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Simpsons' Wine Estate near Canterbury branches out with third vineyard

One of Kent's most successful wineries is branching out with a third vineyard where 22 acres has been newly-planted.

The expansion marks almost a decade since the owners of the Simpsons' Wine Estate established the business in Barham, near Canterbury.

Charles and Ruth Simpson bringing in the grapes at their wine estate in Barham
Charles and Ruth Simpson bringing in the grapes at their wine estate in Barham

Ruth and Charles Simpson planted their first 25 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir at their Roman Road vineyard in 2014.

A further 50 acres of the same three grape varieties were established on Railway Hill, to the south of the village, during 2016 and 2017.

The couple say the new plantation off Bonny Bush Hill in neighbouring Kingston has been planted with 35,000 vines and will produce four specially-selected Burgundian still wine clones.

Their expertise has brought the estate award-winning recognition with its wines being sold across the world.

Charles says the new vineyard will help the estate meet its target of producing 250,000 bottles of sparkling and still wines a year.

Planting the new vines at the Simpsons' Wine Estate
Planting the new vines at the Simpsons' Wine Estate

"The past decade has seen an incredible expansion of our initial aspiration to establish a purely classic method English sparkling wine business," he said.

"Having now created a highly-regarded range of still wines, we are delighted with the direction that Simpsons’ Wine Estate has taken and are exceptionally proud of the incredible work and dedication of our talented team.”

Ruth added: "We are also 100% committed to promoting and preserving this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in which we are located, with support and guidance from the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain scheme and also the Walpole Sustainability Manifesto.

"The plantation of Bonny Bush Hill adds to our tenth anniversary celebrations and we look forward to all that the next decade will bring for Simpsons’ Wine Estate."

The estate recently reached a major milestone with the release of its first non-vintage version of its award-winning Chalklands Classic Cuvée.

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