A vineyard has secured a deal to distribute its wines and ciders to the USA.

Hush Heath Estate near Staplehurst has signed an agreement with Valentine Wines to sell its sparkling Balfour Brut Rosé and Jake’s Orchard ciders across the Atlantic this summer.

The products will be distributed in 47 states across the US, continuing the upward trend in the reputation of English wine around the world.

Hush Heath Estate owner Richard Balfour-Lynn said: “America has just overtaken France as the world’s largest consumer of wine so clearly we are pleased to be entering this market.

“It represents a huge opportunity for the business and elevates Hush Heath Estate to a new standing in the wine industry.

“To win such international support indicates that we are not solely dependent on our home market championing local produce.

"As such, it is great testimony to the quality of wines we are producing.”

The Balfour Brut Rosé will already be known to some connoisseurs in the US who have been served it on British Airways First Class since 2011.

Hush Heath is embarking on an expansion plan to increase its acreage to deal with increased demand.

It is launching another two wines this year, including its first red wine, a Pinot Noir (2013) this summer.

The estate has also been open for public tours since last year.

Mr Balfour-Lynn added: “The enthusiastic response we have had to our wines truly reflects what English, and Kentish, vineyards can achieve.

“We set out to produce sparkling rosé that we believed could rival the best Champagnes. I am delighted that we’ve succeeded and most importantly our customers agree.”