Gorsley Vineyard: A Boutique Family-Owned East Kent Winery
Introduction to Gorsley Vineyard
Tucked into the rolling landscape of the East Kent countryside, not far from the historic city of Canterbury, Gorsley Vineyard is a boutique, family-run winery that captures the essence of its place in every bottle. With 4,500 vines planted on a gentle, southwest-facing slope of chalk limestone soil, the vineyard produces small-batch Chardonnay, Rosé and Classic Method Sparkling wines that reflect both the character of the land and the meticulous attention of its custodians.
Gorsley Vineyard began life in 2017 when the Lark family planted the first vines on what had previously been pasture grazed by a herd of alpacas - a heritage that lives on in the playful design of the winery's bottles. In 2025, Simon and Lou took over the vineyard after buying Gorsley House, carrying forward the same family-run ethos while bringing fresh energy to the project. Their dedication to quality and sustainability underpins everything that happens at this charming Kent estate.
Location and Terroir
Gorsley Vineyard sits in the heart of the East Kent countryside, close to a wealth of popular restaurants and local farm shops that share the family's passion for local produce. The vineyard's address - Gorsley Vineyard, Pett Bottom, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6EH - places it in one of England's most exciting wine regions, where chalk soils and a maritime climate conspire to produce grapes of remarkable concentration and finesse.
The terroir at Gorsley is defined by three key characteristics:
- Chalk limestone soil - renowned for its excellent drainage and the mineral complexity it imparts to the finished wine.
- A southwest-facing slope - maximising exposure to the sun and helping the vines ripen their fruit evenly.
- A carefully chosen blend of varieties - 50% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier - chosen to reflect both the land and the structure of world-class wines.
Together, these elements give Gorsley's wines what the family describes as the personality that makes them "some of the happiest and juiciest around".
The Wines
Gorsley Vineyard's philosophy is local and considered. All of the grapes are grown on-site, then produced and bottled just two miles down the road by an accomplished team of winemakers at Defined Wine. This collaborative approach keeps the vineyard closely involved in every stage of winemaking while supporting local expertise and minimising the environmental footprint of every bottle.
The current range comprises three still and sparkling wines, all available to purchase through the vineyard's online shop.
2022 Chardonnay
The 2022 English Chardonnay is made from beautifully ripe grapes grown during the hot 2022 summer. After fermentation, the wine is matured in second-fill oak barrels for four months to soften the acidity and create a well-balanced, Burgundian-style white. Expect a pale straw colour and a palate that hints at melon and green apples - equally at home as an aperitif or paired with fish or chicken dishes.
- Price: £18.00 per bottle / £102.00 per six-bottle case
2022 Rosé
The 2022 English Quality Rosé is a delightful blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Pale pink in colour, it has a flavour profile that hints at summer fruits, making it ideal for enjoying al fresco on a warm afternoon.
- Price: £18.00 per bottle / £102.00 per six-bottle case
2021 Classic Method Sparkling Wine
The flagship of the Gorsley range, this 2021 English Quality Sparkling Wine is made in the classic method of in-bottle secondary fermentation and matured on its lees for an impressive 48 months before disgorging. The blend mirrors the vineyard's planting - 50% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier - and the extended lees ageing gives it a sophistication that can only be achieved by allowing it to mature patiently over time. It is the perfect centrepiece for a celebration.
- Price: £33.00 per bottle / £192.00 per six-bottle case
Courier delivery to UK postcodes costs £7.95 per order, although delivery is free on orders over £200, making a mixed case an attractive option.
Visiting the Vineyard: Tours, Tastings and Open Days
Gorsley Vineyard offers visitors the chance to experience the site and its wines firsthand through a small programme of bookable experiences. Spaces are limited, so advance booking is recommended via the Experiences page.
Vineyard Tour and Tasting
The signature experience at Gorsley is a one-hour guided tour and tasting, priced at £20 per person. Visitors are taken through the vineyard to learn about the terroir, the grape varieties and the winemaking process, before tasting a selection of the current release wines. It is an ideal introduction to English sparkling and still wines for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts.
Open Day | Bring a Picnic
For a more relaxed visit, the vineyard hosts occasional open days when guests are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the setting among the vines. Visitors are asked to register in advance so the team can plan the day - bookings can be made via the Open Day booking page.
Sustainability and Local Focus
The team at Gorsley Vineyard is passionate about producing quality wine in a sustainable way. In particular, they aim to minimise the "wine miles" travelled between the vineyard and the glass - a commitment that led them to partner with Defined Wine, whose winery sits just two miles from the vines. This short supply chain reduces transport emissions, supports local employment and ensures the grapes arrive at the winery in pristine condition shortly after harvest.
The wider business ethos is one of close collaboration with neighbouring food and drink producers. Being close to many popular restaurants and local farm shops allows the vineyard to champion Kentish provenance and showcase the area's exceptional larder alongside its wines.
Contact and How to Visit
Gorsley Vineyard welcomes enquiries by phone, email and online. Visitors to the vineyard are advised to book in advance for tours and open days.
- Address: Gorsley Vineyard, Pett Bottom, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6EH
- Telephone: +44 (0)7580 006768
- Email: info@gorsleyvineyard.co.uk
- Instagram: @gorsleyvineyard
- Website: gorsleyvineyard.co.uk
The vineyard runs a mailing list covering release news and forthcoming events, and visitors are welcome to sign up by email or via the contact page.
Final Thoughts
Gorsley Vineyard is a shining example of the small, considered wineries that have helped put English wine - and East Kent in particular - firmly on the international map. From the chalk soils beneath the vines to the patient 48-month lees ageing of the Classic Method Sparkling, every decision is guided by a desire to express place. Whether you are looking to order a case of the flagship 2021 Sparkling for a special occasion, walk the rows on a guided tour, or simply enjoy a glass of the pale, summer-fruited 2022 Rosé on a sunny afternoon, Gorsley offers an authentic taste of contemporary English wine at its most personal.