FROM GRAPE TO GLASS : WHY KENT ’ S WINES ARE THE BEST OF THE BUNCH
GRAPETOGLASS
WHEN PEOPLE PICTURE KENT THERE ARE A FEW IMAGES THAT SPRING TO MIND ; ROLLING HILLS , PICTURESQUE TOWNS , AND OF COURSE , THE QUINTESSENTIALLY KENTISH VINEYARD . THERE IS TRULY NOTHING BETTER THAN RELAXING ON THE SOFA AFTER A STRESSFUL DAY WITH A KENTISH WINE CLASPED IN YOUR HANDS . FROM CHAPEL DOWN TO GUSBOURNE THERE IS DEFINITELY NO SHORTAGE OF WORLD-CLASS VINEYARDS PRODUCING TOP-TIER WINE THAT PEOPLE ARE ENJOYING ALL OVER THE COUNTRY . KENT IS RENOWNED AS THE WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND , A REPUTATION CEMENTED AFTER WINNING OVER 40 MEDALS AT THE RECENT WINEGB AWARDS ! SO WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES KENT WINE SO SPECIAL ? HERE AT insideKENT WE HAVE MADE IT OUR MISSION TO FIND OUT !
SIMPSONS ENGLISH WINE ESTATES
The Wine Garden of England
Owner of Simpsons English Wine Estates and Chair of Wine Garden of England , Charles Simpson , believes this county is the grape growing capital of England due to two very happy coincidences ; a combination of extremely rare geology and unique weather activities . Interestingly Kent actually shares identical geology and soil types with certain , world famous wine producing regions of France such as Champagne and Burgundy . There is something in the soil of these three locations that link them together and allow the incredible wines produced in them to come to fruition , and that thing is chalk - the Holy Grail of soil types . The reason for this identical soil make-up is that over the years bits of chalk have made their way from these regions in France over to England , settling in the North and South Downs , including the iconic White Cliffs of Dover . Chalk is so essential to wine production because of its high alkaline pH levels , which help the grapes vine ’ s produce better , juicer grapes . Before becoming an English hotspot for vineyards , Kent was made famous for producing hordes of sweet fruits such as apples and berries , something the county has been specialising in for hundreds of years . The next logical step , according to Charles was to see how grapes fared in the lush soil - it turns out they thrived .
The other aspect of Kent that makes it a unique haven for wine makers is its incredible weather . As
England is well known as one of the wettest , gloomiest places you could possibly live , it never fails to surprise how little these famous downpours seem to make their way to Kent . We definitely still have a fair amount of rainy days but our springs and summers are filled with blue skies , sunshine and a warm breeze that lightens the soul . Apparently it ’ s not just us that appreciate a good bit of sunshine , grape vines thrive in the warmth and light . According to Charles , the rest of the UK is right on the margins of producing good wine due to the unpredictable weather conditions , Kent however is the exception with some of the highest sunshine hours in the whole of the UK . It is this incredible combination of just the right soil and just the right weather , that makes Kent the unique haven for wine growers that it is .
39