English wine producer Balfour to double production to one million bottles

Balfour Winery, based in Kent, has announced plans to double production to one million bottles per annum over the next five years, appointing new board members in aid of its growth objectives.

Balfour has revealed plans to double production to one million bottles per annum at its 400-acre (162-hectare) Hush Heath Estate in Kent. Long-term grower contracts in both Kent and Essex will support these growth plans.

The Kent-based winery has announced two new hires as part of its next chapter following a period of strong growth.

Adam Williams, who first joined Balfour in 2017 as sales director, has been promoted to chief operating officer. He will continue to oversee the company’s sales strategy and growth.

Jack Merrylees, previously from Majestic Wine, has joined as the producer’s marketing & PR director. Merrylees joins Balfour after an eleven-year stint at Majestic, where he joined as a graduate trainee in 2012. His most recent position was as head of content, brand & PR. Merrylees will take responsibility for driving growth and interest across the Balfour brands, as well as increasing further visitor numbers to the winery situated just outside of Staplehurst.

Williams and Merrylees form part of a new board, which also includes Fergus Elias, head winemaker, and Sarah Easton, commercial director.

The 20-year-old winery also operates a network of ten bars and pubs with boutique hotel rooms across the South East, London and the Cotswolds. Balfour also maintains a beer and cider arm of its business called Jake’s Drinks.

Williams spoke to db in December about Balfour’s plans to grow the beer and cider arm “hand in hand” with plans to expand the English winery’s wine production over the next few years. The Kent-based winery appointed Shelley Harris, formerly of Chapel Down, to head up sales for beer and cider; the first step in plans to grow the Jake’s Drinks arm of the business. Read more here.