Gusbourne

Every bottle of sparkling wine is a vintage-only, estate-grown marvel, ensuring each sip tells the unique story of a single English harvest.

https://www.gusbourne.com

Kenardington Road, Appledore, Ashford, Kent, TN26 2BE. Get directions

Nearest station: Appledore (3.1 miles).

Public tours

Private tours

Self-guided tours

Tasting room

Restaurant or café

Dog friendly

Online shop

Winery on site

Walking trail

Disabled access

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

Gusbourne offers a sophisticated yet relaxed experience set within a beautiful Kentish landscape, ideal for those seeking quality and a refined approach to English winemaking.

Visiting information

Booking: The tasting room, 'The Nest', is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, year-round, including bank holidays, where you can enjoy tastings and purchase wines. Guided tours are available and can be booked in advance, particularly recommended for tours that include lunch. Self-guided vineyard walks are also an option; simply collect a map at The Nest.

Tour Dates: Guided tours are generally available from Thursday to Sunday throughout the year.

Dining: While there isn't a standalone restaurant, many of Gusbourne's tour experiences include a seasonal three-course lunch, thoughtfully paired with their wines. They also host various culinary events.

Special Events: Throughout the year, Gusbourne hosts unique events such as dinners prepared by renowned chefs, tastings led by their winemaking team, and vineyard picnics. These often feature rare releases or vertical tastings from their wine library.

Accommodation: Gusbourne does not offer on-site accommodation, but they provide recommendations for nearby hotels and places to stay.

Children & Dogs: Due to the nature of the tours involving the working winery and wine tasting, hosted tours are not suitable for children. Dogs are not permitted inside The Nest, the tasting rooms, or the winery.

The Wine

Gusbourne is renowned for its award-winning English Sparkling Wines, including Brut Reserve, Blanc de Blancs, Rosé, and Blanc de Noirs. They also produce still wines, specifically Chardonnay (Guinevere) and Pinot Noir. All wines are crafted using the classic Champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, with a commitment to using only grapes grown in their own vineyards.

Gusbourne has garnered numerous accolades, notably being the only three-time winner of the IWSC English Wine Producer of the Year. Recent awards include the Gusbourne Chardonnay Guinevere 2021 receiving the Top Still Wine at the WineGB Awards 2023 and Gold medals at Decanter 2023 and WineGB 2023. Their Blanc de Blancs, Boot Hill Vineyard, achieved a Triple Gold-medal in 2024 at the Decanter World Wine Awards, Wine GB, and International Wine Spirits Competition. The Gusbourne Rosé has won gold at the International Wine Challenge, and their Pinot Noir 2022 was named Best English Red at the IWC Awards. The Blanc de Blancs 2019 was also recognized as the National Champion at the CSWWC.

A founding member of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB), Gusbourne holds Gold accreditation for its sustainable vineyard management. Their viticultural practices include regenerative agriculture, planting wildflower blocks to boost biodiversity, and using natural organic fertilisers such as seaweed and composted chicken manure. The winery operates on 99% renewable energy, showcasing a commitment to low-intervention winemaking and environmental stewardship. Gusbourne controls its entire process, from grape cultivation to winemaking, on-site.

Getting here

By Car
Gusbourne is located at the junction of Kenardington Road and Snargate Road, approximately a 15-minute drive from Ashford and 10 minutes from Rye. Free parking is available at the vineyard.

By Public Transport
The nearest major train station is Ashford International, with high-speed connections from London St Pancras (under 40 minutes). From Ashford International, Gusbourne is a short taxi journey (around 10-15 minutes). Gusbourne has preferred local taxi providers with agreed rates (e.g., £30 from Ashford). Alternatively, you can take a train from Ashford to Rye (three stops) and then a taxi. Please note that Appledore station is not served by taxis or regular buses.

What's nearby

Notable Restaurants:
- The Ferry Inn - A beloved traditional pub close to Gusbourne, offering classic country cooking in a scenic rural setting.
- The George in Rye - An elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Rye featuring a celebrated restaurant.
Notable Hotels:
- Boys Hall - A beautifully restored manor house in Ashford with stylish rooms and a focus on modern British hospitality.
- The George in Rye - An elegant boutique hotel offering comfortable stays in the historic town of Rye.
Notable Attractions:
- Kent & East Sussex Railway - A heritage railway offering scenic steam train journeys through the Kent countryside.
- Leeds Castle - Known as "the loveliest castle in the world," offering a rich history, beautiful gardens, and family-friendly activities.