Welcome to the world of Kentish wine, where world-class vineyards produce exceptional bottles, generously poured and teeming with flavour. The county’s award-winning vineyards showcase the very best of the county’s rich and ever-evolving viticultural heritage. From historic estates keeping tradition alive to modern ventures shaping the future of English wine, each and every vineyard showcases why Kent has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the UK’s premier wine destinations.

Simpsons Wine Estate @ Thomas Alexander Photography

A Sparkling Heritage

It is hard to believe that Kent’s first commercial vineyard started just 57 years ago. In a county celebrating thousands of years of history, its thriving wine industry is remarkably young. Yet in little more than half a century, viticulture has flourished, with vineyards taking root across every corner of the Garden of England. 

Today, Kent is home to more than 50 commercial vineyards alongside a wealth of private estates. It is estimated that as many as 120 vineyards are now spread across the county; this makes up roughly 26% of Great Britain’s total vineyard acreage, highlighting just how rapidly the world of viticulture has and continues to flourish in Kent.

The interesting thing is that Kent’s success as a wine-producing region is no coincidence. Evidence of vineyards dates back to the medieval period, with records from the early 14th century in Chartham, where monks once cultivated the land. It’s no surprise that they most likely enjoyed a little Kentish wine as part of their daily ration (who wouldn’t?).

However, much of Kent’s success lies beneath the surface, with the county’s chalk-rich soils providing excellent drainage and a relatively mild climate allowing vines to establish deep root systems. Together, these conditions produce healthy, resilient vines capable of withstanding the increasingly frequent periods of dry weather – including, rather pointedly, 2026.

From still wines to award-winning sparkling vintages, Kent’s not-so-humble beverage is now produced in roughly a few thousand to a few million bottles every year – and with the great grape harvest underway, a wealth of oenophiles, connoisseurs and curious visitors begin to emerge, all eager to have their taste of Kentish wine, one glass at a time.

The Deeper Roots of Kentish Wine

Biddenden Vineyard

Every vineyard begins with a simple cutting. Over time, that cutting becomes a vine and its fruit is transformed into a bottle of wine. Yet, behind every bottle lie years of dedication, and while Kent’s winemakers can carefully tend their vines, the weather and the land itself ultimately shape the outcome of each harvest. Still, it’s no secret that the county’s chalk-rich soils have ensured that some of Kent’s oldest vineyards thrive decade after decade and this year is no exception. So, where better to begin our vineyard discovery than with some of the county’s deepest roots?

At the heart of Kent’s commercial viticulture is Biddenden Vineyard, with the deepest roots in the county. Since 1969, the Barnes family has carefully cultivated its rolling rows of vines, celebrating its inaugural bottle in 1972. Today, those humble beginnings have blossomed into more than 80,000 bottles each year!

Now overseen by the second and third generations of the Barnes family, with tradition kept close at hand, the majority of the vineyard’s work is still carried out manually, with the harvest typically running from mid-September through to November. Guests can explore the heavy clusters of ripe grapes for themselves on Self-Guided Tours (£15pp) and Open Guided Tours (from £30pp), which also offer a unique opportunity to witness Biddenden’s annual harvest in full swing, with tanks overflowing with freshly picked red and white grapes ready for pressing.

“2026 has already been a standout year weather wise for Biddenden; there’s still time to come and see us as we start the harvest – a great opportunity to see behind the scenes of Kent’s oldest vineyard as we get stuck into the harvest season” 

  Tom Barnes, Biddenden Vineyard

Chapel Down

Almost a decade later, Chapel Down planted its first vines in 1977 at Small Hythe near Tenterden and has since grown into England’s leading wine producer. Renowned for its award-winning sparkling and still wines, the estate cultivates classic grape varieties including chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot meunier and bacchus vines under the careful hands of its expert winemaking team. 

Chapel Down’s reputation precedes them this year, having won the Classic Cuvée Trophy & Best SWGB Wine at the WineGB Awards 2026 for their Grand Reserve 2019, which boasts a layered flavour profile with notes of fresh red berries and green apple, underpinned by lively acidity.

Harvest is one of the best times to visit Chapel Down, with the rumble of tractors weaving through thick rows of vines, hauling the harvested grapes to the winery for pressing. Visitors can experience the excitement first-hand on a two-hour Guided Tour and Tasting (£30pp), which includes a tutored tasting experience of five estate-grown wines. For a more indulgent visit, the Wine and Dine Experience (£120pp) pairs a seasonal three-course meal at The Swan with two glasses of Chapel Down’s crisp still wine, known for its delicious citrussy undertones.

