The Wine Garden of England is said to represents the diversity of quality producers and wineries in Kent.
The seven have collectively committed to use their combined strength to build and create a world-class wine trail and visitor experience in Kent.
Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, of Champagne Taittinger and Kent-based Domaine Evremond, said: “Kent is one of the warmest and driest counties of England, and we were delighted to find some beautiful land, on chalk, near the village of Chilham - we planted our first vines in May last year at Domaine Evremond. “We were welcomed with open arms by the other producers in the region and I am delighted that we are joining forces with six of the top Kentish wineries in the spirit of friendship, to form the Wine Garden of England and work together proactively to promote the wonderful wines of the region.”
Sandra Matthews-Marsh, CEO Visit Kent sad: “We are thrilled to be working with this pioneering group of wineries to develop Kent’s wine tourism offer. Together we will further establish the county as a stunning rural escape and England’s own ‘Napa Valley’, where visitors are invited to relax and explore, tasting a huge range of stunning English wines, whilst learning the fascinating stories of these beautifully picturesque vineyards.”
The seven founding members of the Wine Garden of England, are already welcoming a combined 120,000 visitors a year to their wineries.
As part of the launch, a new website www.winegardenofengland.com will provide a range of visitor itineraries for day and weekend trips to Kent. The site aims to eventually allow visitors to purchase wines from all the partners, and also create and book their days out, building a personalised wine trail around the county.
