Member Article

Kent vineyard and winery crowdfunds land expansion

Kent-based winemaker Chapel Down has more than doubled the amount of land for its vineyard as sales skyrocket.

According to Kent Online, the company has increased its land under lease by 181 acres to 326 acres, adding two sites to its current two vineyards in Tenterden and Blue Bell Hill.

The largest site is at Street Farm in Boxley on the North Downs, measuring 131 acres, with the other at Scurms Farm in Sandhurst on the Kent and Sussex border, measuring 50 acres.

The winemaker launched a crowdfunding scheme last year, raising nearly £4 million from more than 1,400 investors to fund the land expansion.

The plans follow on from a long term lease at Court Lodge Farm in Boxley, which was announced in September, close to its existing site at Kits Coty on Blue Bell Hill.

Chief executive Frazer Thompson said: “This is more exciting news for us. The Boxley site is close to our existing vineyard at Kits Coty and our other previously announced new site at Court Lodge Farm on the North Downs.

“We believe this area of the North Downs offers the finest terroir in England for sparkling varieties and successive excellent crops from Kits Coty prove it.

“The site in Sandhurst is in a proven area for distinctive and high quality still and sparkling varieties close to the winery at Tenterden.

“ Both sites will be planted over the coming years to enable us to grow more World Class grapes to satisfy the increasing demand for Chapel Down wines over the next 25 years.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .