their combined strength to build and create a world-class wine trail and visitor experience in Kent.
United by their passion for winemaking, high quality products and desire to welcome visitors and share their stories, the producers are working alongside tourism specialists Visit Kent to make this new ‘family’ of vineyards a wine partnership unlike any other. From the game-changers who are shaping the future of English wine to stylish boutique wineries and family businesses steeped in tradition, each member of the partnership has many fascinating stories to share, and an incredible experience to offer visitors to the county.
Discussing the new partnership, Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, of Champagne Taittinger and Kent based Domaine Evremond, said: “Kent is one of the warmest and driest counties of England, and we were delighted to find some beautiful land, on chalk, near the charming village of Chilham – we planted our first vines in May last year at Domaine Evremond. We were welcomed with open arms by the other producers in the region and I am delighted that we are joining forces with six of the top Kentish wineries in the spirit of friendship, to form the Wine Garden of England and work together proactively to promote the wonderful wines of the region.”
Sandra Matthews-Marsh MBE, CEO Visit Kent adds, “We are thrilled to be working with this pioneering group of wineries to develop Kent’s wine tourism offer. Together we will further establish the county as a stunning rural escape and England’s own ‘Napa Valley’, where visitors are invited to relax and explore, tasting a huge range of stunning English wines, whilst learning the fascinating stories of these beautifully picturesque vineyards.”
The seven founding members of the Wine Garden of England, located across the county, produce award-winning ranges of sparkling, white, rosé and red wines, and are already welcoming a combined 120,000 visitors a year to their wineries.
Photo Credit: Thomas Alexander Photography
From L to R: Julian, Sally, Will and Tom Barnes (Biddenden Vineyards), Henry Warde (Squerryes), Charles and Ruth Simpson (Simpsons Wine Estate), Richard and Leslie Balfour-Lynn (Hush Heath Estate), Charlie Holland (Gusbourne), Patrick McGrath MW (Domaine Evremond), Mark Harvey (Chapel Down)