James Snowden

Since 2002, Balfour Wines has been quietly nudging English wine onto the world stage. From National and International awards to nods from sommeliers who know their fizz from their flat, we’ve grown into one of England’s most respected wine producers — all while keeping our feet firmly in the Kentish soil. Our flagship Balfour Brut Rosé has earned its place in history: the first English sparkling to sparkle in BA First Class and the official English wine of the London 2012 Olympics. Today, our wines are poured in some of the world’s finest restaurants and bars — which is just as well, because we rather like the idea of our grapes travelling further than we do. At the heart of it all is our family-owned estate, a 400-acre Tudor gem near Staplehurst, where the Balfour-Lynn family craft both sparkling and still wines. Family values aren’t just a tagline here; they’re in the soil, the barrels, and the fizz. Visitors can wander our vineyards, apple orchards, wildflower meadows, and ancient oak woodlands for free, every day of the year — no booking required. Or, for a more guided indulgence, join one of our expert-led tours and tastings, where you’ll learn a thing or two about viticulture and leave armed with the ability to identify a Brut from a Blanc de Blancs — confidently, if not diplomatically. Recognised with a Visit England Gold for outstanding wine tourism, Balfour isn’t just a place to make wine; it’s a place to savour it.