The picturesque Chilham Castle, nestled near Canterbury, recently played host to the third annual Wine Garden of England Summer Celebration.

The Wine Garden of England is a collaboration of nine Kent vineyards who work together to promote wine tourism in the county. Members include Balfour, Biddenden, Chapel Down, Gusbourne, Simpsons, Squerryes, Westwell, Domaine Evremond, and the newest member of the Wine Garden of England family, Yotes Court.

I attended the press event the night before the big day, with over 300 attendees, including exhibitors, members of the press, and sponsors, all gathering to celebrate the vibrant wine culture of Kent and gear up for the 1,400 members of the public due to visit the event the next day! Guests were treated to tastings from all the producers, including brand new wines, alternative wine formats, and special vintage releases. It was a fantastic opportunity for me to talk to producers and enjoy a glass, alongside food offerings such as The BBQ Project and Barney & The Pizza.

Jo Ginn, Brand Manager of Wine Garden of England, reflecting on the event, remarked: “It was such a joy to get the producers of the Wine Garden of England together at Chilham Castle to celebrate the diverse vineyards and amazing wines of Kent. It’s the highlight of my year, and I’m looking forward to doing it even better next year.”

The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors, including Cripps, Crowe, Knight Frank, Heathcote Holdings, and the NFU. Their contributions helped create a memorable experience for all who attended. Special thanks were extended to the team at Chilham Castle for their impeccable hosting.

As the sun set over the lake, attendees left with not only a deeper appreciation for Kent’s wine but also a sense of excitement for next year’s celebration. The Wine Garden of England Summer Celebration has undoubtedly cemented its place as a premier event in the region’s calendar, bringing together wine enthusiasts and industry leaders to celebrate the best of Kent.

Learn more about the Wine Garden of England at www.winegardenofengland.co.uk and @winegardenofengland on socials.

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