Simpsons Wine Estate

Simpsons Wine Estate provides a unique joy: savour exquisite English wines, then take the "Fruit Chute" helter-skelter from the tasting room.

https://www.simpsonswine.com

The Barns, Church Lane, Barham, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6PB Get directions

Nearest station: Snowdown (3.0 miles).

Public tours

Self-guided tours

Tasting room

Online shop

Winery on site

Walking trail

Disabled access

Award-winning

Organic or sustainable

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

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.

Visiting information

Booking: Tours, tastings, and other experiences at Simpsons Wine Estate require advance booking.
Opening: The office is open for cellar door wine purchases and 'Click and Collect' orders from 9am to 5pm. Specific tasting experiences, such as the Wine Tasting Experience, are available on weekday afternoons.
Special Events: The estate hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including exclusive wine dinners (partnering with the Michelin-starred Hide and Fox restaurant), British Pullman luxury train journeys, wildflower bouquet workshops, and seasonal open houses. Masterclass sessions exploring rare vintages and current releases are also offered.
Accommodation: There is no accommodation on site, but the team can recommend local options upon request.

Restrictions: Due to operating as a working production environment, the estate cannot accommodate guests under 18 years of age or dogs, with the exception of registered assistance dogs.

The Wine

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.

Getting here

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.

What's nearby

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.