Glenmorangie – It’s Kind of Delicious and Wonderful

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The dining room at Glenmorangie House

Settled into the landscape, right next to the Dornoch Firth in the highlands of Scotland is something wonderful. Creating whiskies known the world over and experimenting with new delicious expressions released every year to delight us is Glenmorangie distillery. It is a well-known place, especially amongst whisky lovers, who travel from far and wide to visit the distillery and obtain special bottles only found there.

What is less known is where one can stay as you visit this beautiful cathedral to the amber nectar. Well off the beaten track is Glenmorangie House, around fifteen minutes from the distillery looking out onto the Moray Firth and the North Sea. It is a traditional, large house with white walls and small windows set in beautiful gardens at the end of a long driveway. There are many large guest houses and hotels which might look like it. However, you realise something is very different here as soon as you get out of the car. You’ll be greeted by a life size giraffe at the front door. Made of metal it is the first hint, that the interior may not reflect the exterior, and it certainly doesn’t.

Glenmorangie House

I have been to Glenmorangie house quite a few times as a whisky writer and broadcaster. My first time over ten years ago. The house then was extremely smart, reflecting a smart and yet traditional Scotland, with an interior of many shades of greens and blues and light tartans, it was stylish and comfortable. A few years ago all this changed.

The Glenmorangie Company decided they would like their house to reflect the whiskies they were creating at the distillery, rather than a Scottish idle. Out with the simple blues and greens and in with the bold. Bright oranges and golds, pinks, violets and vivid greens and electric blues now deck the walls, fabrics and furniture. Now, this might sound a little extreme, and at first like looking directly into the sun, you need to squint, but as with the sun, the lovely heat on your skin and its magnificence make you want it to stay for ever. The new interior of Glenmorangie house is quite brilliant. There is a lot of detail in the design. Each room has been names after expressions of the whisky or themes which reflect the ethos of the brand. For example, there is a bedroom called Nectar d’Or, after the whisky they create with a finish using Sauternes barrels from Sauternes in Bordeaux, France, giving a sweeter style of whisky. The colours in that room have golds and oranges, reflecting honey and the core flavour of Glenmorangie, which is oranges. But the details are wonderful. There are paper flowers in one of the vases, which seem to be made of muted colours, and it isn’t until you get close to them that you realise, they are made of maps, and then when you get closer, you’ll see that the maps are of Sauternes. There are details like this throughout the house.

Beyond the interior styling, there are other attributes the house has. The staff being the best thing. Staying at Glenmorangie House is a personal experience. Your every whim is looked after by David, the house manager and Amy, front of house, look after you very well. Making you feel comfortable, and always there when you need them, slipping away when you are chatting away to your friends or family, magically reappearing when glasses are needing to be replenished. Should however you need replenishing at any point, and they are not there, simply help yourself. The bar is always there. Magically hidden away in the bookshelves behind a door, it opens to display and array of expressions from the distillery. Including whichever annual expression is relevant. This year it was Tale of the Forest. A whisky which had the barley dried using not peat or coal, but heather, juniper and birch tree bark. Other spirits from the Möet Hennessy portfolio, should anyone not be a whisky drinker.

In the evening, once your thirst has been sated, dinner is called. There is no restaurant at Glenmorangie house. Guests dine together, which, having experienced this many times at the house is a wonderful way to spend an evening. Having made a decision to stay at the house, you’ll find those that have also made the same decision will have things in common and getting to know new people over great food and wine feels like a dinner party. More Downton Abbey than Hilton Hotel.

There are plenty of other things to do at Glenmorangie House other than drink, eat and be merry. The coast is a short and very picturesque walk away, with beaches and rocky pools. Fun games, such as archery can be organised. Falconry displays can come to the house. There is a large fire pit with seating to sit out at night and watch the stars, and sometimes, even the northern lights can be seen in the dead of night. Fireworks can be organised, and the firepit seating becomes a mini amphitheatre to watch them from, and with a hot toddy in hand, it’s a warming experience.

It's a glamorous place to stay, a place to be pampered and a place to relax. It’s bright and stylised interior is unpretentious, as is everything else about a stay at the house. It feels like a home from home. If you could imagine being a millionaire. Above all, it leaves the ordinary world behind and everything at the house is kind of delicious and wonderful.

The cathedral like still room at the Glenmorangie distillery

There are a couple of very exciting weekend breaks on offer from Glenmorangie inspired by Tale of the Forest and include all of the following:

- Two nights’ accommodation
- Afternoon Tea on arrival
- Botanical cocktail mixology session
- Falconry display
- Visits to the Glenmorangie Distillery and surrounding Scottish woodland
- Forest-inspired tapas dining on the first night with a light lunch on Saturday
- Four-course gourmet dinner with paired wines on the 2nd night
- An exclusive tasting and introduction to Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest
- Full Scottish Breakfast on both mornings
- 1pm late check out
- Exclusive bottle of Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest to take home with you 

The Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest Weekend Break is available on 27th and 28th January; 24th and 25th February; and 24th and 25th March for £1200 per room based on two guests in a Standard or Cottage Room and includes all aspects detailed above & VAT.

Upgrade to a Master Room for an additional £150.00 per room – subject to availability.

Additional nights can be booked for £200 per night based on Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

Call 01862 871671 or e-mail relax@glenmorangie.co.uk for more information or to make a booking.