Balfour Winery

Just seven miles to the north, Balfour Winery offers another exceptional stop on Kent’s wine discovery. Set within the Hush Heath Estate near Staplehurst, the estate laid its first roots in 2002 and has since earned a reputation as ‘England’s Best Vineyard to Visit’ from Visit England. Rightfully so – with 400 acres of pastoral richness interlaced with Kent’s deciduous woodland and manicured vines, the estate’s charming atmosphere injects Kent’s natural landscape into each and every bottle.

One of this year’s standout accolades went to Balfour’s Liberty’s Bacchus 2025, which was crowned Best Still White at the WineGB Awards 2026; each sip bursts with vibrant citrus aromas and a balanced minerality. 

Visitors can experience the estate at its liveliest during the Harvest Celebration (£45pp), held on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September. The weekend is welcomed with bubbling glasses of sparkling wine to be savoured before setting out on vineyard tours, guided tasting and a showcase of Balfour’s award-winning still and sparkling vintages. While the evening unfolds, wood-fired pizzas and a sizzling barbecue will be paired with live music to celebrate this year’s grape harvest in style.

Did you know? Balfour Winery’s flagship Balfour Brut Rosé was the first-ever English wine to win a gold medal and trophy at the International Wine Challenge in 2007.

Gusbourne Estate

Perfectly boutique and nestled in Appledore just outside Ashford, Gusbourne Estate has more than a touch of cultivated excellence. Since planting its first vines in 2004, the estate has focused on growing smaller volumes of intensely flavourful fruit. Benefitting from Kent’s distinctive microclimate, where sandy loams and clay soils retain warmth, the vineyard consistently produces exceptional grapes, making it easy to see why Gusbourne has become England’s most highly awarded sparkling wine producer in the UK.

The estate’s Classic Vineyard Tour and Tasting (£50pp) begins with a guided walk through the vine-lined rows laden with heavy clusters of ripening fruit before concluding with a tutored tasting of four classic sparkling wines. Expect everything from the crisp, mineral character of the Blanc de Blancs to the plush, bold fruit palete of the Blanc de Noirs in Gusbourne’s acclaimed sparkling wines.

There are vineyards in Kent where history is woven into every bottle and at Squerryes, those stories remain very much alive. For nearly three generations, the Warde family has lived at Squerryes Court in Westerham and in 2004, the Champagne house Duval-Leroy visited the estate in search of England’s chalk-rich soil. Inspired by the potential of the land, the Warde family decided to plant their own vines, starting a new chapter for the centuries-old estate.

Today, Squerryes’ award-winning vintage sparkling wine is recognised among the world’s finest, including their newest, Patience 2014, which was released July 2026. This ultra-premium sparkling wine has been ageing for 11 years, with flavours of fresh lemon, floral notes and a notable chalk intensity.

Did you know? Squerryes is one of the last vineyards in Europe to harvest its fruit, reaching prime ripeness; the flavour is unlike any other.

Squerryes

Subtle intervention is at the heart of Westwell Wines. Running since 2008, the family-run estate is pioneering a new age of low-intervention wine, with wild fermentation and minimal chemical additions. Every single ferment has a distinct taste and at its heart? Westwell’s winemaker Adrian Pike who has refined his craft, earning a rightful reputation as one of England’s most exciting and innovative winemakers.

Adrian’s wife Galia Pike is equally involved, creating ultra-detailed illustrations for the wine bottles on-site in their cellar door. Creativity and thought are poured into every inch of the process, from organically grown grapes to the decorative labels and the warm, welcoming environment. This year, Westwell’s dedication has not gone unnoticed at the WineGB Awards 2026, where the vineyard was named Best Small Cellar Door, a fitting testament to their continued authenticity and hands-on approach.

For something a little more daring, join the estate on Saturday 5 September, for an afternoon of Sabrage Olympics at Westwell (from £20pp). Expect a touch of friendly competition as The Society of Silver Swords showcases the art of opening sparkling bottles with a single sweep of one seriously sharp sword.

