Discover Kent, the Wine Garden of England

Day 1

Upon arrival in the Wine Garden of England, you’ll check into the first of two sumptuous hotels. Straddling two refurbished properties– an old schoolhouse and former brewery– your first hotel offers a luxurious base in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

After settling in, you’ll be collected for the first of your vineyard visits. Set on a 2,500-acre estate in the North Downs, this estate produces award-winning English sparkling wines.  Enjoy a tour of the vineyards followed by a tutored wine tasting, then round off the day in the restaurant, savouring the flavours of Kent complemented by wine from the estate.

Day 2

After breakfast, you’ll be collected by your private wine guide for a day of tastings amid the glorious Kent countryside. First stop is Hush Heath Estate, producer of the acclaimed Balfour wines. Stroll through picturesque vineyards and sample premium wines, before moving on to The Goudhurst Inn for a gastro pub lunch celebrating local, seasonal produce.

In the afternoon, it’s time to explore the small, family-run vineyards. Here you’ll tour the oldest vines in Kent and get an insight into how their wines are produced, before sipping your way through a selection of their white, rosé, red and sparkling wines.

Day 3

It’s time to bid farewell to Royal Tunbridge Wells and drive to your second hotel, a Champneys spa hotel set in lush private grounds close to Ashford. Take the time to appreciate the sublime natural beauty of the region en route – you may wish to stop for lunch and a wander around the stunning gardens at Sissinghurst Castle.

Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening at your spa hotel, perhaps indulging in a little pampering before dinner (spa and dinner not included).

Day 4

After a rejuvenating sleep, your private wine guide will collect you for another mouth-watering day of Kentish wine adventures. First to Chapel Down for a tour of their vineyards and winery, before a tutored tasting of their still and sparkling wines. You’ll stay here for lunch too, savouring a meal of seasonal and locally sourced produce accompanied by wines in the winery restaurant.

After lunch, two more vineyard visits await. Explore the vineyards and winery at Gusbourne before a sparkling wine tasting in their stunning tasting room overlooking the vineyards, then round off your day at a small yet innovative winery, for a tour of the ‘Roman Road’ vineyards and a special tasting of their still and sparkling wines paired with a delicious platters of cheeses, charcuterie, olives and home-made breads!

Day 5

Your five-day tour of the Wine Garden of England draws to its conclusion today – but we’re sure you’ll be back! In the meantime, enjoy your final morning at the spa hotel, perhaps enjoying a relaxing spa treatment before beginning your onward journey.