Wine Tours of Kent is founded by Abi Ireland, whose passion for wine was sparked by her time visiting wineries across Australia. This led her to create a business that not only celebrates Kent’s vineyards but also removes the logistical hurdles, like finding a designated driver, that can often come with such experiences. The company is dedicated to making Kent’s wine scene accessible and enjoyable for everyone. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to embark on one of these wine tours as part of a press experience day. We visited two entirely different vineyards based in Kent, something Wine Tours of Kent always endeavours to do, allowing visitors to enjoy the diversity of the regions vineyards. We visited Westwell vineyard, and Brabourne vineyard both near Ashford station, where we were conveniently picked up from, although Wine Tours of Kent does offer a door to door collection service within a certain radius.

Our knowledgeable guide Sarah Prior, shared fascinating insights about Kent’s growing reputation as a wine-producing region, and we had the opportunity to taste some truly exceptional local wines. The tour also included a grazing board lunch at Westwell, with local cheeses and Charcuterie, these all paired perfectly with the wines we had just tasted.

What really stood out during the tour was the company’s focus on making wine tourism approachable for everyone. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a complete novice, Wine Tours of Kent ensures that everyone feels welcome. There’s no pressure to have extensive wine knowledge – the day is designed to be fun, educational, and tailored to each group’s level of interest. This personalized approach is helping to open up wine tourism to a wider audience, making it more accessible to locals and visitors alike.

Beyond their full-day tours, Wine Tours of Kent has recently introduced half-day options, perfect for those on a smaller budget or with limited time. This new offering ensures that even more people can enjoy the Kent wine experience without committing to a full day. They also offer in-house tastings, bringing a selection of Kent’s finest wines directly to your home, holiday rental, or workplace for a private tasting experience.

Wine Tours of Kent’s recent collaboration with Ashford Borough Council and Visit Kent as part of the ‘On the Map’ campaign is further boosting the region’s wine tourism. The initiative, which aims to promote the incredible local produce in Ashford and Tenterden, highlights how Wine Tours of Kent is contributing to the growth of wine tourism in the area.

As part of this collaboration, a new digital wine trail map is being developed, along with a dedicated marketing campaign to further promote Kent’s wine industry. These efforts are designed to connect visitors with local experiences, linking together vineyards, accommodation providers, and other attractions to create a complete visitor experience.

Wine Tours of Kent is playing a pivotal role in this movement, helping to showcase the best of Kent’s vineyards and bring more attention to the region’s growing wine industry. Whether through their expertly curated tours or their partnerships with local councils and tourism organizations, the company is helping to shape the future of wine tourism in Kent.

For more details on Wine Tours of Kent, check out their website www.winetoursofkent.co.uk or on socials @winetoursofkent