A VINEYARD in Kent is flying the flag for English wine – and it’s particularly picturesque during autumn time.
Balfour Winery in Staplehurst has won infinite amounts of awards over the years, with its wine and winemakers both recognised.
Owen Elias, father of current head winemaker Fergus Elias, has won UK Winemaker of the Year award a whopping six times.
One of Balfour’s most recent achievements was in May this year, when its English Pink was crowned one of the ‘World’s Best Rosés at the Rosé Masters.
But a visit to the vineyard offers more than just excellent English wine.
In 2022, Balfour was awarded Gold from Visit England for being one of the top tourist attractions in the country – the only vineyard in England to receive the accolade.
It’s because there’s plenty to do when you visit the 400-acre Hush Heath Estate where it’s based.
Visitors can take a tour around the estate, either on their own or with an expert tour guide.
They can also enjoy a Balfour wines tasting while overlooking the winery.
For those looking for a bite to eat, there are charcuterie boards and artisan stone-baked flat breads to enjoy at the vineyard’s more casual eatery, Cellar Door.
Those wanting a bit more can enjoy a la carte dining and Sunday roasts from the main restaurant, The Winemakers’ Kitchen, with local delights like Kentish smoked salmon and grilled Kent pork tomahawk featured on the menu.
Visitors can also book onto one of Balfour’s special events, including a Dining Club dinner – a four-course meal with live music from a new artist each month.
After (or before) you’ve wined and dined, you can take a walk around Hush Heath Estate.
Past the vineyards are apple orchards, wildflower meadows, and ancient woodland, which is particularly beautiful at this time of year with its autumn colours.
There’s an abundance of wildlife to be spotted there too – Balfour said common lizards had recently been spotted following the recent hot weather.
This time of year (breeding season) means deer are also more visible.
It’s important to note dogs aren’t allowed for walks around the estate.
But well-behaved pooches on leads are welcome on the terrace and in Cellar Door.
The vineyard recently launched a free shuttle bus service, so guests can sip award-winning wines in its beautiful setting without needing to drive.
The Sun’s Head of Travel – Digital, Caroline McGuire has been visiting Balfour since it launched. This is what she makes of the vineyard…
Balfour Winery was known as Hush Heath Estate when it first opened in my mum’s Kent village in 2002.
At that time, there was none of the fancy food and hospitality area that it has now.
But the very welcoming staff were happy to invite guests in for a free tasting of all their wines, ciders and lagers – albeit in a far less glamorous tasting room, where wine boxes lined the walls.
The drinks were excellent from the beginning though, especially a sparkling red that they have discounted, much to my disappointment.
Over the years it has mushroomed in size and you can now enjoy an excellent bottle of wine on their gorgeous verandah, accompanied by exceptional sharing platters or flatbreads.
It now has an offering to rival some of Kent’s better-known vineyards, including Chapel Down.
But it has also kept a nice local touch – they have no problem with guests taking a walk around the vineyard or the neighbouring woods on the estate, in fact it’s encouraged.
And if you squint on a sunny summer’s day after a rose or two, the view from the restaurant could quite feasibly be somewhere more exotic on the continent.
The free shuttle leaves Marden station every half an hour, with departures timed to meet the regular London trains, for people visiting from the capital.
The train journey from central London is just 45 minutes.
From Marden station, the shuttle bus journey takes around five minutes.
