Balfour Winery

Balfour Winery holds a landmark place in English wine history. When their Balfour Brut Rosé 2004 won a gold medal and the Trophy at the 2007 International Wine Challenge, it became the first English wine ever to achieve this honour, a watershed moment that announced to the world that England could produce sparkling wines of exceptional quality.

Balfour Winery: Origins and Development

The Balfour-Lynn family planted their first vineyards in 2002 on the beautiful Hush Heath Estate near Staplehurst in Kent. The manor house itself dates back to 1503 and has been the family home since the 1980s, set amidst 400 acres of ancient oak woodland in Kent's Weald. This historic setting provides an evocative backdrop for one of England's most celebrated wine producers.

How Balfour Winery Makes Its Wines

Co-founders Richard and Leslie Balfour-Lynn assembled a team of viticultural and winemaking experts who helped create a state-of-the-art winery and tasting room that opened in 2018. The facilities showcase the best of modern winemaking while the surrounding estate maintains its timeless English character.

Balfour's range centres on traditional method sparkling wines, with the pioneering Brut Rosé remaining a flagship offering. The estate's chalky soils and favourable Kent climate provide excellent conditions for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, while careful vineyard management and precise winemaking ensure consistent quality across the range.

Visiting and Events at Balfour Winery

Visitors to Balfour Winery can experience the estate through various tours and tastings that explore the vineyards, winery, and cellars. The restaurant offers dining options paired with estate wines, while the wider Hush Heath Estate provides opportunities for walks through the ancient woodland. Corporate events and meetings take advantage of the inspiring surroundings.

Balfour Winery: Awards and Recognition

Recognised as a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice venue and holder of Visit England's Gold Award, Balfour Winery delivers hospitality that matches the quality of its wines, making it an essential destination for anyone exploring English wine country.