Introducing The Kentish Wine Way

Kent’s flourishing wine industry has taken a major step forward with the launch of The Kentish Wine Way – an ambitious new tourism campaign developed by Kent County Council, Visit Kent, Ashford Borough Council and industry partners. Bringing together more than 30 vineyards to create one of the UK’s most compelling visitor experiences.

The initiative celebrates the diversity and quality of Kent’s world-renowned wine producers, encouraging visitors to explore the county through its vineyards, cellar doors and immersive wine experiences. Designed to boost tourism, support local businesses and strengthen Kent’s reputation on the international stage, the campaign showcases the county as a destination where exceptional wine, food, culture and countryside come together.

With participating vineyards ranging from internationally recognised estates to boutique family-run producers, The Kentish Wine Way offers visitors the opportunity to build bespoke itineraries, whether for a day trip, a weekend escape or a longer stay. Every vineyard offers a distinctive experience, from guided tastings and vineyard tours to Michelin-starred dining, seasonal events and exclusive winemaker experiences.

The campaign reflects the growing importance of wine tourism as a driver of economic growth. By encouraging visitors to travel across the county, it aims to increase overnight stays, support accommodation providers, restaurants, retailers and attractions, while generating additional spending throughout Kent’s rural economy.

Beyond the wine itself, visitors can enjoy an extensive programme of experiences including opera and ballet performances amongst the vines, summer festivals, live music, yoga sessions, wellness retreats, flower arranging workshops, pizza evenings and sunset suppers. These experiences extend the appeal of Kent’s vineyards beyond traditional wine enthusiasts, attracting families, couples and cultural visitors throughout the year.

Kent’s credentials as England’s leading wine region continue to grow. The county is home to around 120 commercial vineyards covering more than 1,300 hectares, making it the largest wine-producing region in England. Kent’s producers have also received more national and international wine awards than any other English county, reinforcing its reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality that increasingly compete on the world stage.

The county’s natural advantages have played a key role in this success. With some of the UK’s highest levels of sunshine and distinctive chalk-rich soils, Kent provides ideal growing conditions for premium grapes. Combined with its picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, orchards and historic villages, the region offers visitors an experience that is as visually striking as it is gastronomically rewarding.

Accessibility is another major strength. High-speed rail connections mean visitors can travel from central London to the heart of Kent in under an hour, making the county an attractive destination for both spontaneous day trips and longer breaks.

As demand for experiential tourism continues to grow, The Kentish Wine Way is a strategic destination marketing campaign that unites independent businesses under a shared identity, helping raise awareness of Kent’s wine industry while supporting wider economic growth across the county.

By connecting vineyards of every size and showcasing the breadth of experiences available, The Kentish Wine Way tells a collective story of innovation, heritage and quality. In doing so, it strengthens Kent’s position not only as England’s leading wine region but as one of Europe’s emerging wine tourism destinations, offering visitors unforgettable experiences while delivering lasting benefits for local businesses and communities