The Top 10 Vineyards of 2022

World’s Best Vineyards has revealed the top wine destinations for 2022, and with more countries than ever before featured in the Top 100, the competition was intense and diverse. If you’re a wine lover looking to plan your 2023 holidays, then this is the perfect place to start…

10. Bodega Garzón

Built into the hills of Maldonado in Southern Uruguay is the ambitious Bodega Garzón winery. The first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) vineyard outside of North America, it produces 2.2 million litres of pristine wine and uses the natural climate, wind energy, gravity and much more to cause minimal disturbance to the surrounding areas. Their signature Balasto wine is incredibly elegant and expressive, but even if no wine ever made it to bottling, this place still sounds worth visiting! It’s just an hour’s drive from renowned beach resorts like Punta del Leste, it has horse-drawn carriage tours of the vineyards, hot air balloons, an 18-hole golf course, sommelier blending sessions, and presiding over everything is expert chef Francis Mallman, the ‘master of smoke’ who teaches there and finishes the lesson with a four-course wine-paired lunch! What a weekend that could be! 

Placement in 2021: 4th 
Book your experience here!

9. Catena Zapata

Behind the fascinating architecture inspired by the Mayan pyramids, the Catena Zapata winery is home to Argentina’s most famous wine family. You can undertake fascinating tours of the vineyard, which was founded way back in 1902, discovering how it pioneered the resurrection of Malbec and its usage of extreme high-altitude terroirs in the Andean foothills. You can even taste the signature Malbec from the barrel paired with tapas in guided walk throughs! The Adrianna vineyard in particular is the epitome of Argentina’s highly distinctive elevated terroirs with breath-taking wine and views to boot.

Placement in 2021: 7th
Book your experience here!

8. Quinta do Crasto

The earliest records mentioning Quinta do Crasto in the Douro region of Northern Portugal date back to 1615, and it soon became one of the finest vineyards in the world. Very little has changed in that regard, or indeed in some of the production methods. Their trademark Port is still made using foot trodden grapes, and it’s all unfiltered to maintain full character. You can stay in one of the four stunning suites, overlooking the rolling hills and lake below, and the family may very well join you for breakfast in the dining room. Did we mention there’s an infinity pool serving wine and tapas on the side? It’s the perfect blend of history and modernity and would be ideal for a relaxing luxury trip.

Placement in 2021: 16th 
Book your experience here! 

7. Robert Mondavi Winery

Robert Mondavi is a bona fide legend of American winemaking and founded this winery, described as ‘the soul of Napa Valley’, in 1966. A tasting of the famous To Kalon Reserve range including the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon is really what dreams are made of, and where better to enjoy than with views over the Mayacamas Mountains. The edible gardens that run alongside the vineyard tour are just the start of the food experience there, as you can enjoy lunch or the decadent ‘Legacy Dinner’. Mondavi’s love of wine, food and art is brought together magnificently, and that’s why this is North America’s winner in 2022. 

Placement in 2021: 40th
Book your experience here!

6. González Byass – Bodegas Tio Pepe

In Andalucía, the heart of Sherry county, sits González Byass and it has done since 1835. Now in its sixth generation of family ownership, this stunning vineyard is in one point of the acclaimed Sherry triangle - Jerez de la Frontera. Palomino vines sprouting from the chalky Albariza soil produce some of the juiciest, most flavoursome grapes on the planet. What could make all this amazing sherry even better? How about 19th century cottages transformed into the charming Hotel Bodega Tio Pepe? You get your own roof terrace with views of the cathedral, a bar (of course), a pool and a spa. Finally, and arguably the best thing is that you can tour the whole estate by miniature train! Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for the sherry-drinking mice scuttering (and possibly falling) around ;)

Placement in 2021: 9th
Book your experience here! 

5. Fürst von Metternich-Winneburg’sche Domäne Schloss Johannisberg

Riesling lovers, listen up. This stunning Neoclassical palace sits atop a hill not far from Frankfurt, and vines have grown there since a staggering 817! In 1720, it became the world’s first Riseling winery and went on to create popular grapes like Spätlese, Ausless and Eiswein. Even the barrels used here are made from the forests on the estate, and you can see all of that on the all-encompassing tour featuring ancient vaults, tasting booths, and finishing at the Schlossschänke tavern. If you time it right, there are often open-air jazz and classical concerts there too. It has to be the best place on the planet to drink Riesling without a doubt.

Placement in 2021: 34th 
Book your experience here!

4. VIK Winery

Let us introduce you to VIK Winery, a super sleek and quirky estate set against the majestic Andes in Cachapoal Valley, Chile. There’s artwork round every corner, contemporary titanium and bronze architecture, and 22 uniquely styled suites. Guests staying have 4000 hectares to explore, and if you’re thinking that sounds like a lot of walking then don’t worry, you can travel on horseback or mountain bike. There are just the three restaurants to pick from, all serving authentic Chilean cuisine and if it wasn’t enough drinking their sublime reds, you can bathe in them too! VIK is truly one of the most magical looking vineyards on this list. 

Placement in 2021: 8th 
Book your experience here!

