Guest blog by Helen Power from Simpsons Wine Estate
English Wine Week is here! From 15th to 23rd June, corks will be popping across the nation to celebrate this exciting industry, which has been bubbling up over the past few years in terms of both size and reputation. The county of Kent has long been famed for the bounty of delicious seasonal produce grown here on our doorstep and it is now also home to over 50 vineyards, the highest concentration of plantings in the UK.
To celebrate English Wine Week the team at Simpsons’ Wine Estate, based just 8 miles from the city centre, are here to give you some local vin-spiration whilst visiting the Canterbury district. We hope this encourages you to discover more about the wines grown and created here in Kent and where you can go to enjoy them too.
Happy English Wine Week - cheers!
CORKK
If you are seeking a superb spot in the city centre to go on a journey of wine discovery, we would heartily recommend Corkk, the wine bar and store in the Burgate, within Canterbury's Cathedral Quarter. Pop in to enjoy a glass or two, with the possibility to try before you buy using their special enomatic machines, which allow you to choose your own samples from their rotating selection of wines.
Corkk is a proud supporter of English wines, showcasing an amazing range sourced from Kent and beyond, plus some international wines too. Complete your experience with one of their perfectly paired platters, or why not join one of their Thursday evening tasting events or supper clubs.
Located a short drive or taxi ride out of Canterbury city centre, a visit to our Estate allows you the chance to escape to the idyllic Kent countryside and explore our vines and exquisite English wines. We like our events to finish with an unforgettable flourish down the “Fruit Chute” slide - this unique helter-skelter transports our guests from the tasting room to the winery.
Visit our “Experiences” page to pre-book your tickets to one of the popular vineyard tours or tasting sessions, or secure your spot on one of the special events held throughout the year, including masterclasses and exclusive wine dinners.
This summer we will be hosting our bi-annual ‘Open House Event’ with VIP vineyard tours in ‘Barretts’ Land Rovers and the Cheesemakers of Canterbury will be joining the celebration with their exceptional, locally produced fayre. Proceeds from this event will be going to the local children’s charity, Demelza.
THE PIG AT BRIDGE PLACE
Nestled in the charming village of Bridge, situated between Canterbury and Simpsons’ Wine Estate, you’ll find The PIG Hotel at Bridge Place. This quintessentially English stately home has seen some rock-n-roll parties and gigs in a previous life, playing host in the 1970s to the likes of Led Zeppelin.
Today you can revel in the classic period features of this property, including large fireplaces, secret stairways, panelled rooms and endless nooks and crannies, or go for a wander in the beautiful kitchen garden. Their locally sourced and home-grown menu is brimming with delicious dishes and we raise our glasses to their commitment to sustainability and English wine too.
Enjoy our wines whilst you dine at Bridge Place, or make a night or two of it and secure your stay in this dreamy country escape.
THE GLORIOUS KENT COAST
What could be more British than a glass of fizz with fish and chips on the beach? Luckily our sparkling wines (especially White Cliffs Blanc de Blancs or Chalklands Classic Cuvée) – or indeed the superbly still Gravel Castle Chardonnay – are perfect matches for this catch of the day.
We are blessed with some beautiful coastline in this area and the maritime climate adds a helping hand to our wine production too. Head to the picturesque Whitstable to try the world-famous Oysters or the fun and fashionable Folkestone to enjoy our wines at either the Rocksalt or Little Rock restaurants.
THE WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
If we have whet your appetite for some local wine adventures, then make sure you find out about the Wine Garden of England. This Kentish vineyard supergroup comprises nine exciting producers dotted across the county to create a fun and informative wine tourism trail. Their mission is to enable visitors to discover first-hand the joy of great wine and the skill of pioneering winemakers while immersing themselves in the natural beauty and tranquillity of the Garden of England.
Our closest Wine Garden of England neighbour to Canterbury is Westwell, located along the Pilgrims’ Way. Pop in for a tour and tasting and enjoy a locally sourced platter or two, plus in the summer months they host pizza nights and even an open-air cinema.
Domaine Evremond, based near Chilham, will open its doors in September this year. This vineyard is linked to the French Champagne house Taittinger. Add these estates to your tour hit list, together with a visit to Simpsons, to make for a wonderful wine adventure here in Kent.
Simpsons' Wine Estate was established in 2012 by Ruth and Charles Simpson in Barham, Kent, amid the pristine beauty of the Elham Valley – an unspoilt seam in the North Downs where the contours of the land, climate and soil could scarcely be improved upon for viticulture.
The Simpsons believe that the finest wines convey a rich sense of provenance and integrity, firmly rooted in the characteristics and exquisite nuances of their terroir. Now producing a range of eleven award-winning still and sparkling wines, the Estate is going from strength to strength, with strong export markets around the world and even being poured on the likes of British Airways flights and onboard the luxurious Belmond British Pullman train.
