A winery is opening its doors to the public for the first time in the latest stage of an exciting journey which has already seen it achieve top industry awards.

Hush Heath Winery and Vineyard in Staplehurst is inviting the public in to catch a glimpse of the wine making process from the grape to the bottle.

The privately-owned estate is just 11 years old, but already it is the toast of English sparkling wines having won a clutch of international awards, including a Decanter World Wide Gold last year.

Made using the same process as French champagne, it was the only British-produced bubbly to be served at last year’s Olympics.

When the vineyard began production in 2002, the decision to not open to the public was taken by owner Richard Balfour-Lynn.

But in a bid to raise the profile of the estate, tours are going to be offered on Fridays and Saturdays.

Mr Balfour-Lynn said: “Visitors will see how we make our wine and how Kent is now producing wines of world-beating quality.

“The estate reflects the passion of the people working here and what we want to share with visitors: a relaxed, enjoyable appreciation of English wine.”

Currently the vineyard is set up to produce 25,000 bottles of wine a year, including the award winning sparkling rose Balfour Brut Rose, which costs £35 a bottle.

But the estate has the capacity to produce much more, and by 2017 up to 80,000 bottles will be on the shelves if all goes according to plan.

Wine maker Victoria Ash is one of seven permanent staff employed on the estate, and has played a large part in the estate’s phenomenal rise.

“Everyone is always blown away by the estate and we thought it was crazy not to open our doors.

“A lot of people in Kent don’t realise we’re here and it seems such a shame.

“This is something people should be very proud of.”