Raise a glass to Canterbury district in Kent, the place to invest for the English wine industry. The county is already home to more than 50 wine producers with many choosing Canterbury as their preferred location to grow and bottle their success.
So, what is it about this part of the UK that has made the region such a premier destination for English wine production over the past decade and more? From the natural advantages of geography, with conditions on a par with wine growing regions of France, to business opportunities and an established cultural and tourism appeal, there are many reasons to savour.
A natural fit for viticulture
Canterbury’s unique terroir in the North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is characterised by its chalky limestone soil, like those found in France’s Champagne region. Add in a warmer, temperate climate and you have conditions ideal for producing classic sparkling wine grapes such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier full of vibrant acidity and complex flavours.
Thriving wine enterprises
Canterbury district is home to several esteemed vineyards, including Simpsons Wine Estate, which has garnered international accolades for its still and sparkling wines. Chartham Vineyard is another, producing notable Bacchus wines, celebrated for their crisp, aromatic profiles. Prized vines of English wine’s market leader, Chapel Down are also here.
Strategic business advantages
Canterbury’s proximity to London and continental Europe positions it well for both domestic distribution and export. The region benefits from robust infrastructure and a skilled workforce, with contract producers like Defined Wine offering comprehensive services to over 40 vineyards, including winemaking, bottling, and storage solutions. This is all part of a collaborative ecosystem in Kent more broadly that fosters innovation and quality.
Investment and growth potential
The English wine sector has enjoyed substantial investment in recent years, with Kent at the heart of that success. Chapel Down , producer of one of the best 50 wines globally in 2024, has plans to launch a new regional wine production and bottling hub in the district with the capacity to produce at least six million bottles of wine by 2032. Contract winemakers Defined Wines, based at Highland Court Farm – the proposed site for this expansion – is also set to benefit from increased warehouse space.
International interest is also on the rise, exemplified by Champagne house Taittinger’s establishment of Domaine Evremond in nearby Chilham, marking a significant endorsement of the wider region’s potential.
Cultural and tourism appeal
The rich heritage of the city of Canterbury and the enduring popularity of the district’s picture postcard village and stunning coastline attracts millions to the area each year, with wine tourism – including wine tours and experiences – a growing part of the region’s appeal.
The annual Canterbury Wine Festival (taking place 16 and 17 May 2025) showcases over 45 regional wines, providing opportunities for networking and customer engagement. The region’s picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and gastronomic offerings further contribute to a vibrant wine tourism industry, attracting visitors and boosting the local economy.
With a large glass in hand, Canterbury district presents a compelling case for investment and engagement in English wine production thanks to its optimal growing conditions, dynamic business environment and continued strength as one of the UK’s top visitor destinations.
That’s why if you’re considering where to invest your wine production or supply business, choosing Canterbury is a fine decision. Get in touch to find out more.