Kent’s picturesque North Downs are home to Squerryes Estate, a 300-year-old vineyard with a rich winemaking heritage. The 45-minute outdoor tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the lush vineyards and explore the intricate process behind the estate’s celebrated sparkling wines. From insights into the vine lifecycle to the influence of the chalk-rich soil, this intimate experience promises a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. As the tour culminates in a guided tasting of three vintage sparkling wines, guests are sure to leave with a newfound understanding of the region’s celebrated viticultural tradition.
Good To Know
- Squerryes Estate is a 300-year-old winemaking haven located in Kent’s North Downs, offering guided tours of its lush vineyards and a tutored tasting of three vintage sparkling wines.
- The tour provides insights into the estate’s rich winemaking heritage, the vine lifecycle, and the nuanced winemaking process, with the focus changing based on the season.
- The outdoor tour segment allows guests to witness the vine’s evolution firsthand, while the tasting session enhances the experience by showcasing the unique characteristics of the estate’s sparkling wines.
- The tours run from May to October, aligning with the vibrant viticulture periods, and the winemaking process is explained in detail, emphasizing the estate’s traditional methods and the influence of the chalk-rich soil.
- The experience is not suitable for children under 18 due to the focus on history and wine production, and the tasting of vintage sparkling wines.
Discovering Squerryes Estate
Visitors embark on a captivating journey through the storied Squerryes Estate, a 300-year-old winemaking haven nestled in the heart of Kent’s picturesque North Downs.
This historic estate has been home to the Warde family for four generations, celebrating 24 years in viticulture.
The guided tour takes guests through the lush vineyards, where they learn about the lifecycle of the vine and the winemaking process.
The outdoor portion of the tour lasts 45 minutes, and suitable clothing is recommended to accommodate the variable weather.
The experience culminates in a tutored tasting of three vintage sparkling wines, allowing visitors to savor the fruits of the estate’s labor.
Tour Guide’s Insights
The tour guide’s insights explore the intricate tapestry of Squerryes Estate’s 300-year-old winemaking heritage. As visitors explore the sprawling vineyards, the guide meticulously explains the lifecycle of the vines and the nuanced winemaking process. A table showcases the estate’s seasonal tours:
| Tour Period | May-June | July-August | September-October |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather | Cool, wet | Warm, dry | Mild, changeable |
| Vine Stage | Flowering | Veraison | Harvesting |
| Tour Focus | Cultivation | Maturation | Fermentation |
The outdoor portion of the tour, lasting 45 minutes, invites guests to witness the evolution of the vines firsthand, while the tutored tasting of three vintage sparkling wines culminates the enchanting experience.
Sparkling Wine Tasting
The wine-tasting segment of the tour commences with a guided sampling of three vintage sparkling wines produced by Squerryes Estate.
The expert guide leads visitors through the nuances of each wine, highlighting the unique characteristics shaped by the estate’s terroir and winemaking practices. Guests are encouraged to appreciate the wines’ aromas, flavours, and textures, gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s sparkling wine heritage.
The tasting offers a captivating sensory experience, complementing the earlier vineyard tour and providing a comprehensive insight into Squerryes’ winemaking prowess.
This intimate tasting session allows visitors to savor the fruits of the estate’s 24-year viticulture journey, leaving a lasting impression of Kent’s exceptional sparkling wine offerings.
Seasonal Vineyard Tours
Seasonal vineyard tours at Squerryes Estate run from May to October, allowing visitors to enjoy the estate’s viticulture during the most vibrant times of the year.
The 45-minute outdoor portion of the tour guides guests through the 300-year-old estate‘s vineyards, where the tour guide provides insights into the lifecycle of the vine and the winemaking process.
Suitable clothing is recommended, as the tour takes place rain or shine. The tour culminates in a tutored tasting of three vintage sparkling wines, offering a comprehensive understanding of Squerryes’ award-winning offerings.
With a history spanning four generations, Squerryes is a gateway to the rich winemaking heritage of Kent’s picturesque North Downs.
Winemaking Process Explained
Following the guided tour through the vineyards, the winemaking process at Squerryes Estate is thoroughly explained.
The tour guide leads visitors through the key stages, from harvesting the grapes to fermentation and bottling. Visitors learn how the chalk-rich soil of the North Downs contributes to the unique flavor profiles of Squerryes’ sparkling wines.
The guide also highlights the traditional methods used, such as the méthode champenoise, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle.
Throughout the educational experience, guests have the opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper appreciation for the expertise and care that goes into crafting Squerryes’ award-winning vintages.
Outdoor Tour Experience
The outdoor vineyard portion of the tour lasts 45 minutes and provides visitors with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the estate’s viticulture practices.
The tour guide will explain the lifecycle of the vine and the winemaking process, drawing from Squerryes’ 300-year history. Guests are advised to wear suitable clothing for the variable weather conditions, as the tour takes place entirely outdoors.
This segment of the experience allows participants to fully enjoy the picturesque North Downs landscape, known as the gateway to the Garden of England.
The guide’s engaging commentary and the visual splendor of the vineyards create an educational and memorable outing for wine enthusiasts.
Important Participant Details
The Kent Wine Tour and Tasting experience is not suitable for children under 18 years of age.
The tour focuses on the history and wine production process at the Squerryes Estate, which may not be engaging for younger participants. Plus, the tasting portion of the tour involves sampling vintage sparkling wines, making it inappropriate for minors.
Visitors should also note that the tour package does not include any food or transportation to and from the estate. Attendees are responsible for arranging their own dining and travel arrangements.
Suitable clothing is recommended for the outdoor portion of the tour, as the weather can be variable. Understanding these participant details ensures visitors are prepared for the experience.
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Sum Up
Squerryes Estate in Kent offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of winemaking. The 45-minute outdoor tour provides insights into the vine lifecycle, the influence of the chalk-rich soil, and the intricate winemaking process. The guided tasting of three vintage sparkling wines allows visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship behind Kent’s celebrated wines. This intimate experience offers a deep understanding of the region’s winemaking traditions.