Chapel Down Wines

Established in 2002, Chapel Down is England’s leading wine producer, with an award-winning range of English sparkling and still wines.

Their vineyards, on the Kent downs, have the potential to be some of the best in the world, where the chalky soil and cool maritime climate are perfect for sparkling wine, giving each glass a crisp, fresh taste.

With an unwavering dedication and commitment to quality, the team use traditional methods to produce their wines. Their sparkling wine is created using the same method as classic Champagne, where bubbles occur naturally in the bottle. Their still wines are typified by aromatic delicacy and vibrancy of fruit from crisp, clean white wines to delicate rosés.

Chapel Down’s mission to change the way people think about English wines, encourages them to push their boundaries, experimenting and creating new and exciting wines whether that be through blending new and traditional winemaking techniques or creating different styles including England’s first Orange Bacchus and England’s first single varietal Albariño.

By combining new viticultural techniques with the years of knowledge from our established vineyards, we are able to use the best of traditional and innovative practices to produce grapes of the highest standard. It is the evolving and dynamic approach to our grape growing that helps us to keep ahead of the game in a rapidly expanding industry in England.

Richard Lewis, Chapel Down Viticulturist

Grape Varieties:

Chardonnay: Grown largely for sparkling wines, their main Chardonnay vineyard is Kit’s Coty on the North Downs of Kent which produces fruit with excellent acidity and minerality and generous texture.

Pinot Noir: Despite being a grape variety traditionally used in France, Pinot Noir is becoming increasingly important for producing English sparkling wines due to its ability to thrive in cool climates. It’s known for producing delicate thin-skinned grapes with low tannins and an abundance of red fruit.

Bacchus: England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc. The style can vary from punchy tropical fruit to more restrained citrus and gooseberry. Chapel Down Bacchus is often called England’s Cloudy Bay.

I feel very fortunate to be a winemaker in England. The industry here is still in its infancy compared to other more established regions and so with every vintage we discover more about our terroir. As a winemaker, it is fundamental to understand the vineyards and the chemistry of the fruit and wines. This allows us to maximise the potential of our vineyards and the quality of our wines.
Freshness and vibrancy are key features which I look for in wines and English fruit really delivers on this, whether it be unique aromatic white wines, classic fizz, or a twist on a rich Chablis-esque Chardonnay. Balance is at the heart of every good wine and my aim, in the vineyard and the winery, is to strive for perfect balance.

Josh Donaghay-Spire, Head Winemaker