Speak to an expert
020 7593 2288
Open 9 - 6 Mon to Thu, 9 - 5:30 Fri & 9 - 1 Sat
“Kent, sir – everybody knows Kent – apples, cherries, hops and women” observed Mr Jingle in Dickens’ Pickwick Papers, and whilst we might phrase it differently almost 200 years later, the Garden of England retains a fruitful abundance from the High Weald to the cliffs and beaches of the coast. In recent years, viticulture has taken root firmly in the region, and Kent is the source of the most highly-regarded vineyards in the UK, producing a host of award-winning wines – from champagnerivalling sparkling wines to impressive whites and increasingly well-respected reds. On this tour in the company of expert wine critic and author Jonathan Ray, drinks editor of The Spectator, we will meet some of the county’s finest winemakers – and a brewer – and taste the very best that Kent has to offer. Based on the edge of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we shall also take time to enjoy exquisite gardens, galleries and plenty of the finest local produce.
We will be based for the duration of the tour at the elegant Chilston Park Hotel, located on the edge of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just 20 minutes from Maidstone and Ashford, and half an hour’s drive from Canterbury. The Grade I listed 17th century manor house sits in 22 acres of Kentish parkland, and offers 53 comfortable bedrooms, located in either the main house or the Mews building nearby. The Culpeper’s restaurant has a good reputation for seasonal dishes created by head chef Adrian Martin with ingredients sourced locally, and afternoon teas are served in the Marble Lounge. There is plenty of parking on site for those arriving by car and the taxi journey from Maidstone West will cost approximately: £30
...when you travel with Kirker
Jonathan Ray is the Drinks Editor for The Spectator magazine, drinks columnist of The Field and Spear’s Magazine, contributing editor of Boat International and author of several books on wine and spirits including All About Wine, Bloodlines & Grapevines, Drink More Fizz! and That’s the Spirit!. Jonathan has also written on food, travel and many other subjects for the Guardian, the New Statesman, the Daily Mail, the Mail on Sunday and the Financial Times. He has a PhD in history from Royal Holloway, University of London, is married with two sons and lives in Brighton.
Tour Leader
Jonathan Ray is the Drinks Editor for The Spectator magazine, drinks columnist of The Field and Spear’s Magazine, contributing editor of Boat International and author of several books on wine and spirits including All About Wine, Bloodlines & Grapevines, Drink More Fizz! and That’s the Spirit!. Jonathan has also written on food, travel and many other subjects for the Guardian, the New Statesman, the Daily Mail, the Mail on Sunday and the Financial Times. He has a PhD in history from Royal Holloway, University of London, is married with two sons and lives in Brighton.
Our expert reservations team regularly travel to a wide range of destinations to explore new cities, visit hotels and to research museums, galleries and restaurants so that we can offer the most up-to-date advice and recommendations.
