I recently attended the launch party for Squerryes Wine Estate’s newest hospitality offering in Westerham, Kent: an afternoon tea experience that marks another step in their tourism development.
Already home to a successful restaurant, dynamic events programme and lively farm shop which is built around its award-winning sparkling wines. Now Squerryes has introduced afternoon tea, adding an enticing, year-round experience with particular appeal in the cooler months.
Having the pleasure to be among the first to experience this offering, I witnessed how Squerryes continues to set standards for English wine tourism. The afternoon tea is served in their warm new parlour space with sweeping views over the estate vineyards – an environment that connects guests to the winemaking landscape even on the chilliest days.
Operating Wednesdays to Fridays with arrival slots between 2.30-4.15pm and priced at £55 per person, the experience includes a glass of Squerryes’ award-winning sparkling wine. Their classic Brut comes as standard, though the offering particularly benefits members of Squerryes’ thriving membership scheme. These dedicated English wine enthusiasts enjoy options to upgrade to Rosé or Blanc de Blancs, alongside discounts and other initiatives that reflect the growing appetite for wine club programmes at UK estates.
Since 2006, Squerryes has been producing English sparkling wine from their estate vineyards. Their Kent location provides exceptional access to Garden of England produce, which Head Chef Seamus utilizes in creating seasonal, local, and sustainable menus. The farm-to-table approach incorporates ingredients from the estate itself, including meat reared and butchered on-site, demonstrating vertical integration that enhances both authenticity and operational control.
The newest parlour area strategically reinforces the connection between wine and place, with vineyard views creating immersive experiences where visitors engage authentically with production. This is increasingly important as wine tourists seek more than transactional tastings.
For an industry still developing its wine tourism infrastructure, Squerryes provides a compelling model offering wine-led experiences that appeal to both enthusiasts and hospitality consumers while maintaining quality and operational efficiency. The winter launch timing demonstrates strategic thinking about year-round programming and facility utilisation.
Squerryes Wine Estate
www.squerryes.co.uk
