At Gusbourne, the Estate Tour offers far more than a vineyard visit. It’s an invitation to pause, to step away from the everyday and surrender to the rhythms of the land. There’s a sense of unhurried immersion here; time slows as you wander between neat rows of vines; absorbing the landscape; the quiet precision that defines this corner of Kent. What unfolds is not just a tour but a narrative, told through the soil, the vines, the glass, and, ultimately, the plate. Beginning with a gentle stroll through the vineyard, followed by an extended tasting and a carefully composed three-course lunch, the experience becomes a journey into the artistry of English winemaking, all framed by the rolling hills of the Kent countryside.

The story of Gusbourne began in 2004, when the first vines were planted with a single ambition: to produce sparkling wines of uncompromising quality, made in the traditional method, and capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the very best from across the globe. Two decades later, that founding vision is still the heartbeat of the estate. Every bottle poured and every glass sipped during the experience reflects that pursuit of excellence, a philosophy that has elevated Gusbourne to international acclaim.

Here, the smallest details carry weight. Every grape – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – is grown exclusively on the estate, nurtured with care, hand-harvested and picked at the precise moment of ripeness. This absolute control, from soil to cellar, is what ensures the consistency and brilliance of the wines. Around half of the vines are Burgundian clones, prized for producing fruit of ripeness and intensity, while the Wealden clay soils impart a distinctive richness and depth, especially well suited to both still and sparkling wines. Even the winter months play their part: flocks of Romney and South Downs sheep roam the vineyards, fertilising the land naturally and keeping weeds at bay. It’s all part of Gusbourne’s low-intervention, sustainable approach, principles it has held since the very beginning and as a founding member of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain.

The day itself begins at The Nest, Gusbourne’s award-winning tasting room and cellar door. A glass of sparkling wine in hand sets the tone, bright and celebratory, before one of the estate’s knowledgeable hosts leads guests into the vineyards for a leisurely, story-rich walk. It’s here that you understand not just the process, but the entirety… the attention to detail. The Nest, serves as both a hub for discovery and a place of welcome. Open all year, it offers everything from casual tastings to intimate dining and everything in between.

After your vine tour, you head back inside, where the experience deepens with a guided tasting. This is where Gusbourne’s philosophy comes into sharper focus and fully immerses all your senses. Each wine captures the essence of a single season, a moment in time bottled. Aged until deemed ready, these wines reveal their stories with patience and grace, and full body. Alongside Gusbourne’s classic sparkling wines, guests are treated to rare releases and limited editions: glasses that distill the estate’s terroir into something memorable, something that lingers beyond the palate.

And then, lunch. A three-course seasonal menu, designed to showcase the best of local produce, paired with Gusbourne wines. Each dish is elevated by the glass alongside it, creating moments of balance and surprise, indulgence and refinement. Like the wines themselves, the food celebrates a connection to a place, rooted in the Kentish landscape yet confident enough to stand among the best of the best restaurants across the country.

The day, from 11am until 3.30pm, is as much about atmosphere as it is about wine. It unfolds at a pace that feels generous, with plenty of time to absorb, taste and enjoy and discuss with some of the best minds that understand Gusbourne inside and out. While much of the tour takes place outdoors, the tastings and lunch are hosted in warm, inviting spaces, ensuring comfort whatever the season.

Gusbourne is not just a name woven into the fabric of Kent but one that resonates far beyond. Its wines grace the lists of Britain’s most celebrated restaurants – from L’Enclume to Restaurant Story, The Hand & Flowers to Whatley Manor, and pour in London’s finest hotels, from The Lanesborough to The Langham. Served onboard Cunard cruise ships, the Belmond British Pullman and British Airways First cabins, and exported to nearly 40 countries including the US, Japan and Norway. This global presence is living proof that the vision planted in 2004 has not only endured but flourished, establishing Gusbourne as an international ambassador for English sparkling wine.

The Estate Tour with Lunch (£120 pp) encapsulates this story. It is a day that brings ambition, precision and passion vividly to life – not simply a tasting, but an experience that lingers long after the final glass has been drained.

A Day at Gusbourne: Kent’s Sparkling Showcase Estate Tour and Lunch

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