GRAPETOGLASS
FROM GRAPE TO GLASS : CONT .
CHAPEL DOWN VINEYARD
CHARLES AND RUTH SIMPSON
Meet the Award Winning Makers
Chapel Down wines are one of the most instantly recognisable wineries in Kent , their notability stretching the entirety of the UK and now across the globe . Set in the lush countryside just outside Tenterden , Chapel Down is one of England ’ s leading winemakers and boasts an impressive amount of both still and sparkling world-class , lip-smacking wines that are proudly produced in Kent . This is the vineyard to buy from if you want experience and excellence corked with every bottle . As if to demonstrate our point , Chapel Down wines cleaned up at the WineGB Awards 2020 , managing to snag three golds , four silvers , and a bronze as well as the ‘ Top Still Wine Trophy ’ for their Kit ’ s Coty Chardonnay 2017 and ‘ Best Single Varietal White ’, again for their Kit ' s Coty Chardonnay 2017 .
Nestled in 90 acres of sunny slopes in the North Downs is Simpsons English Wine Estate . Run by Charles and Ruth Simpson , this is a vineyard with a personal touch . Every single part of the wine
making process is managed by the Simpsons team ; every vine planted , every grape picked and every bunch pressed by the individuals that work and run this winery . This technique proved tried and true as the winery won two silver medals at the WineGB Awards 2020 , one for their Flint Fields Blanc de Noirs 2016 , and one for their Gravel Castle Chardonnay 2019 . Interestingly Charles and Ruth actually have no personal ties to Kent ; what drew them to this part of the country was the fertile soils and sunny weather that allow world-class wines to be produced here . Their commitment to Kent ’ s wine scene is a testament to how incredibly unique Kent as a county really is .
A relatively young vineyard at just 16 years old , Gusbourne , located in Appledore , are the producers of some of the finest sparkling and still wines in England . Gusbourne is a winery that embraces the ancient traditions of winemaking , while also accommodating the newest and most cutting-edge of technologies . Their vineyards are planted with a mix of classic Chardonnay , Pinot Noir and Pinot
Meunier that produce the juiciest , most flavourful fruits , ready to be pressed personally by the Gusbourne team . The team won multiple Gold , Silver and Bronze Medals , along with the Best Still Rosé for their Cherry Garden Rosé 2019 , and Best Still Pinot Noir for their Pinot Noir 2018 , proving that their commitment to both technology and tradition produces the best wine in town .
And the fanfare keeps coming for Kent ’ s top producers . No less than 15 Kentish vineyards received coveted awards this year ; and new grapes , varieties and vineyards are pushing up through the ranks .
Kent wines are , without a shadow of a doubt , the best the UK has to offer , and we have the luxury of living right on the doorsteps of these incredibly dedicated and talented producers .
So grab a local bottle , enjoy its warming qualities this autumn , and start planning your excursion to walk these beautiful vineyards and taste the best of the bunch .
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