Two of the county's top vineyards have won gold medals at the Sommelier Wine Awards 2019.

Biddenden Vineyards, which this year is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the Appledore-based Gusbourne Estate, both won gold at the internationally recognised awards.

Alongside a competitive international field, Gusbourne Estate won two gold medals, the first for its Guinevere 2016 and a second for its pinot noir 2016.

Judges described the Guinevere 2016 as a great chardonnay, toasty, yeasty, structured and complex, whilst the pinot noir was labelled as a well-balanced representation of English wine.

Biddenden Vineyards took home a gold medal for its Gribble Bridge White 2017, a savoury wine with a stone fruit character and long-lasting finish.

For team leader Carlos Ferreira it had a ‘nose of stone fruits, yellow apple and pear’, a palate that was ‘salted, crispy and with a touch of white spice’ and a ‘fresh and long finish’.

Overall, judges were highly impressed with the quality of the two Kent vineyards.

English wine producers won a record breaking five gold medals.

"With spring under way and summer just around the corner, this is great news for bars, hotels and restaurants across the UK," said competition director, Chris Losh. "Whether they’re looking for a budget sparkler or a prestige cuvée champagne, there’s a huge variety to choose from."

In terms of country performance, the annual battle between Italy and France for top spot saw Italy victorious this year, with 94 places on the gold list, compared to 87 for France. Australia was the most successful new world country, achieving 31 gold medals.

Over 3,000 wines were tasted.

Tenterden winemaker Chapel Down this week released its latest financial figures showing a sharp rise in sales.

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