Premium sparkling wines from England have established themselves on the world stage and are now renowned for their quality.

Members of Sommelier Edit are invited to join us for an exclusive tour of two of England’s most respected wine estates: Balfour Hush Heath Estate and Gusbourne Estate.

About Balfour Hush Heath

When 10,000 bottles of Balfour Brut Rosé, made from the first harvest in 2004, won a gold medal at the International Wine Challenge in 2007, Balfour Winery was officially on the wine map.

Over the following years, co-founders Richard and Leslie formed a team of viticultural and winemaking experts who assisted them in creating a state-of-the-art winery and tasting room on Hush Heath Estate, which opened in 2010. In 2018 both the winery and tasting room was greatly expanded and is now one of the best visitor and winemaking facilities in England.

It was Leslie’s idea to plant the original vines at Hush Heath in 2002, with a view to making a pink sparkling wine of equivalent quality to Billecart Salmon Rosé – their favourite pink Champagne. And so, five acres were planted with an aim to produce a wine they would love. “If we can’t sell it”, they thought, “we’ll drink it”.

Fortunately, when Balfour Brut Rosé was launched in 2004 it quickly became a major success, winning a gold medal and trophy in the International Wine Challenge for its first vintage. The accolades did not stop there and Balfour Brut Rosé was the first English Sparkling wine served on British Airways First Class worldwide. It was also chosen as the only English wine to be served at the London 2012 Olympics. It has truly earned its title of “England’s most exclusive pink fizz”.

About Gusbourne

Making exception wine takes craftsmanship, respect for nature… and uncompromising attention to detail.

Andrew Weeber, Gusbourne Founder

From the moment we planted our first vines in 2004, our vision has been to create the finest vintage wines using grapes exclusively from our own vineyards.

We grow the highest quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes across the Gusbourne Estate, with 60 hectares in Appledore, Kent and 30 hectares next to the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex. These predominantly Burgundian clones yield smaller volumes of intensely flavourful fruit, which thrive in our unique microclimates. This exceptional produce is the vital first ingredient in making our award-winning sparkling wines, all crafted using the traditional method.

Our debut vintages – Brut Reserve 2006 and Blanc de Blancs 2006 – were released in 2010 to critical acclaim, earning accolades from the world’s most exacting wine critics. Gusbourne sparkling and still wines continue to win prestigious national and international industry awards every year.

Timetable for the day

You will have the opportunity to meet with other members of Sommelier Edit throughout the day. A light lunch will be provided and a tutored tasting for sommeliers with the team at Balfour and Gusbourne will be arranged for you. This will ensure you have the opportunity to ask questions and learn everything you want to know about the best English wine making techniques.

• 10.30 Meet at Marden Train Station for transfer to Balfour Hush Heath
• 11.00am Welcome and exclusive tour with private wine tasting at Balfour Hush Heath
• 12.30pm Light lunch and refreshments
• 1.15pm Depart for Gusbourne
• 2.00pm Welcome and exclusive tour with wine tasting at Gusbourne
• 4.30pm Depart for transfer to Ashford International train station

Train times

We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance for the following train times from/to London:

• 09.29 London Charing Cross direct train to Marden, 53mins, arrives at 10.23 (approx £17 one way)
• 17.16 Ashford International direct train, 38mins, to London St Pancras arriving 17.54 (approx £12 one way)

Important notes

• This event is FREE for members of Sommelier Edit and includes your guide tour, lunch, refreshments, travel to Gusborne and travel to departure train station.
• You must purchase your own train tickets from/to London or make your own travel arrangements to the meeting point and onwards at the end of the day. (Tickets from central London should cost no more than £30 in total.)
• Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
• If you are allocated a place to join us on this trip and if you do not turn up you will be asked to contribute £95.00 towards the overall costs.

Application form

Sorry. You must be logged in to view this form.