Simpsons Wine Estate

When	Days	Hours
Year-round	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun	09:00–17:00

Office hours are 9am-5pm, during which cellar door wine purchases and Click and Collect orders can be made -- the site does not explicitly state whether this is 7 days a week or weekdays only, so treat with some caution. All Tasting Experiences, Vineyard and Winery Tours (Saturdays and some Friday afternoons), and Sunset Sessions (select Friday evenings in summer) require advance booking. Under 18s and dogs (except assistance dogs) are not permitted.

Opening hours can change for private events - it's always worth checking the vineyard's website before you visit.

What's the vibe?

Simpsons Wine Estate offers a refined and modern English wine experience, set within the stunning natural beauty of the Elham Valley in Kent. The estate exudes a sense of quality and provenance, with a focus on expressing the unique Kentish terroir in every bottle.

Booking: Tours, tastings, and other experiences at Simpsons Wine Estate require advance booking, either online or by telephone.

Opening: The cellar door is open for wine purchases and Click and Collect orders from 9am to 5pm. Guided wine tastings run on weekday afternoons; vineyard and winery tours take place on Saturdays and some Friday afternoons.

Tastings and Tours: The Wine Tasting Experience is a 90-minute guided journey through the estate's still and sparkling range, priced from £25 per person. The Vineyard and Winery Tour and Tasting Experience combines a guided walk through the estate with a tutored tasting, priced from £45 per person and running on Saturdays and select Friday afternoons.

Private Hire: The Glass House Tasting Room is available for private hire and corporate events. Bespoke packages can be arranged through the estate's events team.

Special Events: The estate hosts a varied programme throughout the year, including exclusive wine dinners in partnership with Hide and Fox, British Pullman luxury train journeys, wildflower bouquet workshops, and seasonal open houses. Masterclass sessions exploring rare vintages and current releases are also offered.

Parking: Ample free on-site parking is available, with easy drop-off and collection at the winery. Overnight parking is not permitted.

Accommodation: There is no accommodation on site, but the team can suggest local options upon request.

Children and Dogs: The estate operates as a working production environment and is unable to welcome guests under 18 years of age or dogs, with the exception of registered assistance dogs.

Simpsons Wine Estate produces a highly acclaimed range of exclusively estate-grown still and sparkling wines. Their portfolio includes white still wines such as Chardonnay, red still wines like Pinot Noir, and a rosé. For sparkling wines, they craft Method Traditional examples including Blanc de Noirs, Blanc de Blancs, and Classic Cuvée.

The wines have garnered significant critical acclaim. Their Flint Fields Blanc de Noirs 2018 was awarded "National Champion, Best English Sparkling Wine" and "Best in Class, English Blanc de Noirs" at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships 2022. The Railway Hill Rosé 2023 was named "Best Still Rosé" at the WineGB Awards 2024. Additionally, the Chalklands Vintage Reserve 2019 earned a Gold Medal at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships 2024, and the Derringstone Pinot Meunier 2018 received a Gold Medal at the Sommelier's Wine Awards 2020.

The vineyard and winery achieved The Wines of Great Britain Sustainability Certification in July 2022, reflecting a holistic sustainability ethos. Measures include installing solar panels, using lighter bottles, minimising water usage, and responsibly disposing of wastewater. Sustainable farming practices focus on minimal pesticide and fertiliser inputs, promoting biodiversity (including using sheep in the vineyards), and protecting soil health.

The estate operates a state-of-the-art winery, opened in 2016, which is located in close proximity to their vineyard sites.

By Car
Simpsons Wine Estate is located at The Barns, Church Lane, Barham, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6PB. The entrance is on Church Lane, directly opposite St John the Baptist Church. It is approximately a 15-minute drive from Canterbury. Ample on-site parking is available.

By Public Transport
The nearest major train station is Canterbury West, which offers high-speed train services from London St Pancras. The vineyard is a short taxi journey from Canterbury West station. Recommended taxi providers include Nashat Hamdallah Taxis (07920 424372) and Longleys Taxi Company (01227 710777). Local bus routes 16 and 17 connect Canterbury to Barham, with journeys taking between 11 and 19 minutes, though a short walk or taxi may be required from the bus stop to the vineyard.

Book train tickets in advance via Trainline.

• Other Vineyards:
  • Chartham Vineyard: An artisan family vineyard offering wine sales, tours, and tastings, located just three miles outside Canterbury.
  • Barnsole Vineyard: A boutique vineyard and winery also near Canterbury, offering free admission, vineyard tours, and wine tastings.
• Notable Restaurants:
  • Hide and Fox: A two-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Saltwood, Hythe, known for modern British cuisine and creative tasting menus.
  • The Fordwich Arms: A Michelin-starred pub in Fordwich, a few miles from Canterbury, acclaimed for its seasonal menus using local Kentish ingredients.
• Notable Hotels:
  • ABode Canterbury: A luxury hotel centrally located in Canterbury, offering stylish accommodation, an award-winning restaurant, and a bar.
  • Canterbury Cathedral Lodge: Situated within the private grounds of Canterbury Cathedral, this lodge offers a unique and peaceful stay with views of the historic landmark.
• Notable Attractions:
  • Canterbury Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England.
  • Howletts Wild Animal Park: An animal park near Canterbury, home to a wide range of rare and endangered species.