Kent producers band together for ‘Wine Garden of England’ event

Rochester Cathedral in Kent is to host the ‘Wine Garden of England Festival’ this November in what is being billed as the first celebration of wine to be held at the cathedral for almost 1,000 years.

Taking place on 17 November, the festival is the first event to be organised by the newly formed Wine Garden of England group, a partnership between seven Kentish producers: Biddenden, Chapel Down, Domaine Evremond, Gusbourne, Hush Heath Estate, Simpsons Wine Estate and Squerreys.

Described as a “friendly collective”, Wine Garden of England (a play on Kent’s title as the ‘Garden of England’) aims to promote the wines from the county top both the trade and public.

The day-long event will feature tutored tastings and talks in three, two-hour long sessions. Tickets are limited and will go on sale in September.

As well as promoting Kent’s contemporary wine industry, the day is also a chance to recognise the viticultural achievements of the past as well, especially of Gundulf, the Norman Bishop of Rochester from 1077-1108.

One of the great number of Norman Lords and senior clerics who mad England their home after the Conquest, Gundulf is renowned for his architectural skill and was put in charge of constructing the White Tower that now forms the central bastion of the Tower of London as well as several other Norman projects ranging from castles to cathedrals – not least in Rochester.

But he is also remembered as Kent’s ‘first’ winemaker, having planted a small vineyard in the grounds of the priory to supply its cellars with wine for the monks and their guests.

The dean of Rochester Cathedral, Philip Hesketh, explained: “When Gundulf died, the monks of Rochester held an annual wine festival in his memory, hence my inspiration to restore this tradition. It was a natural fit for the newly formed Wine Garden of England partnership, and I am delighted that Kent’s flourishing vineyards have supported this initiative with great enthusiasm and commitment.”

Charles Simpson of Simpsons Wine Estate said: “We are delighted that our first public event will be one celebrating the unique story of Rochester Cathedral’s history of winemaking. Not only are we giving people the chance to learn more about Kent’s outstanding range of wines, from the people who make them, but we can also raise a glass to Kent’s incredible wine heritage, stretching back more than 1,000 years.”

It is hoped that the wine festival will become an annual fixture and with it the revival of an age-old tradition.

Simpson added: “The blessing of the wine harvest is an annual tradition in France, and the group would also like to initiate it in Kent for the first time.  Dean Philip has kindly agreed to include this Blessing during Evensong on Friday November 16^th in the spectacular setting of Rochester Cathedral.”

For more information about the festival click here. Access to the blessing at Evensong on 16 November is open to all.