Chapel Down | Award-Winning Sparkling Wine

“The genesis of a wine region doesn’t happen often. Chapel Down has been at the vanguard, helping to create and shape an exciting new industry.

We win hatful’s of awards, and it’s hugely flattering to receive these accolades. But we passionately believe that there is no point in simply being the best. We have to be the only people who can do what we do. Of course we want Chapel Down to be better but we also want to be distinctive.

As a team the real excitement we get is from winning friends and converts, seeing jaws drop and eyebrows raised.

Come and visit us and we promise to educate, entertain and inform you.”

Frazer Thompson, Chapel Down CEO

A leading British winemaker, Chapel Down is known for its production of world-class sparkling and still wine, gin and vodka as well as a range of award winning range of Curious beer and ciders. Rivalling the best in the world, Chapel Down’s sparkling wines are all created from fruit grown in the county of Kent, also known as the garden of England.

Based in Small Hythe near Tenterden, is 25 acres of vineyards set amongst spectacular views of rolling countryside and is open to visitors throughout the year. Here you can take a tour, explore the vineyards and herb gardens with the trails map (these are located in the store) or enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Swan restaurant.

Guided tours on offer at Chapel Down include a visit the the vineyards and winery, followed by a tutored tasting of the award winning range of sparkling and still wines. Each tour takes roughly 1 hour and 45mins and are currently operating from Wednesday to Sunday. Please note that booking in advance is recommended.

For the ultimate wine lovers experience, Chapel Down offers a ‘lease your own vines’ service. If you’ve every wondered what it would be like to own a vineyard or to enjoy your own custom labelled wine, Chapel Down’s lease scheme gives you the opportunity to do just that. The vines are leased from the company’s Bacchus vineyard and each lease comes with a number of benefits – here’s what’s included:

Vine lease certificate

You will receive a personalised certificate containing details of your vines and their location.

visit your vines

You can visit the Chapel Down Winery throughout the year to explore the vineyards and monitor your vines’ progress. Just imagine, in the summer you could enjoy a picnic in your own corner of the vineyard.

Take part in The harvest

In early Autumn, meet the team and help pick your Bacchus grapes (for those who don’t know, this is England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc) during the harvest.

exclusive lease holder event

The following summer, enjoy a fantastic exclusive event with a special guest speaker at the Chapel Down Winery. As well as enjoying a two-course meal, you will have the opportunity to tour the winery, meet the top team and your vine lease ‘neighbours’ and taste your own wine, plus much more.

Enjoy your own personalised wine

At the end of the Lease Holder Event, you will be presented with a case (or more) of your own Tenterden Estate Bacchus Reserve wine, complete with personalised labels.

The vine lease scheme really is the perfect gift for someone who truly loves wine and the winemaking process, it’s also worth noting that you receive exclusive discounts too.

If you’re visiting Chapel Down, do book a table at The Swan Restaurant. Not only does the restaurant have two AA Rosettes and Michelin Bb Gourmand so you know the food will be amazing, but it also offers spectacular views across the county. The restaurant specialises in modern British cuisine and locally sourced seasonal produce. Whether you are visiting the vineyard for the day or simply wish to enjoy an exquisite meal with great views and exceptional wine The Swan Restaurant has you covered.

Chapel Down proudly supplies British icons such as Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay as well as some of the UK’s most loved institutions such as The Royal Opera House, Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa and The London Symphony Orchestra to name but a few. However, Chapel Down’s prestige doesn’t end there. It is also the official supplier to No 10 Downing Street, official sparkling wine of the Oxford & Cambridge boat races and was the first English wine producer to be served at the Ascot racecourse. All of which is impressive to say the least. To find out for yourself what all the fuss is about, can view the full selection of wines available here.

Images: Jason Alden, Chapel Down