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Hush Heath Estate winery unveils £4 million new tasting room

Visitors to a winery's open weekend have got a taste of its new £4 million investment as well as its products.

Hush Heath in Staplehurst is hosting two days to showcase a new tasting room, complete with shop and first-floor terrace.

Yesterday more than 1,000 people came along and the free event returns today.

The new terrace at the tasting room
The new terrace at the tasting room

It was a year ago the Hush Heath team conceived plans for the building which give people a roomy space to sample wines and enjoy views over the vines from outdoor areas.

In total 200 can be accommodated. The work has also created more room for wine fermentation tanks and an office.

During the weekend people could tour the estate and also join tasting master classes. One of those on offer was Balfour Brut Rose, a pink fizz and the first product to come out of the 400-acre site when it was first planted in 2002.

It has won several accolades including two at the Decanter World Wine awards and has been served to passengers on the Orient Express, in the British Airways First Class cabin and at the 2012 Olympic games.

Staff were on hand to explain the tasting notes during the open weekend
Staff were on hand to explain the tasting notes during the open weekend
Hush Heath Estate owner and wine producer Richard Balfour-Lynn
Hush Heath Estate owner and wine producer Richard Balfour-Lynn
Guests could enjoy cheese tasting alongside the drinks
Guests could enjoy cheese tasting alongside the drinks

Producer Richard Balfour-Lynn, who runs the estate with wife Leslie, said: "What Hush Heath is about is wine tourism. We're proud of Kent and are proud to have people coming in, tasting and sharing.

"We've built a winery with capacity to produce up to half a million bottles a year and planted sufficient vineyards. This year we expect to produce 350,000 bottles, up from 150,000 last year.

"With the 200-seater tasting room it is a very exciting time and the whole idea is to make wine fun."

Hush Heath winery is based in Five Oak Lane and today's open day runs until 5pm. Visitors are also welcome at the estate all year round.

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