Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent

The GuardianSep 12

Kent is having a champagne moment: ‘English wine has gone from a joke to world-class’

French champagne house Taittinger is helping produce a premium fizz in the Garden of England – and now visitors can visit the beautiful winery and sample it The grapes are turning purple on tall green vines, which stretch down towards the distant flint-and-limestone tower of Chilham church. These rows of Pinot Meunier, destined for English sparkling wine, are 51% owned by French champagne house…

Five miles from the vineyard at Biddenden.

22 things in this story

Domaine EvremondSightFrench champagne house Taittinger is helping produce premium fizz.
Domaine Evremond vineyardSightOpened visitor centre in 2023 with first wine launch.
Vines in a Cold ClimatePlaceBook charts rise of English wine from joke to world-class.
Domaine Evremond’s Edition IPlaceChilled bottle of creamy, citrussy fizz sampled with a view.
Drinking CulturePlaceSubstack by drinks writer Henry Jeffreys.
Domaine Evremond’s cellarsSightUK’s first subterranean winery, 25 metres deep.
Wine Garden of EnglandPlaceCollaboration of Kent vineyards founded by Domaine Evremond.
Kentish Wine WayPlaceNew tourism initiative encouraging visits to wine region.
Balfour WinerySightProduced first English wine to win gold at International Wine Challenge.
Cellar DoorDeliPick up a map here to wander around Balfour Winery.
Sissinghurst Castle GardenGardenFive miles from the vineyard at Biddenden.
Biddenden VineyardsSightOldest vineyard in Kent, started by apple growers in 1969.
Simpsons’ Wine EstateSightBookable tastings on a glass-walled mezzanine floor.
WestwellSightKnown for experimental approaches like wild yeasts and Pet Nats.
Elsewhere
Chilham churchPlace of worshipChilham, United KingdomFlint-and-limestone tower visible from vineyard.
St Mary’sSightChilham, United KingdomFlint-walled church with memorials and old school table.
Chilham CastleSightChilham, United KingdomJacobean castle with gardens landscaped by Capability Brown.
River StourSightChilham, United KingdomEvening stroll by the river with view of Chilham Mill.
Chilham MillSightChilham, United KingdomWeatherboarded mill framed by willowherb and elderberries.
Woolpack InnPubChilham, United KingdomSuites and bedrooms named after Kentish vineyards.
Chapel DownSightTenterden, United KingdomEngland's largest wine producer, offers tours and tastings.
Perry WoodSightChilham, United Kingdom

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Sissinghurst Castle Garden

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Kent is having a champagne moment: ‘English wine has gone from a joke to world-class’