Hidden gem Hush Heath Estate and Winery is opening its doors to visitors for the first time. The private vineyard, near Staplehurst, has been producing still and sparkling vintages for 11 years, including Balfour Brut Rosé, the only English sparkling wine to be served at the London Olympics and the first to be served to British Airways First Class passengers. It also produces Jake’s Orchard Cider.

Visitors can now stroll through Hush Heath’s vineyards, apple orchards and surrounding oak woodlands, and enjoy guided tours and tastings led by its winery experts.

Wine maker Victoria Ash is one of seven permanent staff employed on the estate. She said: “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.”

Owner Richard Balfour-Lynn added: “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 insight into fine wine.”

Guided tours are for a minimum of six people and must be pre-booked. They are priced £15 per person, available seven days a week. Tastings and self-guided tours are free and are available without booking on Fridays and Saturdays between 11am and 5pm.

For information or to book call 01622 832794 or visit www.hushheath.com

Biddenden Vineyard is offering a free guided walk around its 23 acre site on Saturday, June 1. The English Wine Week Tour will offer visitors an insight into its history, walking around some of the vines before looking at the presses and bottling line in the winery.

There will then be an opportunity to sample some of the vineyard’s award winning wines, ciders and juices. Arrive at the site in Gribble Bridge Lane by 9.45am for a free cup of coffee before the tour starts at 10am. Booking is essential. Call 01580 291726.

A tutored tasting of wines is being held at The Goods Shed in Canterbury on Friday, May 31. The Wine Table will feature eight English Wines from Cornwall, Surrey and Kent, along with nibbles. It will run from 7pm to 8.30pm, with tickets priced £15 per person. To book email clivewine@aol.com or call 07778 640381.