Looking for a new way to visit the Wine Garden of England? We've put together our favourite experiences from the estates that offer a unique and interesting way to taste and learn about English wine. From Art to walking tours, to an immersive day learning from the winemakers themselves, there's always an exciting experience to be had in the Wine Garden of England.
Art & Wine Tour at Balfour Winery
If you’ve visited the Balfour Winery before, no doubt you’ll have seen the fascinating artwork that decorates the tasting room. Discover the beautiful relationship between art and wine on their newly curated Art & Wine Tour. Find out how inspiration comes from the spectacular pieces of art that surrounds them, learn the stories behind some of their magnificent pieces, all whilst enjoying a glass of their Balfour Brut Rosé. Your tour will be followed by a tutored tasting of their stunning wines, Jake’s beers or ciders.
When? Wednesday afternoons at 5pm.
Price: £35.00 pp
Sunset Tours at Simpsons' Wine Estate
See the stunning Simpsons’ estate at sunset on these special events in partnership with Macknade Fine Foods – the South East’s leading food hall. As the sun begins to set on the vineyard, you will start your evening with a guided stroll to their iconic Roman Road Vineyard, where you can learn about the grapes and how they are harvested, all whilst enjoying a glass of one of their sumptuous sparkling wines. Head back to their state-of-the-art winery where they will host a tasting of their latest releases. Complete your evening with a delectable platter of locally-sourced cheese and charcuterie paired perfectly with their wines.
When? Selected Friday evenings at 7pm
Price: £35.00 pp
Meet the Winemaker at Biddenden Vineyards
Discover the charms of Kent’s original vineyard with their “Meet the Winemaker” experience. With 3 generations of winemaking expertise what better way to explore the vineyard and learn about how they produce their award-winning wines. These exclusive tours offer an in depth, personalised experience with the opportunity to get to grips and ask your questions directly to the winemaker. Let the Barnes family share their knowledge and passion as they take you on a journey around their 24-acre vineyard, learn about the different grape varieties they grow, the soils, the climate and what goes on in the day in the life of a winemaker.
When? Throughout the summer months, Monday to Thursday. Minimum group of 10 people. Private bookings only. To book this experience please visit the Biddenden Vineyard website.
Price: £50.00 pp
Walking with Wine Tour at Chapel Down Winery
Chapel Down have created a new and unique way to experience and learn about their wines. Join them for an interactive walking wine tour of their vineyards and taste the wines amongst the vines. This tour offers guests to an exclusive tasting of the base wines that will make up their world-renown sparkling wines, guests will also be able to take home their bespoke branded Chapel Down tasting glass.
When? Monday to Friday at various times.
Price: £35.00pp
Summer Evening Tours with Cheese at Gusbourne
Throughout the warmer months, make the most of the beautiful summer evenings at Gusbourne with their special evening tours and tastings. Starting at 6pm, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the vines whilst enjoying a glass of their stunning Brut Reserve. Your tour of the vineyard will end in the Nest for an exclusive tutored tasting, accompanied by the finest local cheeses, it's a perfect setting for watching the sun begin to set on the vines.
When? Fridays evenings May – October at 6pm.
Price: £40.00 pp
A taste of Squerryes at Squerryes Winery
Enjoy a tour of the wonderful vineyard at Squerryes where you will learn about the 300 year old estate, the fascinating history of the spirit of their house, and the story of how a disagreement with a French Champagne House led to the Warde family planting vines of the North Downs. After walking the vines there will be a tutored tasting of three sparkling wines in their private Cork Room, learn about the winemaking and how time and terroir have influenced the flavour and style of each of the vintage wines.
When? Fridays 2pm - Saturdays 11am and 2pm - Sundays 11am
Price: £28.50 pp
Book your experiences here!