Chapel Down has been making English sparkling wine in Tenterden since 2002, and they’ve turned a Kent winery into something closer to a small estate. The focus here is sparkling—done seriously, with guided tours that actually explain the process rather than just wave you past tanks. You can taste in their dedicated room, eat at the Swan restaurant, or simply pick up bottles from the shop along with other English produce. The site’s open daily year-round, which makes it easy to drop in without much planning. With over 900 Google reviews averaging 4.7 stars, most visitors seem to leave satisfied, particularly those who’ve taken the tour. It’s a twenty-minute drive from Headcorn station if you’re coming by train. Dogs are welcome in the shop and on the grounds but not in the restaurant, and while children can visit, they’re not allowed on the vineyard tours themselves.
Planning Your Visit
Chapel Down operates daily from 10am to 5pm at Small Hythe Road in Tenterden, Kent (TN30 7NG). The site is open year-round and includes a tasting room, shop, and The Swan restaurant serving fine dining. Guided tours run seasonally and cover the winemaking process, finishing with a tasting session. The estate specialises in English sparkling wines.
If travelling by train, Headcorn station is roughly 9 miles away. Drivers will find the winery accessible by car with on-site parking. Children are welcome on the grounds and in the restaurant, though under-18s cannot join vineyard tours. Dogs are allowed in outdoor areas and the shop on a lead but aren’t permitted in the restaurant unless they’re assistance animals.
For bookings or queries, call 01580 766111 or email retail@chapeldown.com. The website at chapeldown.com has full tour times and restaurant menus. The estate also offers accommodation for those wanting to stay overnight.
What to Expect
Chapel Down operates from a working winery in Tenterden where you can see English sparkling wine production in action. The site opens daily from 10am to 5pm, offering guided tours that take you through the winemaking process—previous visitors mention knowledgeable guides who explain the different grape varieties and production methods in detail.
After your tour, you’ll taste a selection of their wines in a proper tasting session. The shop stocks their full range, from their flagship sparkling wines to still whites and rosés, plus English food products. If you’re hungry, the Swan restaurant serves seasonal food and operates as a separate dining experience.
Tours run seasonally, so check availability before travelling. Under-18s can visit the grounds and shop but aren’t permitted on the winery tours themselves. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas and shop on a lead, though they can’t join you in the restaurant (assistance dogs excepted).
The nearest station is Headcorn, about nine miles away, so you’ll need to arrange transport from there. With over 900 Google reviews averaging 4.7 stars, most people leave impressed by both the wine quality and the informative tour experience.
