Welcome to the Wine Garden of England!

PUBLISHED: 11:51 23 October 2019 | UPDATED: 11:51 23 October 2019

Photo credit: Charlie Clift

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England is one of the most dynamic and exciting wine regions in the world, with Kent boasting the most favourable climate for viticulture in the country and terroir that is second to none. Well-renowned for producing fruit of the highest quality, Kent is home to some of the world's most exciting winemakers and a mass of stunning English vineyards. Kent's vines are beautiful, abundant and easily accessible with some of the best transport links in the country.

Accordingly, the Wine Garden of England Partnership was formed during the summer of 2017 by the seven leading vineyards in the county - Biddenden Vineyards, Chapel Down, Domaine Evremond, Gusbourne, Hush Heath Estate, Simpsons Wine Estate and Squerryes. Each member of the Partnership has a strong and distinctive product backed by their own unique brand. United by their passion for winemaking, high quality products and desire to welcome visitors and share their stories, the Wine Garden of England partners 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.

Kent is home to some of the country's best vineyards. Photo credit: Thomas Alexander

Discussing the 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 2016 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."

Photo credit: Sara de Biase

Meet the Producers...

You are invited to sip, share and discover the stories behind some of England's finest wines at the exclusive Wine Garden of England Festival at Rochester Cathedral, back for its second year.

The Wine Garden of England Festival, organised by the Wine Garden of England partnership, will take place on Saturday 16th November in the Cathedral's spectacular crypt - a celebration of Kent's finest wine producers today and in honour of one of the county's very first producers - Gundulf, a monk who championed viticulture at the Cathedral nearly 1,000 years ago.

The ticketed event, sponsored by Southeastern, will offer tutored tastings and talks from the wineries about their wines in sessions throughout the day. There will be two, three-hour sessions on the day, and attendees will have the chance to meet the producers themselves, hear their fascinating stories and sample up to 30 incredible Kent wines.

Speaking on behalf of the partnership, Charles Simpson of Simpsons Wine Estate said: "We are delighted to announce the second Rochester Cathedral and Wine Garden of England Wine Festival. We will once again be celebrating the unique story of Rochester Cathedral's history of wine making whilst showcasing the outstanding range of wines now being produced by Kent's Wine Garden of England Producers."

Photo credit: Manu Palomeque

There will also be the opportunity to purchase and take home a range of top still and sparkling wines from the Wine Garden of England partner vineyards. From largescale producers to boutique wineries, a diverse selection of English wine production will be represented at this exciting festival

There are two timed sessions to choose from - 11:00-14:00 or 15:00-18:00 and tickets are £35 per person.

Visit the Wine Garden of England - From established international wine businesses to boutique family-run vineyards, the range of wineries you can visit in Kent is diverse and exciting. Visitors can enjoy a huge selection of premium winery tours, sample award-winning still and sparkling wines, and wander through acres of sun-kissed vines. Wine novices and oenophiles alike will learn something new on every visit!

The Wine Garden of England Festival is taking place in November. Photo credit: Manu Palomeque

Kent's charming vineyards are set in some of the most picturesque corners of England. With some of the best transport links in the country, these vineyards are easily accessible and the Wine Garden of England looks forward to welcoming you.

For more information visit: winegardenofengland.co.uk