3. Montes

We’re staying in Chile for the bronze medal and winner for South America, and that’s Montes. In the heart of the Colchagua Valley, there’s 6km of mesmerising botanic hiking trails, and they all lead back to this feng shui inspired complex. All roads lead to Montes! The same angels from the label hang throughout, eery Gregorian chanting is sung from the depths, and the fiery Fuegos de Apalta restaurant serves mouth watering dishes overlooking the Apalta hillsides for a wonderfully mystical atmosphere. 

Placement in 2021: 5th 
Book your experience here!

2. Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal

Narrowly missing out on the top spot two years running is this Riojan masterpiece. We say masterpiece because check out those twisted aluminium ribbons over the hotel! In the gorgeous Spanish sunshine, the metal gleams to reveal all the colours that show in the bottles and wine itself. This contemporary art is juxtaposed with the 19th century bodega below, containing some of the oldest Rioja in the world. You are free to explore this seminal estate by foot, bike or horse, and the medieval villages surrounding it are crying out to be explored too. Completing the experience is an expansive golf course, the luxury Caudalie Vinothérapie spa, and Michelin-starred dining led by superstar chef Francis Paniego. You’ll see this estate appearing over and over on top wine and vineyard lists, and for a first-class fine wine experience, you can’t get much better.

Placement in 2021: 2nd
Book your experience here!

1. Antinori nel Chianti Classico (Marchesi Antinori)

After all of that you must be wondering what more can a vineyard do to get top spot? Well, Antinori nel Chianti Classico in Tuscany seems to have the answers. The Antinori family have been in and around the Tuscan region since 1385, a fact that is expressed in everything the winery does. It’s beautifully built with entirely locally sourced materials overlooking the famous countryside views and vines of Chianti’s classic Sangiovese grapes, as well as a host of others that have grown historically, like Canaiolo and Mammolo. Perfect production elements are achieved through natural and environmentally aware innovations, and in fact, from a distance the building itself looks somewhat invisible! Equal to being a winery, it is a celebration of Tuscany and heritage; from the distinctive architecture to the local produce at the Rinuccio 1180 restaurant (named after the first Antinori winemaker), to the museum space hosting exhibitions. You even finish exploring the extraordinary site in a cubed glass tasting room suspended over the barrels below. What more is there to say? The World’s Best Vineyard – and that’s official. 

Placement in 2021: 6th 
Book your experience here!

For our UK readers, unfortunately, there are no vineyards that have broken into the Top 10 just yet, but they’re rising up the ranks so one day...one day. Nonetheless, there are really magical winery experiences to be had here too, so check out our Best UK Vineyard Stays! 

IT London

Words by Hannah van Houweninge

Last week we had the absolute privilege of trying out the new cocktail menu at IT London. The bar is perfectly situated in Mayfair, and a five minute walk from Green Park Station. The setting itself is beautiful, with the round bar being in the centre of the restaurant. The in-house DJ plays upbeat music creating a social vibe without disrupting your conversation.

Now onto the most important part: the drinks. The new cocktail menu is expertly curated by Mattia Lufrano who combines classic cocktails that everyone knows and loves with Mediterranean twists. Mattia’s recommendation would have to be the Milk and Cereals cocktail. This cocktail reminds him of his breakfast of choice when he was young- the star of the show being… Cheerios. Don’t let the cereal-cocktail put you off. This beautifully made drink includes Wisemen Kentucky Whiskey, hazelnut liqueur and caramel tea to make a lovely smooth drink experience. The cocktails range from £18-26. The steeper price is 100% validated by the incredible attention to detail and stunning craftsmanship. Even the ice cubes are engraved with IT’s logo. 

If you still can’t wrap your head around the cereal-concoction, perhaps try the Chocolate and Coconut Negroni. This lovely twist on my favourite cocktail order has coconut infused Whitley Neill Gin and dark chocolate liqueur. Who wouldn’t love this?

IT London is great for a special night out such as an anniversary or birthday drinks.

Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Value:⭐⭐⭐⭐

Range:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overall: 9/10

Address: 28-29, Dover St, Mayfair, London W1S 4LX

3D Recommends: Café 1001, London

Photo credit: designmynight

The sun is finally making more frequent (and very hot) appearances, which can only mean that we will be eating and drinking outside more often.

This week, we tried Cafe 1001 on the corner of Dray Walk and Brick Lane in East London located inside the Truman Brewery and loved it for its relaxed, urban vibe.

What does Café 1001 offer?

Dray Walk itself is a buzzing street filled with a variety of food trucks, independent shops and art galleries. For the next few weekends during summer, there will be different pop-up shops and record fairs as well as DJs or live music. You can sit inside if the weather takes a negative turn or alternatively, sit outside along the street (perfect for people watching if your date is late!) The bar menu is pretty standard with a selection of different wines, beers and cocktail options.

What really stood out was how well-priced all the drinks were. These days, drinsk can be so expensive in venues but here, a bottle of wine ranged from £24-38 and there was an Apérol Spritz special for 2 for £12. Perfect in the sunshine! Next door to the bar is a takeaway pizza restaurant if you are hungry, serving divine homemade sourdough pizzas between £8-15 that you can bring to your table.

Café 1001 is Ideal for:

First dates, starter drinks with friends, mid-week lunches or post work drinks.

