The makers of Kentish Pip cider have launched their first range of wines this month, boosting the county’s number of vineyards to over 50.
The wine industry in Kent continues to grow, with more than 50 vineyards now in the county and newer wineries joining the likes of Chapel Down, Gusbourne and Terlingham to create high quality English wines.
The new brand, named Woolton Farm Wines, is owned by the Mount family based at Woolton Farm in Bekesbourne near Canterbury.
A cider-making firm’s portfolio of wines are the result of a single vineyard planted in 2011 and, despite having only officially launched its wines this month, has already received two gold award wins.
“We are very proud to be part of a new era of English wine. Our wines are small batch and experimental; we are a nimble and small grower driven by a passion for incredible produce and great tasting wines,” a spokesperson for Woolton Farm Wines told Kent Online.
The Mount family has been growing fruit at Woolton Farm for over than a century and, after planting the vineyard, initially made just enough wine for their own uses and family weddings.
Woolton Farm Wines’ portfolio produces still and sparkling white and rose wines, including Bacchus, Pet Nat Chardonnay and Sparkling Bacchus Charmat.
The launch included tours of the vineyards as well as a tasting of the range in the family’s 14th century thatched barn. The new portfolio will be available to try at the farm’s shop, deli, cafe and bar before rolling out elsewhere.
Last year, Kent’s Meopham Valley Vineyard submitted a £1.2 million project to construct a visitor centre on its 25-acre site and the year before Kent’s Hush Health Estate released a set of English wine-making firsts, including a white wine containing all seven Champagne grapes, a red made with just Pinot Meunier, and a zero dosage fizz.
