AS I strolled through the vineyards with a glass of bubbles in my hand, I imagined myself in the South of France.
Yet I was just a one-hour train ride from my home in Kent – one of the most established regions for producing English sparkling wine.
While it may not boast the same sunshine levels as France’s Bordeaux, the soil here is very similar to the Champagne region, offering optimal growing conditions.
And it produces some excellent wines.
I’d been touring one of Kent’s most famous vineyards – Chapel Down, in the village of Small Hythe, near Tenterden.
Visitors can book a three-hour Wine And Dine experience, starting in the vines on the beautiful 22-acre estate, which was founded in 1977.
It has immaculate rows of grape varieties that include Bacchus, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc.
Following a stroll among the vines, we were taken into the barn to learn about the art of riddling. The process was made famous by France’s Grand Dame of Champagne – Madame Clicquot, who invented the first riddling table in 1816.
It sees each bottle periodically turned to loosen the sediment and achieve a crystal-clear wine.
Sitting among oak barrels in the barn, it gave us a taste of the generations of wine wisdom in every glass.
But it’s not all about wine. Guests can enjoy a taste of Shakespeare, too from £18pp. Sussex-based company This Is My Theatre will bring William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream to Chapel Down, and visitors can bring a blanket and pick up a bottle of English sparkling wine to toast a night of magical comedy among the vines on June 12.
If you are not a Shakespeare fan, Chapel Down will also host a summer series of music including the Bacchus Wind Orchestra and an evening of jazz playing on July 5. Tickets are from £20pp.
Instead of the gym, why not book a spot for sunset yoga at the vineyard followed by a one-hour tasting of five wines?
These sessions will take place among the vines (weather permitting) on selected dates in May, June and August for £35pp.
Following my history lesson, it was time to put my knowledge to the test with a tasting session.
The best-selling bottle here is the £30 Brut, which has notes of fresh citrus and strawberry. But my favourite was the Chapel Down Grand Reserve 2019, which matures for five years to create a rich, toasted taste.
Then it was time for lunch at The Swan restaurant. Dishes included beetroot and vodka cured trout, which pairs well with a crisp glass of Chapel Down Bacchus.
Those visiting on a Sunday should try the roasted pork loin served with a tart apple sauce.
Then grab a tipple to take home from the on-site shop. I picked up a bottle of the Grand Reserve for £45.
After all, every day should be toasted with the best.
GO: Small Hythe
GO: The Wine And Dine Experience is from £110pp with a guided vineyard tour, tasting of five wines and a three-course lunch with two glasses of wine.
For more info, see chapeldown.com.