Once, if you were fantasising about a luxurious long lunch on a vineyard, you'd need to hop across the Channel to the likes of France, or on to Italy and Spain. But, over the last decade, English wines - and their wineries - have been becoming ever more popular. Balfour Winery on Hush Heath Estate in Kent is one of England's leading wine producers, knocking out over 400,000 bottles a year.
While the estate has been in the family for three generations, it was only in 2002 when husband and wife duo Richard and Leslie Balfour-Lynn decided to try planting their own vineyards. The result was an instant hit and Balfour's sparkling rose won gold for its first vintage at the International Wine Challenge.
Now, the estate produces not only sparkling wines but plenty of still, too, and has developed the site with a beautiful new restaurant, tasting room, meeting spaces and outdoor stretch tent to cater for a range of private dining options. To make things simple, the team has created a range of packages to suit your needs.
Within the Delegate Meeting Room package guests are invited to focus on a productive morning meeting which comes with a swish meeting room, hot beverages, pastries and presentation equipment, followed by a seasonal lunch of artisan breads, local charcuterie, cheeses and vegetarian options. Then, a tour of the vineyard, as well as a tasting with three wines. This same package can be made premium with a two-course lunch served in The Winemakers' Kitchen, and adding an additional three wines to the tasting.
If your visit will be all play and no work, ditch the meeting room and enjoy an extended guided tour of the vineyards, orchards and woodlands, plus a viewing of their short film featuring the Head Winemaker to learn more. There'll be a three-course meal prepared by the Head Chef with wine pairing, plus a tutored wine tasting with six wines.