The outdoor setting is filled with laughter and chitter-chatter of the other tables, but isn’t too loud to disrupt conversation. Cafe 1001 is even dog-friendly in case you want to bring your furry friend to break the ice! 

Ambience: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Value: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Range: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall: 8/10. We certainly plan to go again after a snoop around the shops, spoiling ourselves with an Apérol Spritz (or two)!

Address: Inside the Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL

Instagram: @cafe_1001

Shangri-La London: Staircase to the Stars

 – (n) originating from The Lost Horizon by James Hilton (1993); an imaginary paradise on earth; a faraway haven or hideaway of idyllic beauty and tranquility.

In the heart of London sits a palace in the sky, a true oriental paradise that quite frankly can be found nowhere else in Europe. Proudly situated within Europe’s tallest building, the Shangri-La is a testament to the cutting edge innovations available to us in the 21st century. The truly unique architecture of the building allows you to get the very best out of its central location but one of the most phenomenal traits lies in the very foundation of its corporate philosophy. The Shangri-La has a core focus on hiring the vast majority of its staff from within a 10-mile radius of the building, to promote local employment, quality of life and help give the area a little income boost.

Inhabiting the 34th-52nd floors of Renzo Piano’s iconic building just a short stroll from London’s bustling Borough Market, the Shangri-La Hotel, At the Shard, London offers city seekers a moment of tranquility. Vast, surrounding windows offer spectacular views of the city without the noise and craziness despite being located right in the heart of it all.

Modern and elegant, each of the 202 guestrooms and suites allows visitors to indulge in the luxury life even if only for a night. As a result of The Shard’s distinct and unique design, each room features floor-to-ceiling windows. The vast city lights blink and twinkle like fireflies sending you off into blissful slumber. The room’s atmosphere is not to be ignored. Refined material such as marble and silk are creatively merged with contemporary fashions to complement the urban landscape. Other comforting features include automatic climate control and the patented, body-contouring Shangri-La bed.

The list of offerings and services is endless. But most notably, guests are encouraged to take a culinary journey to one or all of the three offered dining venues within the Shangri-La.

The LÁNG is the hotel’s artisan deli and café found on the ground floor. Enjoy lighter breakfast, lunch, and baked good offers. That typical café feel is amplified with the lofty and relaxed space accentuated with warm wood tones and glass displays brimming all the enticingly sweet goodies.

Sitting snugly on the 35th floor a culinary sensation awaits in the form of TĪNG. The food is mouthwatering with some truly unique Asian inspired fusion dishes, paired with an exceptional wine tasting menu. If you decide to visit for dinner, watch in awe as dusk slowly covers the city, the shadow of the Shard stretching miles into the distance like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Those who are lucky enough can witness full moons laminating through the glass as you overlook one of the most glorious cities in the world in a way. Dry few are fortunate enough to see it in.

The GŎNG sits on the 52nd floor making it the highest bar in London. Incorporating traditional Chinese furnishings and color, the venue has several intimate chambers (Cocktail Bar, Champagne Bar, and the Swimming Pool). With an extraordinary backdrop of the city skyline, the GŎNG is perfect for sunset cocktails or afternoon tea.

Address:
31 St Thomas Street
London, SE1 9QU, United Kingdom

Phone:
(44 20) 7234 8000

Email:
info.slln@shangri-la.com

Shangri-La Paris

No other city in the world does luxury, elegance, and history quite like Paris and when you stay at Paris’ historical Shangri-La Hotel, you will experience luxurious royal treatment in a place that used to be home to well…royalty. With 63 rooms and 37 suites, you’ll never be too far from all of the history, culture, and mesmerizing views of the City of Lights. Home to two Michelin star restaurants, Shangri-La knows how to put on the Ritz. Built inside of the palace of French Imperial Roland Bonaparte, the hotel was originally constructed in 1896.

Shangri-La Hotels acquired the palace in 2006 and took four years to renovate. They took the time to restore all of the palace highlights to their 19th century glory while at the same time incorporating modern updates, making the transition into a luxurious 21st century hotel complete. The renovation was painstakingly put together, going as far as to remove original wood floors slat-by-slat and then putting them back together. Shangri-La Paris is perfect for a romantic getaway, a conference, banquet, or a storybook wedding.

The restaurants L’Abeille, Shang Palace, and La Bauhinia offer French, Chinese, and a blend of French and South-East Asian cuisines respectively and they are prepared to fulfill any appetite. Sitting across the Seine in front of the Eiffel Tower, nestled near the Champs-Elysees, avenue Montaigne, and world renowned museums, Shangri-La Paris is the ideal place to stay for locals and tourists alike.

If you are lucky enough to stay in the La Suite Gustave Eiffel, sitting on the sixth floor, be sure to take plenty of selfies on the balcony. Your friends will be green with envy when they see your views of the Eiffel Tower. Or if rooftop terraces are more your style, stay on the fifth floor in La Suite Chaillot, boasting 1650 square feet of amazing views and decadent lounge areas for up to 6 guests. Another suite, La Suite Shangri-La, was built with the breathtaking views in mind. Constructed with a 46-foot-long panoramic window, this suite has photo-ops galore, looking over Napoleon’s Tomb, Notre Dame, the Pantheon, and the Eiffel Tower.

