Gusbourne- A classic vineyard in historic Kent


Kenardington Road
Appledore
Kent
TN26 2BE
01233 758 666 Website including online orders: Website including online orders
Owner - Andrew Weeber
Contact Francis Court
Email: info@gusbourne.com
Visits by appointment


Vines

  • Pinot Noir (30%)
  • Pinot Meunier (20%)
  • Chardonnay (50%)

    • History

    The ancient coastline of southern Kent was once far inland from its current position. Most of the land behind Dungeness has been drained since 4th century. The coastal villages of Appledore, Kenardington and Hamstreet lost their sea views, and instead gaze out over the flat area of Romney Marsh.
    The government, fearful of invasion, devised the Royal Miltary canal along the line of the old coast. Built between 1799 and 1806, as a deterrant to French troops, it never saw serious miltary use, and even its commercial operations ended in 1909. It is now owned by the National trust

    Pictures - Cherry Garden in June

    A classic vineyard

    Gusbourne Estate is one of England’s newest and most exciting vineyards with a focus on the production of award-winning English Sparkling Wine. Our aspiration lies in the creation of a world-class wine estate that exemplifies and enhances our unique location in Kent. All of our award winning wines are hand crafted as a true expression and embodiment of our wonderful location in the Garden of England.To quote the renowned wine writer Tim Atkin "Gusbourne is one of the newer names in English sparkling wine, but this all-Chardonnay sparkler is very refined, with elegant bubbles, a chalky tang and fine, citrus purity." (Tim Atkin's Top Six English Wines, The Times, June 2010.)

    Planting

  • 15 acres in 2004
  • 10.7 acres in 2005
  • 11.5 acres in 2006
  • 14 acres planned for 2007
    Nearly 40% of the 500 acre estate comprises well drained, south facing slopes suitable for viticulture.

    • Instant success

    With such new vineyards, success often comes only slowly. However, the care and attention paid to obtaining top quality fruit was evident in the most recent results which include .
  • Gusbourne Brut Reserve 2006 (12%) 5000 bottles produced Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier.
    Silver Medal, IWSC 2011.
    17 / 20 first place in a blind tasting of 52 English Sparkling Wines and select international competitors, Jancis Robinson, Financial Times, March 2011. Silver Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2010. Gold Medal, UKVA 2010. South East Vineyard Association, Wine of the Year and Gold Medal winner
  • Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2006 (12%) 5000 bottles produced 100% Chardonnay.
    Silver Medal, IWSC 2011.

    The vineyard year at Butness Vineyard

    Click on photos to get a larger image
    		•
    BudburstFloweringFull flowerVerasion Berry trimmingAlmost Harvest

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