For hundreds of years, Shepherd Neame has been synonymous with beer. But now, for the first time, it is launching its own English wine.

The Faversham brewer will not, however, be planting its own vines - instead it is collaborating with the Staplehurst-based Balfour Winery.

The result will be a white wine and a rosé using grapes grown at Balfour’s Hush Heath estate and sold under the English Garden brand.

Michael Prior, Shepherd Neame’s wines and spirits manager, said: “Shepherd Neame is committed to working with local businesses and suppliers wherever possible and we are passionate about championing English wines, including offerings from our Kentish heartland.

“We are delighted to see this special partnership come to fruition.”

Balfour’s head winemaker Fergus Elias, who led the team in producing the new collection, added: “This is a really exciting time for English winemaking, particularly in Kent which is becoming known as the Wine Garden of England with more and more vineyards being introduced in the region.”

The wine will be available by the glass or bottle in selected Shepherd Neame pubs across Kent, London and the South East as well as its shop at its Faversham headquarters.