Chapel Down - England's Leading Sparkling Wine Producer in Kent
Set in the rolling Kent countryside just outside the picturesque market town of Tenterden and within easy reach of London, Chapel Down is widely recognised as England's leading wine producer. The Chapel Down winery estate on Small Hythe Road (postcode TN30 7NG) is a year-round destination for wine lovers, combining a working vineyard and winery, a cellar door shop, the 2AA Rosette Swan restaurant, a calendar of tours and experiences, and a growing line-up of vineyard events that culminates in the inaugural Magnum Festival in September 2026.
About Chapel Down
Chapel Down crafts award-winning English sparkling, still and rosé wines using the traditional méthode traditionnelle - the same process used in Champagne - alongside modern techniques. Grapes are sourced from a network of vineyards across Kent, Sussex and Essex, predominantly grown on single and double guyot systems on chalk, clay and loam soils. This terroir-driven approach has produced a portfolio that includes international trophy winners such as the Chapel Down Rosé (Decanter Best in Show 2024, IWC Gold Trophy 2026) and the brand new Bacchus 2025, described as "England's answer to Sauvignon Blanc".
Beyond the cellar, Chapel Down is one of the UK's largest producers of magnum-format wines and the Official English Sparkling Wine of the England and Wales Cricket Board - partnerships that speak to the brand's reach both inside and outside the wine world. The publicly listed company (Chapel Down Group plc) also offers a shareholder benefits programme from its Tenterden base.
Sustainability and provenance
The team works hand-in-hand with growers across the South East to ensure consistent, top-quality fruit. Hand-picked grapes for the still wines are whole-bunch pressed and fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel to preserve aromatic purity, while the sparkling wines undergo secondary fermentation in bottle and extended lees ageing for richness and complexity. Chapel Down's wider sustainability commitments span the Kent landscape.
Plan your visit
The Chapel Down estate is open to the public every day from 10am to 5pm. Visitors can book a guided tour or simply drop in for a self-guided walk around the vineyard, a wine flight at the tasting bar, or a glass under the stretch tent. Accessibility is well thought out, with three designated disabled parking bays, level access to most areas, a manual wheelchair available to borrow, two accessible toilets and assistance dogs welcomed throughout the site.
Getting there
The estate is best reached by car or taxi. Ashford International and Headcorn are the nearest mainline stations, both accessible for disabled travellers. A downloadable vineyard trail map and a site leaflet help visitors plan the day.
The Swan Restaurant
On the estate, The Swan is a 2AA Rosette, 80-cover restaurant showcasing the finest locally and regionally sourced produce alongside Chapel Down's wines. Highlights include a private dining Chef's Table and an outdoor terrace with sweeping views across the county. The Swan is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Accommodation
While Chapel Down does not currently offer on-site accommodation, it partners with three Kent properties - The Print House in Tenterden, Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse near Cranbrook, and Chilston Park in Lenham - for guests looking to make a weekend of their visit. Accommodation details are available.
The wines
Chapel Down's wine list is split into sparkling, still, rosé, mixed cases, gifts, magnums and Jeroboams, plus the limited-release Kit's Coty and Discovery Series collections. All prices shown are current online prices.
Sparkling wines
- Brut (Case of 6) - the best-selling, classic non-vintage blend. £186.00.
- Rosé (Case of 6) - Decanter Best in Show 2024, IWC Trophy 2026 and IWC Gold 2026. On offer at £150.00 (was £204.00).
- Grand Reserve 2019 (Case of 6) - a vintage Traditional Method blend. £288.00.
- Rosé Reserve 2021 (Case of 6) - £240.00, also available as a £120.00 trio.
- A Touch of Sparkle Classic 2025 (Case of 6) - £96.00.
- A Touch of Sparkle Rosé 2023 - £96.00.
- English Sparkling Intro Case (6 bottles) - £210.00.
- Brut NV Jeroboam (300cl) - £185.00.
- Brut Magnum (150cl) - £67.00.
Still and rosé wines
- Bacchus 2025 (Case of 6) - aromatic white with elderflower, grapefruit and tropical fruit, 12% ABV, sourced 82% Kent / 18% East Sussex. £96.00.
- Chardonnay 2023 (Case of 6) - £96.00.
- Flint Dry 2024 (Case of 6) - £96.00.
- English Rose 2025 - new-vintage still rosé in a refreshed design; notes of strawberry, raspberry and cream. £96.00.
Kit's Coty Collection
The Kit's Coty range is Chapel Down's flagship single-vineyard series, produced from the south-facing slopes of the North Downs in Kent. Designed for cellaring and special occasions, key releases include:
- Kit's Coty Coeur de Cuvée 2016 (Case of 6) - £756.00; single bottle £126.00; trio £378.00.
- Kit's Coty Blanc de Blancs 2019 (Case of 6) - £396.00.
- Kit's Coty Blanc de Blancs 2014 (Case of 6) - limited edition re-release, £600.00.
- Kit's Coty Estate Blanc de Blancs 2015 Magnum (150cl) - £142.00.
- Kit's Coty Chardonnay 2023 / Bacchus 2023 (Case of 6) - £216.00 each.
Discovery Series
Small-batch, experimental wines from Chapel Down's winemakers. Availability is limited and once sold out, a release is gone for good:
- Discovery Series Mixed Trio - £78.00.