The crème de la crème is without a doubt L’Appartement Prince Bonaparte, which is the largest suite in the hotel and used to be the private apartment of Prince Roland Bonaparte. In this suite, the prime example of mixing 19th and 21st century style is in the bathroom, with marble bathrooms giving way to heated floors. The suite can also connect to two other rooms for a total of 3,770 square feet and three total bedrooms. But if your luck fails and you can’t stay in one of these premiere rooms, not a problem, as 40 percent of the rooms and 60 percent of the suites in the hotel look out directly over Paris’ most well-known monument. That’s right, almost every room offers a stunning and unique view of la tour Eiffel. No matter where you stay in Shangri-La Paris, pack a crown, and be prepared to live like royalty.

Address: 10, avenue d'Iéna, Paris, 75116, France
Telephone: (+33 ) 1 5367 1998
Website

Your Wine Travel Guide to Kent

Kent is a county in southeast England known colloquially as the Garden of England thanks to its historical importance for growing cereal crops, hops and fruit. With the increase in vineyard plantings however, things are changing quickly and Kent has already become one of the leading areas for top-quality wines in the UK. Below, we discuss why this is, give you the big names to look out for and suggest what else you can do while you’re there...

Despite evidence dating back to Roman times showing that winemaking practices have been common in England for over 2000 years, the buzz surrounding the exciting rise of English wine is actually pretty recent. The big success story here is sparkling wine made in the traditional method (now officially known over here as the ‘classic method’), with ‘new’ grape varieties i.e. Chardonnay. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier; the grape varieties famous for making the great sparkling wines of Champagne. Before this practice took off, Kent and the rest of England were working more with still wines made with the aromatic, Germanic varieties that did better in the cold, such as Madeleine Angevine, Rondo and Bacchus. 

Why is Kent wine doing so well?

So why the new grapes and the success with wine in Kent particularly? Fruit growing temperatures and conditions in Kent have always been excellent and the soils, particularly those under the North Downs in the north of the county, share the same chalk ridges as the famous region of Champagne in France. This discovery led to trialing out the Champagne grapes mentioned above and to great success. Climate change has also meant that in the right conditions, grapes are able to ripen just that little bit more than they used to, which makes all the difference for wine production. Add to this the modern techniques by winemakers who have travelled the world and improved disease control and you have a recipe for success - so much so that we are even seeing famous Champagne houses snapping up land, such as Domaine Evremond, owned by the Taittinger family, who have planted vines down in Faversham. 

There are now over fifty wineries in Kent alone and the area is quickly becoming a real destination for fine wine production and gastro tourism, the latter helped by the picture perfect villages, cottages, landscapes and oasthouses of the county. If you’ve seen the film ‘The Holiday’, you’ll know exactly what we mean. A group of these wineries have also got together to support each other and boost the reputation of Kent wine under the title ‘Wine Garden of England’. These are Biddenden, Gusbourne, Balfour at Hush Heath Estate, Chapel Down, Domaine Evremond, Simpsons and Squerryes. 

Beer and Spirits

Drinks lovers will also note that Kent also has a strong association with growing hops for beer and we can still see some of these oast houses dotted around the county, though they are more often used as posh housing nowadays. Distilleries are also popping up, with some offering some fantastic experience for visitors, such as Copper Rivet over in Chatham that offers distillery tours and tastings and also has a new cocktail bar and fine dining restaurant on site. 

Notable wineries of Kent

Of the fifty or so wineries dotted around the county, there are several that stand out. While these names will change over time with new ones being added regularly, these are the need-to-know producers currently making a splash and well worth a visit:

• Gusbourne

• Balfour at Hush Heath

• Simpsons

• Biddenden

• Woodchurch

• Herbert Hall

• Squerryes

• Chapel Down

• Mereworth

• Look out for Domaine Evremond too; the Taittinger family project, recently planted.

Gusbourne

Location: Appledore, Kent

Gusbourne and its head winemaker Charlie Holland have been turning heads all over the vinous world as their vintage sparkling wines gather inordinate amounts of awards. Even their first releases in 2006 (Gusbourne Brut Reserve and Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs), which were released in 2010, commanded attention immediately. Since then, the English wine world has watched in awe as the team crafts the vintages every year, adding new cuvées and styles to their repertoire. The winery now produces several white and rosé sparkling wines as well as an impressive range of still wines, each with their own personality. This is a real, fine wine producer of Kent.

On Site Experiences

Tastings & Tours
Guided and self guided tours with wine tastings are available from £25 pp.

Food

While there is no restaurant or café at Gusbourne per se, picnics are available to buy and consume overlooking the stunning Boot Hill vineyard at the top of the estate. You can however, also pre book an extended tour and tasting which includes a 3 course lunch for £95pp or for something less formal, try the discovery tour, which involves a tasting and a casual lunch for £75 pp. Locals say to try the Ferry Inn in Oxney or The Woolpack Inn in Warehorne for great pub grub if the tasting lunches don’t work for you. Also, make sure you pay a visit to Miss Mollett's High Class Tea Rooms in Appledore if you’re staying there. 

Accommodation

None on site but there are several very pretty Air BnBs down the road in Appledore, about 30 mins walk away through the vines.

Kiddie friendly: No. 
Dog friendly: Yes outside, or possibly inside if clean and very well behaved. 

