If you're visiting THE PIG-at Bridge Place over in Kent, then you are just a 27 mile drive from one of our favourite hidden gems: the Gusbourne vineyard. This picturesque winery is the perfect place to spend a day, strolling through acres of grape-laden vines - and, of course, tasting your way through Gusbourne’s award-winning range.
If you're in the mood to spend your summer tasting some of the best Kent wine out there, then we've got some good news for you! Our friends from Gusbourne have shared with us their experiences throughout the warmer months to help plan your next visit to Kent.
Tell us a little bit about Gusbourne...
Based near the pretty Kentish village of Appledore, amidst oast houses and apple orchards, you’ll find our winery, tasting rooms, and vineyards.
We planted the first vines at our Kent site in 2004. Back then, growing grapes this far north was considered a risk – viticulture at the margins of possibility. But – as we’ve got to know our Wealden clay and loam in Kent, and our flint and chalk in Sussex – we’ve learned how to produce ever-more delicious still and sparkling wines.
What varieties of grapes do you grow?
Our vineyards are planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – the classic Champagne grape varieties. Most of our vines come from a Burgundian clone, which tends to yield less but more flavourful fruit – perfect for crafting complex fine wine. We grow all the grapes we need ourselves, so we can keep a careful eye on quality, as well as working with nature as much as possible.
What makes Gusbourne unique?
We’re set apart from other English winemakers because we only make vintage wines. The character of each of our bottles is defined by the year the wine was produced. Working this way can be a challenge when growing conditions are tricky – and it means we have to be meticulous in our winemaking. Happily, Charlie Holland, our Chief Winemaker, and his brilliantly talented young team, are exactly that meaning our wines are quintessential of the fruits of our labour year after year.
What does a visit to Gusbourne in summer involve?
If you’re a fan of English sparkling, or just want to enjoy a Gusbourne experience amongst the vines, then here are the team’s recommendations for this summer...
For a casual visit...
We’ll be delighted to see you at the estate, even if you’re just coming to admire the view from the vineyard. Drop in to say hello at The Nest, our cellar door and tasting room, where you can pick up a map to guide you on a walk through the vines for a glimpse at what makes our wine so unique. With far reaching views over towards Romney Marsh and the age-old Saxon Shoreline footpath to navigate, it’s an incredibly picturesque spot to while away half an hour or so. Afterwards, pop back to The Nest where you can enjoy a sparkling tasting flight of our classic wines. It really is the perfect introduction to Gusbourne.
For a relaxed picnic in the sun...
Another way to enjoy the estate ‘at-your-own-pace’ is with one of our picnics in our beautiful open-air dining space at the top of Boot Hill vineyard. From early summer onwards, you’ll be surrounded by our wildflower meadow, looking over the vines and sheltered from the elements should the sun prove too fierce (or the weather too… British). Our hampers are filled with local produce such as charcuterie and cheeses, plus delicious homemade bread, which has been specially selected to partner our vintage Brut Reserve.
For a foodies’ indulgence...
One of the glorious things about a bottle of Gusbourne is the ability to dress it up or down. It’s as at home on the white tablecloths of a Michelin-star restaurant as it is with fish and chips on the beach and that’s why it’s so well suited to THE PIG’s laidback (but exceptional) dining. This summer, we’ve got a host of weekend street food style events, including artisan pizza, South African inspired barbecue or full-flavour Mexican tacos. You’ll be surprised to taste just how adaptable our fine, complex wines can be in the face of these robust, casual dishes. If you’re after something more fine-dining than fast-food, then why not explore our Chef Series, which includes a sensational seven-course lunch from two-Michelin star Ynyshir.
For fine-wine fans...
We relish nothing more than the chance to show our most exceptional wines to those who love to drink them. For an experience focused on a guided fine-wine tasting, then our Discovery Experience or our Estate Tour are excellent options that combine indulgence with a soupçon of education. Our monthly Icons Experience is a chance to delve into the most luxurious corner of the cellar as we bring out aged gems and special bottlings. Our Head Chef, Anthony Coppard, has fine-tuned the art of matching these wines with a wonderful menu, brimming with fresh, seasonal produce.
Where can you find Gusbourne?
Getting to us couldn’t be easier! If you’re arriving by train, we’re just a short taxi journey from Ashford International station. By car, you’ll find us at Kenardington Road, Appledore, Ashford, Kent, TN26 2BE. Please find full directions here.
If you would like to find out more about Gusbourne and their events, click here. In the meantime, why not try a glass of Gusbourne when you next visit your favourite PIG!
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