- Discovery Series Tenterden Bacchus 2022 / Pinot Blanc 2022 / Chardonnay 2022 (each, Case of 6) - £156.00.
- Discovery Series Mixed Case - £130.00.
Mixed cases and gifts
Pre-mixed selections take the guesswork out of curating a cellar. Highlights include the Award Winners 2026 Case at £236.00, the Brut Showcase Collection at £237.00, the Vintage Sparkling Case at £264.00, the Rosé Lovers Case at £180.00 and the The Roux Mixed Case at £260.00. Full mixed case options are available.
Personalised bottles of Brut (£45.00) and Rosé (£48.00) - plus a personalised Brut Magnum at £77.00 and a personalised Rosé Magnum from £83.00 - make memorable keepsakes for weddings, anniversaries and corporate gifts. The Make It Personal service covers the full range.
Tours and experiences
Chapel Down runs a full calendar of bookable experiences from its Tenterden estate. All prices are per person.
Guided Tour and Tasting - from £30
A two-hour guided tour of the vineyards and winery, followed by a tutored tasting of five signature wines. Book online.
Cheese and Wine Experience - from £70
Two hours including a vineyard tour, tutored tasting of five signature wines paired with local cheeses and artisanal crackers, plus a £10 voucher to spend in the winery shop. Book online.
Wine and Dine Experience - from £120
Half-day experience: a guided tour, a tutored tasting of five wines, a three-course set lunch at The Swan and two glasses of Chapel Down still wine to accompany the meal, plus a gift set to take home. Book online.
The Kit's Coty Collection Tour - from £50
A two-hour deep dive: vineyard tour with an expert guide, a behind-the-scenes talk with the Senior Cellar Hand, and a tutored tasting of the Kit's Coty still and sparkling wines including the Coeur de Cuvée 2016. Book online.
Luxury Dining Experience - from £150
A five-hour, early-evening experience: vineyard tour, tutored tasting of five luxury wines, and a five-course tasting menu in The Swan restaurant with two glasses of Chapel Down still wine. Book online.
Walk-In Wine Flight - from £15
Drop in any day between 10am and 5pm and choose any three wines from the full range (excluding Kit's Coty Coeur de Cuvée) to taste. Local cheeses and charcuterie are available in the Cellar Door shop. More information.
Gift vouchers for any tour can be purchased as tour gift cards.
What's on in the vineyard
Chapel Down's summer 2026 events programme is headlined by the inaugural Magnum Festival, with additional one-off evenings, theatre and yoga events sprinkled through August and September.
Around the World in 80 Days - Sunday 9 August 2026
An open-air theatrical adaptation of Jules Verne's classic performed by a troupe of actor-musicians. Tickets from £18 per person; bring chairs or blankets. Book online.
Sunset Yoga - Wednesday 26 August 2026
A one-hour yoga session in the vineyard (or, weather permitting, in the Wine Sanctuary overlooking the vines) followed by a one-hour tutored tasting of five wines. From £35 per person. Guests bring their own yoga mat. Book online.
Chapel Down Magnum Festival - Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 September 2026
The inaugural Magnum Festival takes place in the heart of Kent's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, celebrating English wine with live music, food from leading Kent restaurants and producers, bars pouring Chapel Down wines and exclusive Magnum Masterclasses. Saturday runs 12pm - 8pm, Sunday 12pm - 6pm. Tickets £35.00 per person and include estate entry, a glass of Chapel Down Brut served from magnum on arrival, live entertainment and either a complimentary return coach transfer from Headcorn Station or free parking. Book online.
Taste of England Chef Series: An Evening with Ethan Pack of Three Sheets - Tuesday 4 August 2026
One of three winners of Chapel Down's nationwide Taste of England campaign, Ethan Pack takes over The Swan kitchen for one night with a three-course menu paired with Chapel Down sparkling wines. From £75 per person. Book online.
Taste of England Chef Series: An Evening with Simon Hulstone - Tuesday 15 September 2026
The third Taste of England winner, Simon Hulstone of The Elephant Restaurant in Torquay, presents a three-course seasonal menu paired with Chapel Down sparkling wines. From £75 per person. Book online.
Gifts, weddings and corporate
Chapel Down's gifting range covers single-bottle gift boxes (Brut and Gift Box £35.00, Rosé and Gift Box £38.00, Grand Reserve and Gift Box £52.00), duo gift boxes from £71.00, large-format magnums and Jeroboams, and bespoke personalised bottles. Wedding and corporate gifting is supported with bulk discounts and direct delivery to recipients - a corporate gifting brochure is available. The E-Gift Card (from £25) can be redeemed online and is delivered by email within minutes.
Practical information
- Address: Chapel Down Winery Estate, Small Hythe Road, Tenterden, Kent TN30 7NG.
- Phone (tourism team): 01580 766111.
- Phone (corporate): 01580 763033.
- Email (shop and tours): retail@chapeldown.com.
- Email (corporate gifting): sales@chapeldown.com.
- Cellar Door Shop hours: Every day, 10am - 5pm.
- Delivery: Free standard UK mainland delivery on orders over £75 (2 - 4 working days). Standard under £75 is £6.99; express is £7.99 (1 - 2 working days).
- Dietary note: Chapel Down wines are not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Social media
Chapel Down shares the latest releases, events and behind-the-scenes films on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter / X, LinkedIn and Vimeo. From its Tenterden estate, Chapel Down continues to set the benchmark for English winemaking.