Squerryes Estate, located in the North Downs of Kent, offers a distinctive experience rooted in 300 years of family stewardship. This working estate cultivates 36 acres of vineyards dedicated to producing exceptional English sparkling wine. The family’s philosophy centers on celebrating the land and its bounty, translating into a warm, genuine atmosphere for visitors exploring their passion for winemaking.
What You Can Do
Visitors to Squerryes can engage directly with the winemaking process. Guided vineyard tours provide insights into their viticultural practices, from clonal selection to sustainable farming. Following the outdoor experience, cellar door tastings invite guests to sample their range of sparkling wines. These sessions are designed to be informative, guiding you through the characteristics of each cuvée and the story behind its creation. Private tours and tailored tasting experiences are also available for those seeking a more exclusive engagement.
What They Offer
The core offering at Squerryes is its portfolio of award winning English sparkling wines, crafted using traditional methods from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. Beyond the wines, the estate features a dedicated restaurant, “The Squerryes Winery Restaurant,” which serves as a central hub for visitors. While there is no overnight accommodation or dedicated wellness facility on site, the estate often hosts special events, from harvest celebrations to seasonal dining experiences, making it a vibrant place to visit throughout the year.
Activities
The estate’s expansive grounds encourage gentle exploration. Guests can enjoy leisurely walks through the vineyards and surrounding Kentish countryside, taking in the panoramic views. The focus on nature and the changing seasons is palpable, offering a peaceful retreat. Occasionally, the estate hosts workshops related to wine or local produce, providing an additional layer of engagement for those interested in learning more.
Food to Eat
The Squerryes Winery Restaurant champions a field to fork philosophy, sourcing many ingredients directly from the estate or nearby Kentish producers. The menu is seasonal, reflecting the freshest available produce, and designed to complement their sparkling wines. Dishes are prepared with an emphasis on natural flavors and simple elegance. Wine pairings are a highlight, with staff adept at recommending the perfect Squerryes sparkling wine to enhance your meal.
Why Visit
Visiting Squerryes Estate provides a genuine connection to English winemaking and rural life. It is an opportunity to appreciate meticulous viticulture, taste quality sparkling wines, and enjoy thoughtfully prepared food in a beautiful setting. The estate offers a balanced experience of education, relaxation, and culinary enjoyment, all delivered with an authentic sense of place.
Squerryes Estate presents itself with quiet confidence, a clear focus on its sparkling wines and accompanying culinary experience. The vineyard tours are well structured, offering a good overview without being overly technical. While the dining is certainly a highlight, the overall estate atmosphere feels more like a welcoming family home than a grand commercial venture. It makes for a pleasant day out, perhaps slightly less expansive in its offerings than some larger estates, but strong in its core appeal.