Address: Kenardington Rd, Appledore, Ashford TN26 2BE
Tel: +44 (0)1233 758666
Website

Balfour at Hush Heath Estate 

Location: Near Stapleford, Kent

The 16th century Hush Heath manor is the home to Richard and Leslie Balfour-Lynn who acquired the 400 acre estate that surrounds it in 2001 after it came up unexpectedly in an auction. The couple had the foresight to plant grape vines alongside some of the apple trees and now, twenty years later, they are producing award-winning sparkling and still wines alongside their beers and high class ciders that are made just like their fizz. With their new terrace called ‘The View’ and its sweeping views across the estate, it’s a lovely spot for a tasting with a sharing platter. 

On Site Experiences

Tastings & Tours

At Hush Heath, you can do simple guided and self-guided walks around the estate culminating in a tasting or you can upgrade the offering to include sharing platters at The View. They offer several types of other experiences, including self-tutored tastings, masterclasses, wine and dine experiences and corporate and private events where they pick you up from the station!

Food

There’s no restaurant or café at Hush Heath as such, but sharing platters of cold cuts, cheeses and other local products are available on the day.  

Accommodation

The Balfour family own several gastro pubs with rooms in the area (and elsewhere), the closest of which is the Goudhurst Inn five minutes drive away. They also own the Tickled Trout in Farleigh, the Woolpack on Tenterden high street, the Ship Inn in Rye and The Windmill in Hollingbourne, all a bit further away. 

Kiddie Friendly: Yes on the terrace and in The View. Under 10’s are not permitted on the winery tour.

Address: Hush Heath Estate, Five Oak Ln, Staplehurst, Tonbridge TN12 0HT
Tel: +44 (0)1622 832794
Website

Simpsons English Wine Estate

Location: Canterbury

Run by veteran winemaking couple Charles and Ruth Simpson, this estate is tucked away on the chalky slopes of the North Downs, sheltered from the weather by stunning English woodland. A relative newcomer on the English winemaking scene, Simpson’s first wine releases of traditional method sparkling wines in their sleek, dark packaging impressed from the off and they’ve gone on to produce some serious still wines too from the same Champagne grapes, including one that’s, unusually, made from 100% Pinot Meunier. 

On Site Experiences

Tastings & Tours

Simpsons offer weekday and weekend tours and tastings as well as sought-after, Friday Sunset Sessions with food platter.

Food

No restaurant or café, but platters are available on the Friday sunset sessions. 

Address: The Barns, Church Lane, Barham, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6PB
Tel: +44 (0) 1227 832200
Website

Biddenden Vineyards

Location: Biddenden

Biddenden is Kent’s original vineyard, dating back to 1969 when the first vines were planted on the Barnes family’s orchard farm. Unlike many of the other new wineries in Kent, Biddenden doesn’t just focus on the three Champagne grapes for its wine but celebrates eleven different grape varieties, including what we could now call the ‘heritage’ English grapes such as Bacchus, Ortega and Huxelrebe. A true location for quintessentially Kentish produce, Biddenden also produces cider, juices and sells a range of local produce. If you want to know Kentish wine, you should start here. 

On Site Experiences

Tastings & Tours

Self guided tours and wine tastings are available 7 days a week and group bookings for up to six people are available Weds-Sat. 

Shop

As well as wine, cider, beer and gin, Biddenden has a shop that stocks a wide range of local and regional products and snacks, such as cheese, meats and condiments from independent and artisan producers.

Address: Biddenden Vineyards, Gribble Bridge Lane, Biddenden, Kent. TN27 8DF.
Tel: +44 (0)1580 291726
Website

Woodchurch

Location: Woodchurch

Woodchurch is a relatively new, family-owned winery located on the edge of the picturesque village of Woodchurch in Kent, overlooking the ancient Romney marsh down to the English channel. Established in 2009, their vision is to create some of the world’s finest sparkling wines with a hand-made approach in their state-of-the-art winery and minimal intervention.

On Site Experiences

The cellar door shop and new terrace bar are now open again and they serve wines by the glass with some free tastings. There’s no need to book ahead for this. 

Tastings & Tours

Guided tours with four wines are available for £20 per person, lasting about an hour and a half.

Food

Cheese and Charcuterie boards are available too, 11am - 4pm but it’s wise to pre-order. 

Address: Susan's Hill, Woodchurch, Ashford TN26 3RE
Tel: 01233 860276
Website

Herbert Hall

Location: Marden Tonbridge

Herbert Hall is the name of a colourful character who was also a tenant farmer who arrived in the village of Marden at the end of the 19th century and worked on the ten-acre site to the west of the village. On the estate, he grew hops, apples, pears and plums and his farm has remained in the Hall family for three generations. It was in 2007 however that his great grandson, the now winemaker Nicholas Hall, chose Herbert’s original site to plant a vineyard with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. Today, with fellow winemaker Kirsty Smith, he now produces vintage, English Sparkling Wines with a focus on organic viticulture and meticulous fruit selection.

On Site Experiences

Tastings, Tours & Food

The Herbert Hall bar is open on Saturdays 12pm-8pm and Sundays 12-6pm during the summer, but is currently weather dependent. The bar also serves beers, cider and soft drinks, as well as still wines, their own sparkling wines, and charcuterie and cheeses.