Westwell Wines

Established in 2009, Woodchurch Wine Estate and Brenley Wine continue to cause quite the stir. At Brenley Wine, a new tradition of quality grapes is being cultivated, with bacchus, chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier among the vineyards. A Guided Tour & Wine Tasting (£25pp) invites visitors to wander through rows of vines bordered by ripened fruit trees and from certain points, you can witness far-stretching views across Faversham and beyond.

Woodchurch Wine Estate, meanwhile, invites visitors to stay a little longer. Its on-site restaurant is reason enough to visit, serving estate-grown wines by the glass or bottle alongside generous charcuterie boards piled high with cured meats, olives and other local produce, making the perfect evening to soak up the last of the September sun.

Over three years later in 2012, another chapter began. Nestled in the Elham Valley, Simpsons’ Wine Estate started with just 10 hectares and has now grown into an estate rich in award-winning chardonnay, pinot meunier and most notably, their still pinot noir. 

Among the standout wines is the Rabbit Hole Pinot Noir 2024, which was crowned Best Still Pinot Noir at the WineGB Awards 2026. The wine captures the estate’s distinctive chalk soils, delivering fruity notes and a delicate spice.

To experience the estate for yourself, join one of the Wine Tasting Experiences (£25pp) running from Friday 4 to Wednesday 30 September. Taking you through the estate’s award-winning still and sparkling wines, sip and savour each glass in the picturesque Glass House Tasting Room while overlooking the sweeping bends of vines sprawled across the estate.

Did you know? A portion of Simpsons’ Wine Estate is known as their Roman Road Vineyard, aptly named as the rows are situated alongside the route the Romans first marched when invading England in AD 43.

Simpsons Wine Estate

Another standout vineyard this year is Brabourne Vineyard. Established in 2014 by Paul and Hester Fenwick, the boutique vineyard spans just two acres but has steadily moved through the ranks, yielding bountiful harvests of pinot noir, chardonnay and still rosé. Carefully cultivated by hand, every bottle reflects the couple’s meticulous attention to detail, while every sip is teeming with Kentish charm.

“The weather of 2026 has been great for the Brabourne vines and grapes. Along with lots of visitors for tours and tastings, we’ve also been busy with events: afternoon tea, wellness evenings, Sip & Sketch and cocktail making, and we’re looking forward to our open vineyard in September with pizza and jazz too!”

Hester Fenwick, Brabourne Vineyard

Brabourne Wine

Bringing the first chapter of Kent’s wine story to a close is Domaine Evremond, an estate born not from centuries of history, but from the shared dream between two friends, Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger and Patrick McGrath. The dream? To create the highest-quality English sparkling wine in the UK. 

This vision became reality in 2015, with over 125 hectares of land and 60 hectares planted to vine. To see it for yourself, wander through the vineyard’s gentle south- and west-facing slopes on the Classic Cuvée Tasting and Domaine Tour (£60pp) before stepping inside the state-of-the-art winery, where the estate’s wine is housed in cool chalk cellars. Finish the evening among the vines with a glass of Domaine Evremond’s non-vintage Classic Cuvée, every sip has notes of orchard fruits, and a smooth, creamy finish.

The Next Generation of Vines

Yotes Court Vineyard

Continuing Kent’s viticultural legacy, the next generation of estates is putting down roots alongside the county’s established vineyards. Planted within the last decade, these emerging producers are already adding to Kent’s award-winning wine scene, with notable triumphs in the Independent English Wine Awards 2026; these estates are promising a sparkling future.

Flying the flag for Kent’s newest generation of vineyards is Yotes Court Vineyard. First established in 2016, Yotes Court is hosting a selection of events this September starting with The Veraison Party (£25pp) taking place on Saturday 5 September; the party will celebrate the estate’s grapes’ change in colour, marking the shift from hard green growth to sweet fruit – a special moment known as ‘veraison’. Begin the annual celebration with a welcome glass of Yotes Court sparkling wine followed by live music; you’re invited to bring your own picnic for a memorable evening under the Kentish sky.

Did you know? Master of Wine Stephen Skelton hailed Yotes Court the best site he had planted in 45 years, deeming it an ideal location for vines with a frost-free and sheltered setting.

Silverhand Estate

Established around the same time, Wayfarer Wines is a thriving family-run vineyard specialising exclusively in still wines. Throughout September, Boys Hall is offering the chance to stay, sip and explore with Wayfarer Wines on the Vineyard Escape (from £232pp). A Sunday to Thursday package, enjoy an overnight stay in one of Boys Hall’s characterful rooms, each fitted with plush double beds and a complimentary bottle of Wayfarer Wine waiting to be enjoyed through the evening.

