Oz Clarke opened a new winery from Kent-based couple Charles and Ruth Simpson on Wednesday 26th October. The couple, who also make wine in the Languedoc, obtained a Rural Development Programme for England grant in May to turn two bans into a wine and tasting room.
Oz said: “I’ve known these fields for many years. They are seriously chalky, well protected and south facing, so I have always wondered why people haven’t planted more vineyards in Kent.
“It isn’t called the Garden of England for nothing as it has always grown the greatest hops, apples, and pears, and now vines. We probably have more Champagne soil than here than the Champagne region does.
“There’s every chance that in the next generation, the greatest sparkling wines will be made here in Kent. I welcome Ruth and Charles to the thriving world of English sparkling wine. We expect great things, and I’m sure you won’t let us down.”
The estate completed its first harvest on Friday 21st October, from vines planted in 2014.
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