We're delighted to announce a partnership with Birling Estate in Kent, to plant 40 acres of vineyard on a part of their 1,800 acre holding through a shared farming contract.
The new plantings at Birling will double the size of our current site enabling us to meet growing demand for our wine. Four varieties are set to be planted at Birling over the next two years, echoing our original vineyard site with Burgundian clones of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier for their flagship Pelegrim sparkling blend, as well as Ortega.
Adrian explains "The plot at Birling is incredibly similar to our site near Charing - with the same bedrock, soil type, and aspect. The Pilgrims Way even runs across the top of the site just as it does at Westwell. We've found a great partner in Guy Neville whose family have been custodians of the Birling Estate for over 500 years".
Nestled along the south-facing slopes of the North Downs in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Birling Estate is a family-owned estate with an enviable natural heritage. The 1,800 acres of arable, pasture and woodland are now part of a modern diversified rural business which has conservation and restoration at its core.
Guy Nevill, speaking on behalf of Birling Estate, explains "Our land has been calling out for vines for years and so it is very exciting to be planting up together. It is the start of something very special here at Birling as Westwell's approach to viticulture and winemaking is very aligned with the direction of the estate".