The experience is completed with a Wayfarer Wines Vineyard Tour & Tasting the next day, starting with a scenic stroll through the grounds; walking alongside the founders, you will learn about the estate’s small-batch winemaking firsthand and have a taste for yourself.

Setting the standard for the new generation, Silverhand Estate is a hidden gem based in Luddesdown, blending Kent’s natural beauty with award-winning English sparkling wine. The estate has established the largest single organic vineyard in the UK. Having begun in 2018, here, 900 acres incorporate organic farming methods and among the rows you’ll find Jacob and Romney Marsh sheep grazing between the vines, which act as Silverhand’s natural lawnmowers.

For an elevated experience, the estate offers Vineyard Safaris (£100pp); a private two-hour experience, you will have the opportunity to see the impressive scale of the estate from a vintage Land Rover, driving between the luscious vines and seeing the ripening grapes up close as the safari takes you from Luddesdown through to Upper Bush. Pitstops along the way will include wildlife towers and viewpoints, where an elevated view sees the rows of vines merge  into a blanket of green velvet.

Did you know? Silverhand Estate gets its name from King Lud, an ancient ruler said to have lost a hand in battle and had it replaced with a working silver hand. 

Nine Oaks

Established two years later in 2020, Nine Oaks is setting the standard for family-run estates that produce a new wave of exceptional wines. Nine Oaks works in small batches, cultivating traditional methods such as ageing their wine in underground clay, an ancient process known as Qvevri. This year, their hard work has paid off and they’ve received a Silver medal at the Independent English Wine Awards 2026 for their Nine Oaks RosOrange 2025, which has the rich body of an orange wine but the fresh delicacy of a rosé. 

Join one of Nine Oaks’s Guided Tasting Tours (£20pp) and learn about how a wine like the RosOragne 2025 was grown through the estate’s traditional practices, with a structured tasting of at least three estate-grown still and sparkling wines.

“Running an annual English wine competition, it’s incredible to see just how consistently Kent delivers. The county produces outstanding sparkling wines, from increasingly household names, but it’s the confidence and diversity of its still wines, and the tranche of smaller indie-minded innovator producers that really surprise and impress us now too. Kent is perhaps the best example of the quality, diversity and innovation that drive English wine forward.”

Alex Taylor, Founder, Independent English Wine Awards (The IEWA)

Some of the youngest vineyards continue to take Kent by storm and one in particular is Penn Oast Vineyard. Nestled in the quiet village of Hollingbourne, Gavin and Julia Davis began laying their roots in 2022, transforming the land from a once thriving hop farm into an eight-acre vineyard. Nurtured by nature, the vineyard is interlaced with wildlife; on your visit, you may see a wild hare grazing between the rows or a buzzard soaring high above.

This year, Penn Oast Vineyard has won not just one but three silver medals at the Independent English Wine Awards 2026 for their Bacchus 2025, Classic Cuvée 2024 and Hare’s Embrace Rosé 2025, setting a new standard for the next generation of vineyards.

“This summer we have seen huge growth in our vineyard open days and it’s been wonderful to welcome so many people for a visit. Work will continue among the vines over the autumn months, although sadly we will not harvest this year due to frost damage in May. We will continue to attend local farmers’ markets though and are very excited to be returning to Broadstairs Food Festival in October where we’ll be showcasing our award-winning wines.” 

Julia Davis, Penn Oast Vineyard

Wildshark Vineyard

Delivering excellent promise this year is Wildshark Vineyard, another thriving addition to Kent’s viticulture scene that was founded in 2024. The vineyard will celebrate its annual harvest with the Wildshark Harvest Festival (£49.50pp), taking place on Saturday 26 September. 

Celebrating all things harvest, you’ll receive a tasting card offering complimentary samples of three of the vineyard’s still and sparkling wines alongside live music and a selection of food. Feast on wood-fired pizza and fresh oysters from The Oyster Buoys, perfectly paired with a glass of Wildshark’s Supernova Brut, whose crisp, vibrant character and mineral undertones make an ideal match for the salty freshness of the shellfish.

Did you know? Wildshark Vineyard is aptly named for paying homage to the sea creatures that once swam through the North Downs during the cretaceous period when the landscape was once a thriving seabed.