Chapel Down

One of the names that helped put English wine on the map. Chapel Down makes both sparkling and still wines from Kent and has built a visitor experience that goes well beyond simply buying a bottle.
Chapel Down logo
South East England
AT A GLANCE

Producer Profile


Established

2002

Location

Tenterden

Experiences

  • Accessible Visits
  • Cellar Door
  • Food Platters & Pairings
  • Online Shop
  • Private Events
  • Restaurant
  • Special Events
  • Tastings
  • Tours
  • Vineyard Walks
  • Weddings

The Story

Chapel Down is based in Kent, in the heart of the Garden of England. Its ambition is to change the way the world thinks about English wine through an award-winning range of premium sparkling and still wines. The producer combines its Tenterden winery estate with vineyards across South East England and long-term grower partnerships. Its wines are widely available through restaurants, bars, supermarkets and independent wine merchants, while the Small Hythe estate welcomes visitors throughout the year.

Our Terroir & Heritage

The Vineyards

Chapel Down’s wines are produced from fruit grown across South East England. The estate owns vineyards primarily on the Kent Downs and also works with long-term partner vineyards in Kent, Sussex and Essex. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Bacchus are grown on south-facing chalk soils in a warm maritime climate. This mix of sites supplies fruit for both traditional-method sparkling wines and a broad collection of still wines.

The Winemaker

WINEMAKER

Josh Donaghay-Spire

Josh Donaghay-Spire is Chapel Down’s Operations Director and Head Winemaker. He has worked with the producer for more than 15 years and leads its winemaking, vineyard and production teams. The team combines extensive experience in sparkling and cool-climate wine regions with modern winemaking techniques, producing wines characterised by fresh fruit, balanced acidity and an increasingly confident expression of English terroir.

Visit and Experience

OPENING & BOOKING

The winery is currently open Sunday to Wednesday from 10am–5pm and Thursday to Saturday from 10am–7pm. The shop opens daily.

Guided experiences are best booked ahead, although the estate also welcomes more casual visits and self-guided walks.

Location

Chapel Down Winery, Small Hythe Road

Tenterden

TN30 7NG

Experience Amenities
  • Accessible Visits
  • Cellar Door
  • Food Platters & Pairings
  • Online Shop
  • Private Events
  • Restaurant
  • Special Events
  • Tastings
  • Tours
  • Vineyard Walks
  • Weddings
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BUY & DRINK

Where to find Chapel Down

Verified restaurants, wine bars and merchants currently listing this producer.