Address: Poultry Farm, Plain Rd, Marden, Tonbridge TN12 9LS
Website

Squerryes

Location: Westerham, Kent

The Warde family motto, which can be seen above the door at Squerryes Court, reads ’Licet Esse Beatis’, which means: ‘it’s permitted to be joyful’ and this is a place that embodies that perfectly. Located just outside Westerham at the foot of the North Downs, the family have lived here for eight generations over 300 years, with Sir Patience Warde one of the first generation, trading wool from the Estate with the French for red wine. Fast forward centuries later and the family turned down offers from a Champagne house to buy some of their land. It was the right decision as now, Squerryes is making a solid name for its vintage, sparkling wines in their own right.

On Site Experiences

Tastings & Tours

Squerryes offer tours that culminate in tastings that include their signature Brut release, the Rosé and Blanc de Blancs. Tours run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays every weekend through to October.

Food

Squerryes is a great choice for when you want to make a day of it, with a tour, then a tasting and a proper lunch or dinner in The Terrace restaurant or The Bottle Store restaurant. There is Al Fresco dining at The Terrace between April and September and you can look forward to small, seasonal dishes and sharing plates with select cuts of prime meat and seafood, created by their estate chef, Alexander Baillieu. 

Private Hire & Weddings

You have found your perfect location for a party or a wedding. Squerryes Court has featured in many a period drama and could be the perfect backdrop to your big day. The winery space is also available to hire. 

Address: Squerryes, Beggars Lane, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1QP
Tel: 01959 562345
Website

Chapel Down

Location: Tenterden, Kent

Chapel Down might well be the name in English wine that you are most familiar with as they were one of the first to go big and get ‘out there’ in mainstream shops and restaurants. Located just outside Tenterden and pretty close to Gusbourne and Woodchurch, this is a great location to start an English wine tour, especially as there are some great pubs with rooms nearby. Chapel Down themselves also offer a range of experiences, from guided tours, wine tastings and full-on masterclasses, to lunch at their restaurant ‘The Swan’. There are also accommodation packages you could look at with their partner hotels.

On Site Experiences

Tastings & Tours

You can do guided and self guided tours around their vineyards and herb garden. There are various options from simple tours and tastings to full, deluxe tour packages. Cheese and wine tastings are also available.

Food

Chapel Down boasts a two AA Rosette and Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants specialising in modern British cuisine and locally sourced seasonable produce.

Lease the vines!

Chapel Down also has a vine lease programme where you can buy or gift someone their very own Bacchus vines and create personalised wines. There are also events for the leaseholders to attend and you are able to visit your vines at any time to see how they are coming on. 

Address: Chapel Down Winery, Small Hythe, Tenterden, Kent TN30 7NG
Tel: 01580 763033
Website

Mereworth Wines

Location: Mereworth, Kent.

Mereworth is a pretty ancient Kentish site that even gets a mention in the Domesday book! The area, like much of Kent has a long history of growing fruit and hops and now, Mereworth has its own winery, swapping hops for grapes. It’s a new winery on the scene but is already making a splash with its first vintage of 2018 sparkling wines winning prestigious awards already. It’s rapidly becoming a serious destination for wine lovers thanks to its calendar of events such as their Indian wine supper and their Champagne Vs England sparkling wine tasting. 

On Site Experiences

Tastings, Tours & Food

Mereworth Wines runs tours and tastings, with an option of masterclasses and wine-and-cheese pairings too. Check their website for their events too.

Address: Brewers Hall, Tonbridge Rd, Mereworth, Maidstone, ME18 5JD. 
Tel: 01622 817795
Website

Places to stay in Kent for your wine tour

The Woolpack Inn, Warehorne.

Tickled Trout in West Fairleigh

Woolpack, Tenterden high street.

The Ship Inn, Rye.

The Windmill, Hollingbourne.

The Oxney Barns, Oxney.

Shepherd’s Huts, Oxney.

Want to know more about English wine? Here are some need-to-know producers to seek out. Or you could try this article for the best UK vineyard hotels. Or this one for the best places to drink English wine in the UK!

The Best English Wines To Try This Summer

June has become a time where English wine is celebrated in all its glory here in the UK and as we gradually creep out of lockdown, there are even more reasons to celebrate it as many wineries open their doors for tastings, lunches, dinners and events. Don’t forget; English Wine Week also falls on the 19th - 27th June this year, so why not support the industry and celebrate by cracking one of these fantastic bottles - all from producers you really need to know. 

STILL

Bolney Estate Chardonnay 2020 (West Sussex)

Bolney Wine Estate in West Sussex is becoming well known both for its fantastic wines covering just about every style as well as for its status as an enviable wine tourism destination, thanks to its tasting tours, restaurant and experiences. Their still Chardonnay 2020 is a limited edition that shows off both crispness and texture, combining notes of lemon peel, apricot, lightly toasted brioche, baked peach and honeysuckle. It reminds us of a Premier Cru Chablis, but with a beautiful, British accent.

Find here: £24.99

Denbies Pinot Noir 2018 (Dorking, Surrey)

Planted in 1986, Denbies is one of the largest wine estates in the country and was one of the first on the wine tourism scene with its vineyard hotel and restaurants. Mostly famous for its sparkling wines, this still Pinot Noir is only made in exceptional years when the grapes are perfectly ripe. They get the proper French oak treatment for 17 months, no less. It’s really gorgeous, with enticing notes of dark cherry, cocoa and a waft of vanilla bean, plus a silky, elegant raspberry milk chocolate palate.

