Kent, But Make It Burgundy: Why Vineyard Tourism Is Booming

(written exclusively for Kent Life and published in their April 2025 edition)

There was a time when “wine tourism” meant hopping on a flight to Burgundy or Tuscany to swirl a glass while basking in golden vineyard views. In recent years, it has all changed. With over 100 vineyards (and counting!) — many of them award-winning — Kent is fast becoming a must-visit destination for wine lovers. And local vineyards are stepping up their game, offering more than just a quick tasting and a wave goodbye.

Wine tourism in Kent is booming, and with it comes a whole new way to experience English wine. It’s no longer just about a vineyard tour and a splash of Chardonnay before you’re shuffled out the door. Now, you can sip under the stars, stay overnight in a vineyard B&B, enjoy curated tastings, and even throw a party among the vines. More and more wineries are opening up bars, restaurants, and cellar doors, offering guests the chance to truly immerse themselves in the magic of winemaking. And with so many styles of wine now being made in Kent — from world-class sparkling wines to delicate Pinot Noirs and even skin-contact whites — there’s plenty to discover.

There’s something special about drinking a wine in the very place it was made. It’s a chance to slow down, soak up the landscape, and get to know the people behind the bottle. Many vineyards in Kent are small, family-run operations, which means you won’t just be meeting a brand ambassador — you’ll be chatting with the owner, the winemaker, or the vineyard manager themselves. You’ll hear firsthand about the challenges of growing grapes in England, why one vintage tastes different from the next, and — if you ask nicely — maybe even a few behind-the-scenes secrets.

That’s all well and good, but with so many vineyards to choose from, where do you even begin? The sheer number of options can lead to a classic case of analysis paralysis — do you go for the sparkling specialists, the natural wine pioneers, or the hidden gems off the beaten track? And then there’s the question of logistics: how do you get from one vineyard to another without someone having to sit out the fun as the designated driver? That’s where Offvine Tours comes in — a boutique wine tourism company that takes the hassle out of planning and transforms vineyard-hopping into a seamless, unforgettable experience. From hidden gems to renowned estates, they offer curated trips to some of Kent’s most exciting wineries.

"I fell in love with Kent’s vineyards and the bold winemakers redefining English wine — but getting home after all that tasting was the challenge! Offvine was born on a simple premise: you drink, we drive. Now, we partner with independent vineyards across Kent, helping people to discover award-winning English wine and drink more of it!” says Rachel Proctor, the founder of Offvine.

Their tours aren’t just about showing up, sipping, and leaving — they’re immersive experiences designed to connect visitors with the heart of English wine culture. Whether you're a casual sipper or a full-on wine geek, there’s a tour to suit your style, from English Wine Discovery Tours that introduce you to a mix of established names and rising stars to the Natural Wine Tours that showcase low-intervention winemakers pushing the boundaries of what English wine can be. But it’s not just about structured tours. Offvine also caters to private groups, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a romantic escape, or rounding up the crew for an alternative hen do (let’s be honest, bottomless brunch is so last year!). No maps, no designated drivers, no stress — just a leisurely day discovering Kent’s incredible wine scene, one glass at a time.