Award-winning Chapel Down is to expand its production of world-class wines and beers after securing £4.3 million in equity funding.

The business based at Smallhythe, near Tenterden, is to plant new vines across Kent, Sussex and Essex to meet growing demand for its sparkling and still wines.

It also plans to build a brewery for its Curious range of beers and is searching for a suitable site in the county. Once found, the project will create a number of jobs.

Chapel Down has produced a number of Gold-medal winning wines and its growing reputation worldwide has led to a surge in demand which the vineyard has sometimes struggled to meet. Most recently Chapel Down picked up three gold medals and a “best in class” trophy at the Decanter World Wine Awards for its sparkling Blanc de Blanc 2007 (Trophy) and Rose Brut. It also won gold for Chardonnay Reserve 2010.

The company works with celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver, and supplies wines to many leading retailers. Its wines have been served at Olympic and royal occasions.

Overseas demand is growing and Chapel Down wines and beers are sold in Japan, Finland, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Holland, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Canada and France.

Frazer Thompson, CEO of Chapel Down wines, said: “We are about to start an exciting new phase in Chapel Down’s development. We now have a terrific brand and some huge opportunities. Just over a decade ago our industry and business was little more than a bit of a novelty. Today we are a prestigious, internationally recognised brand with world class credentials.

“This investment will allow us to continue to increase the supply for our award-winning brands to meet growing demand and further improve the quality and reach of both our wine and beer in the UK and internationally.”

Chapel Down has also announced that John Dunsmore will be joining the board to help oversee this latest phase in the company’s development. He was previously chief executive of Scottish & Newcastle and C&C Magners. He is also the founder of the Hothouse Club which has invested £2.4m in Chapel Down.