Find here: £22.50

BRUT SPARKLING

‘Brut’ is simply the French word for ‘dry’ in the world of sparkling wine. You will see it on sparkling wines from all around the world including Prosecco and English fizz. Here are two you need to try. 

Rathfinny Brut 2017 (South Downs, Sussex)

Rathfinny is rapidly establishing itself as a leading light for Sussex sparkling thanks to its incredible location on a south-facing slope in the South Downs. Here, the climate, chalk soil and aspect make it ideal for producing grapes for fizz. The Brut 2017 is a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay and has a quintessentially English note of tangy apple skin and lightly baked brioche. Lovely chalky texture too. 

Find here: £29.50

Exton Park Reserve Blend 32 Brut (South Downs, Hampshire)

Exton park is a 60-acre single vineyard located in the South Downs National Park divided into nine separate plots according to terroir and aspect. Since 2011, winemaker Corinne Seely has kept an extensive library of reserve wines in order to create what she describes as an ‘English Bollinger’, where most of the blend (80%) is made up of reserve wines rather than the base from the most recent vintage. This Brut is 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, has had 3 years on lees and uses 32 different reserve wines. Expect notes of apple pie, a golden weight and a cool, mineral core. Weighty and serious.

Find here: £39

BLANC DE BLANCS

Translated literally from the French, blanc de blancs means ‘white from white’, i.e. white wine made from white grapes. With Champagne, this always means 100% Chardonnay as it will also do for English Sparkling wine and many other fizzes from around the world, but not all of them. It’s a style known for making great food matches, especially with the likes of fish and seafood, from lobster and fish and chips, to sashimi and even cheese.

Rathfinny Blanc de Blancs 2017 (Alfriston, Sussex)

The 100% Chardonnay offering from ravishing Rathfinny down in Sussex, is a limited production of only 9,333 bottles, each aged for 36-months on the lees to give it a glorious, golden colour, a creamy weight and complex flavours of tropical fruit, white peach, blossom and a squeeze of lime. A serious wine that’s light on its feet, giving any blanc de blanc Champagne a run for its money. 

Find here: £39.50

Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2016 (Appledore, Kent)

Gusbourne is another need-to-know name in English wine as it continues to win just about every award going. 2016 was an exceptional year in England with all that sunshine and this resulting fizz from grapes grown in Appledore in Kent offers a heady mix of flavours taking in ripe citrus, pear and orange peel with subtle, toasty notes and a moreish salinity on the finish. Very elegant. We love it.

Find here: £59

SPARKLING ROSE

Langham Rosé 2017 (Dorchester, Dorset)

This elegant beauty from Dorset was the only pink English sparkling wine to be awarded a Gold Medal in this year's International Wine & Spirits Competition (the IWSC). Made with 54% Pinot Noir, 23% Pinot Meunier and 23% Chardonnay, it’s pale and pretty with a nose of fine strawberry tart decorated with other ripe, red fruits. Refreshing, pure and perfumed. Lovely!

Find here: £29.90

Exton Park Reserve Blend Rosé

Another in the Reserve Blend (RB) range, the Exton Park pink is extraordinary. Made with 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier using 23 reserve wines and 3 years on the lees to give weight and complexity, this is a rich and textured pink that’s dry and savoury with notes of dried rose petal, peach and a hint of spice. Allow it to open up in your glass over time and you’ll be treated to a flavours that change subtly with every sip. 

Find here: £39

Roebuck Estates Rosé de Noirs (Petworth, Sussex)

Roebuck is a relatively new kid on the sparkling wine block and it arrived with a bang, winning a tonne of awards for its inaugural release. This is their first ever rosé, made with 100% Pinot Noir grapes from their stunning Roman Villa vineyard. With a delicate, rose petal hue, this is a classy, elegant wine with notes of red apple, hawthorn, cranberry and soft brioche. A lovely pink with its own personality and it has just won the trophy at the IWC this year!

Find here: £40

Hambledon Première Cuvée Rosé (Hambledon, Hampshire)

And now for something completely different; a very dark rosé made from 100% Pinot Meunier. This savoury fizz is full in body and flavour with notes of smoky strawberry, tobacco leaf and even a touch of grilled meat. With a fabulous texture and no added sweetness, this a great food wine and certainly one for a meaty barbecue in the sunshine. Hambledon established themselves early on as one of England’s top wine producers. Definitely a name to watch. 

Find here: £69.50

DEMI-SEC

Charles Palmer Demi Sec 2014 (Winchelsea, East Sussex)

When you want an elegant fizz with a lighter pudding or even a salty cheese, the Charles Palmer demi-sec has a little sweetness and a lot of personality. With 5 years spent on lees giving it those toasty, brioche notes, this Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend has got a good amount of age in its too, which adds to the complex and fruity flavour profile. Think apricot, apple and peach compote under a delicate crumble. It’s amazing with pavlova. The palace is also worth a visit and they have rooms! Ideal for after that long tasting tour when you forgot to spit...

Find here: £26

Want to know more about English wines? Check out this piece on The Best UK Vineyard Stays.