Chapel Down

We are not only England’s leading wine producer but also one of the UK’s most exciting drinks companies. Produced in Kent using grapes from our own and partner vineyards across the South East of England, Chapel Down creates world-class Traditional Method sparkling wines and a range of still wines and craft beers. With a mission to surprise and delight, Chapel Down has quickly gained support from leading chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver, as well as great Institutions such as The Royal Opera House, The Donmar Warehouse, Festival Hall and The RAC Club!

At Chapel Down, our own vineyards are in Kent, where we believe the finest overall conditions for grape growing exists in England. However, we also source our fruit from a wider geographic area – from Essex to Hampshire - to ensure we maintain consistency and that the risks of crop failure through frost, unusual weather events and climate are therefore reduced.

We have 13 growers supplying us with fruit who have the benefit of a long term contract with us, and who enjoy the help and advice we can provide from our own vineyard experience to enable them to grow better, more valuable fruit.

Based in Tenterden in Kent, the Chapel Down winery boasts some of the best winemaking facilities in England. We are expanding capacity all the time and can produce nearly 1 million bottles of still and sparkling wines. Although we have excellent facilities, you can’t make great wine without great fruit and talented people.

We continually strive to push the boundaries of English wine production through innovative ways of thinking, whether that be through blending new and traditional winemaking techniques or creating different styles of wine, our aim is always to surprise and delight our customers.

"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 the perfect balance.”

Josh Donaghay-Spire, Chapel Down Winemaker

Located in Tenterden, in the heart of the Kent countryside, the Chapel Down winery is open to the public throughout the year and welcomes over 50,000 visitors each year.  Chapel Down offers guided tours of the winery and vineyards, together with tutored tastings and gift experiences.  The winery boasts excellent visitor facilities, including an impressive restaurant and shop stocking local produce.

On the 8th September we embarked on an equity crowdfunding campaign in order to invite our customers to become part of our success and to raise funds for our future.  We have been astounded by the support we have received and, as a result, have reached the campaign total of £3.95m in just over three weeks - making it the UK’s largest ever crowdfunding initiative.