Kent Downs vineyards guide: where to taste the best English wines

If you’ve ever wondered why the Kent Downs is fast becoming one of England’s leading wine regions, the answer lies in the land itself. Nestled in the Garden of England, this beautiful landscape boasts chalk-rich soils and a mild temperature – the perfect recipe for producing exceptional grapes and award-winning wines. 

The secret behind the quality of Kent’s wines lies in its terroir — the combination of soil, topography and microclimate. The chalky soil here is rich in minerals and drains exceptionally well, which helps the vines develop deep roots and produce grapes with fresh and vibrant flavours. The Kent Downs’ terroir is remarkably like the Champagne region of France, which is why the sparkling wines from Kent’s vineyards rival the finest offerings from across the Channel. 

With English Wine Week just around the corner, there’s no better time to plan your visit to some of Kent Downs’ top vineyards. Many have special tastings and events lined up, so you can sip and savour some amazing local wines. Cheers! 

Vineyards to visit in the Kent Downs:

Silverhand Estate 

A must-visit is Silverhand Estate in Luddesdown, the UK’s largest organic and first carbon-negative vineyard. Spanning over 900 acres, Silverhand is leading the way in sustainable farming.  

You might spot local sheep grazing between the vines or English Longhorn cattle naturally fertilising the soil; a brilliant example of nature and winemaking working together. They also runs tours and workshops where you can learn all about soil health and biodiversity. Plus, it’s part of the new North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve, showing how great wine and nature conservation go hand in hand. Here’s to wine that tastes and does good! 

Simpsons Wine Estate 

If you’re closer to the Elham Valley, Simpsons Wine Estate is a must-see. Since planting their first vines in 2014, they’ve expanded to 30 hectares and offer a variety of award-winning still and sparkling wines.  

You’ll love their state-of-the-art winery and memorable experiences — from open house tours to sunset tastings. And don’t miss the indoor slide, a playful touch that’s a hit with visitors of all ages. 

The Mount Vineyard 

In the Darent Valley, The Mount Vineyard has been welcoming guests since 2016. Here, you can enjoy guided tours and tastings of wines made from varieties like Pinot Noir and Bacchus.  

They also host unique events such as yoga sessions among the vines and comedy nights with a glass of your favourite bubbly. The Mount also hosts weddings and corporate functions and is a popular destination for day trips and weekend visits from London. 

Brabourne Vineyard 

For something more intimate, check out Brabourne Vineyard near Ashford, a small family-run spot where you can join small group tours and tastings. 

Plus, you can stay overnight in their cosy holiday cottage overlooking the vines, perfect if you want a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature. 

Westwell Wines 

Situated in the picturesque village of Charing, Westwell Wines is a boutique vineyard on the slopes below the North Downs Way. 

They grow four grape varieties, each planted to match the site’s soil geology. Westwell offers intimate tours, tastings, and throughout the year hosts events like produce markets and supper clubs. It’s a wonderful spot to experience Kent’s unique terroir and local food culture. 

Elham Valley Vineyard 

Elham Valley Vineyard is the oldest vineyard in the Kent Downs, established in 1985. Since new vines were planted in 2011, the vineyard has been lovingly tended by horticulture students, staff, and volunteers from The Fifth Trust, a day care program supporting more than 170 adults with learning disabilities.  

When you visit, you can take a peaceful stroll along the vineyard’s beautiful garden walkway, which features around 1,500 vines. Then enjoy a guided tour and tasting that combines excellent wines with a real sense of community and care. 

Squerryes Winery 

Set on 35 acres of rolling hills at the historic 11th-century Squerryes Estate near Westerham, Squerryes Winery is a must-visit for wine lovers and history buffs alike.  

The Warde family runs the estate with the joyful motto “It’s permitted to be joyful,” and you’ll feel that spirit during weddings, parties, tours, and tastings held here. The estate also includes a restaurant, café, deli, and cellar door, offering plenty of ways to experience their award-winning wines.  

Plus, if you’re a fan of Bridgerton, you’ll recognise Squerryes Court as one of the hit TV series’s filming locations, adding a touch of glamour to your visit. 

Why is chalk good for wine production?

To truly appreciate Kent’s wines, it helps to understand what makes the land so special. The Downs in southern England are ideal for wine production due to their unique chalky soil. This chalk ridge, extending beneath the Channel, connects the Kent Downs to the famous wine-producing regions of northern France, creating a shared terroir perfect for viticulture. This connection is so significant it forms part of the aspiring UNESCO Cross-Channel Global Geopark, which highlights the geological and cultural links between us. 

Chalk soil offers excellent drainage, preventing waterlogging and promoting healthy root systems. It’ is rich in minerals, particularly calcium carbonate, which enhances the vines’ nutrient uptake and contributes to the complexity of the wine. Additionally, chalk retains heat during the day and releases it at night, helping to regulate temperatures and ensure consistent grape ripening. The porous nature of chalk allows vine roots to penetrate deeply, accessing water and nutrients from deeper layers, especially during dry periods. This unique terroir imparts distinct, fresh, and vibrant flavours to the wines, making the Kent Downs a superb place for producing high-quality wines. 

The changing landscape and sustainability

The rise of vineyards in the Kent Downs reflects a broader trend of changing land use in the region. While viticulture offers many benefits, including economic growth and increased tourism, it’s important to recognise the potential drawbacks of monoculture. 

Monoculture, the agricultural practice of growing a single crop year after year on the same land, can lead to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. However, many vineyards in the Downs are leading the way in sustainable practices, aiming to balance production with environmental stewardship. 

Here at the Kent Downs National Landscape, we’re working on a Viticulture Standard for local vineyards. By following this standard, they will not only enhance their sustainability credentials but also contribute to the long-term preservation of the Kent Downs’ distinctive landscape. This initiative aims to balance the economic viability of viticulture with environmental stewardship and cultural conservation, ensuring a thriving and sustainable future for both the wine industry and the natural beauty of the Downs.