Chapel Down

Discover the vineyard where world-class English sparkling wines have won more Decanter 'Best in Show' awards than any other producer, testament to the exceptional terroir of the Kent Downs.

https://www.chapeldown.com

Small Hythe Road, Tenterden, TN30 7NG Get directions

Nearest station: Tenterden Kent (2.4 miles).

Public tours

Self-guided tours

Tasting room

Restaurant or café

Dog friendly

Child friendly

Online shop

Winery on site

Walking trail

Award-winning

Hosts weddings

Organic or sustainable

Open year-round

While we update listings frequently, we suggest confirming important details with the vineyard to avoid any surprises.

What's the vibe

Nestled in the picturesque Kent countryside, Chapel Down offers a serene escape into nature and is a bustling hub of English winemaking. It provides a welcoming atmosphere to explore beautiful surroundings and enjoy award-winning wines.

Visiting information

Chapel Down is open to visitors throughout the year, daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
Accessibility: Entrance to the shop, vineyards, herb garden, and the on-site restaurant is free. You can simply drop by for a self-guided vineyard walk using a map from the Wine and Fine Food Store, or enjoy free tastings at the shop's tasting bar.
Guided Tours: Guided tours and tutored tastings are available most days, but advanced booking is required. It is recommended to book at least four weeks in advance, and up to four months for weekend availability, due to popularity. Tours last approximately two hours.
Dining: The vineyard features 'The Swan at Chapel Down', a 2 AA Rosette and Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, serving modern British cuisine with locally sourced produce. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Events: Chapel Down hosts various special events throughout the year, such as "Pride & Prejudice at Chapel Down" and "Sunset Yoga at Chapel Down".
Accommodation: There is no on-site accommodation, but Chapel Down partners with local hotels for visitors wishing to stay nearby.
Family & Pet Friendly: Children are welcome, with special pricing for tours (under 12s are free, 12-17 years are £5 for tours). The Swan restaurant is also family-friendly. Dogs are welcome at Chapel Down.

The Wine

Chapel Down is recognised as England's leading wine producer, with over 950 acres under vine, producing a world-class range of sparkling and still wines, alongside a selection of spirits. Their renowned sparkling wines are crafted using the Traditional Method, similar to Champagne, from grapes grown across their own vineyards and partner sites in the South East of England, including varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Bacchus.

Chapel Down wines have garnered numerous accolades, consistently winning awards at international competitions. Notably, their Rosé Brut received a Platinum award at the 2021 Decanter World Wine Awards.

Sustainability is a core focus for Chapel Down. They are a founding member of the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain Scheme. The vineyard employs environmentally conscious practices such as re-introducing indigenous grasses within vine rows, using organic fertilisers, investing in equipment to reduce chemical herbicides, and introducing sheep grazing. They also manage by-products by composting vine prunings and reusing grape skins for spirit production or anaerobic digestion to generate renewable energy. Chapel Down has its own state-of-the-art winery on site, where visitors can learn about the winemaking process from grape to glass.

Getting here

By CarChapel Down is easily accessible by car and offers a large on-site car park with free parking.
By Public TransportThe vineyard is a 20-minute taxi ride from Headcorn train station or a 35-minute taxi ride from Ashford International train station. The nearest bus stop, Church, Small Hythe, is a 2-minute walk away, served by bus lines 12, 312, and 977. Tenterden town centre is approximately 3 miles away, reachable by a 7-minute bus ride (line 312) or a 5-minute taxi journey.

What's nearby

Notable Restaurants
The West House Restaurant: Located in nearby Biddenden, this restaurant holds a Michelin star and is celebrated for its modern British cuisine.
The Ferry Inn: A historic 17th-century pub offering seasonal food and local ales, set in a friendly village with excellent views across the Kent countryside.
Notable Hotels
The Print House: A highly-rated hotel in Tenterden, partnered with Chapel Down for visitor accommodation.
London Beach Country Hotel: Offering a blend of country house luxury with spa access, located in Tenterden.
Notable Attractions
Kent & East Sussex Railway: Enjoy a scenic steam train ride through the picturesque countryside on this heritage railway, with its station in Tenterden.
Smallhythe Place: A charming historic house, once home to actress Ellen Terry, showcasing her theatrical collection amidst beautiful gardens.