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

The Kent Downs is home to a growing number of vineyards, and it’s easy to see why. Its chalky soils, rolling hills and relatively mild climate create great conditions for growing grapes, with strong geological links to the chalk landscapes of northern France.

The land itself plays an important part in the character of Kent’s wines. Chalk provides good drainage and allows vine roots to grow deeply, while the slopes and local climate help the grapes ripen well.

There are plenty of vineyards to discover across the Kent Downs, with tours, tastings and beautiful countryside views making them a great way to explore the landscape and enjoy some of Kent’s wines.

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 helping to naturally fertilise the soil, a brilliant example of nature and winemaking working together. They also run 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, including open house tours and 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. 

Domaine Evremond

In the charming village of Chilham near Canterbury, Domaine Evremond is a vineyard with a truly special story. Created in partnership with the famous Champagne House Taittinger, it is the first Champagne-backed vineyard in the UK, and you can really feel that French finesse in everything they do. Set on chalky slopes that mirror the soils of Champagne, it is the perfect place to grow classic varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Their new visitor centre opened at the end of last year, with tastings and tours beginning in 2025, just in time for their first ever release, the Classic Cuvée. Named after a seventeenth-century French poet who brought Champagne to England, the vineyard celebrates the friendship between the two nations with every bottle. If you love sparkling wine and beautiful views, this is one for your list.

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 and tastings, as well as events throughout the year, including produce markets and supper clubs. It’s a lovely place to experience Kent’s unique landscape, wines 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’s 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. 

Viticulture and the Kent Downs landscape

Vineyards are becoming an increasingly familiar part of the Kent Downs landscape. As the sector continues to grow, it’s important to consider how vineyard development and management can support the environment while respecting the distinctive character of the Downs.

The Kent Downs National Landscape has been exploring sustainable viticulture for several years, working with vineyard businesses and environmental specialists to understand how vineyards can work alongside the landscape and environment. This began with the Viticulture Test and Trial in 2020–2021, followed by further research and engagement through Phase 2.

Phase 3 is now underway, continuing this work and exploring practical ways vineyard management can support biodiversity, improve soil health and help vineyards sit well within the wider Kent Downs landscape.

The Kent Downs is home to around 1,000 hectares of vineyards, making up around 20% of England’s vineyard area. As viticulture continues to grow, this work will help support a sustainable approach to vineyard development while protecting the distinctive character of the Kent Downs.

Find out more about our Sustainable Viticulture project