News

In Praise of Ortega, by Adrian Pike, Westwell Winemaker. We're huge fans of Ortega at Westwell - a highly aromatic variety which shares much with its parent varieties Müller-Thürgau and Siegerrebe. Ortega is a perfect partner for our cool climate; ripening well even in chilly conditions. Though yields can be high, the fruit maintains depth of flavour and possesses a good balance of sugar and acidity. Those are two of the reasons that it's becoming established as an excellent grape to grow and make wine from - but for me, where it excels is in the flavours it produces. It’s...

It’s been great to welcome guests this spring for our first foray into food. Working with exceptional Kentish producers Moons Green Charcuterie and Cheesemakers of Canterbury, we are now able to serve delicious cheese and charcuterie plates from producers who care as much about their produce as we do about our wine. We have also just been granted a full licence, so you can now stay and enjoy glasses and bottles of the wines that we produce at Westwell alongside your tutored tasting too! As well as Saturday tours, we are also now open for Friday afternoon tastings so you...

We’re very excited to be releasing our first Pink Pet Nat this year - made with Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay macerated on skins for a long weekend. This is a an untamed and fruity affair with a palate of ripe red apple, raspberries and sherbet. It’s an easy drinker which is just as at home with oysters or chips as it is on its own. We’ve been enjoying it as an aperitif or with anything salty, potato-y and hearty. Winemaker Adrian explains “The Pet Nats are real favourites at Westwell. The first to be released each year, they’re...

In 25 years of growing grapes in this country, this year has been the most challenging. There were times when we doubted whether we would actually have any ripe fruit - and in fact, if we hadn’t had four weeks of sunshine in September, we would have been harvesting grapes with a potential alcohol of about 6 – 7%, so thank you September! To understand the reasons for the grape yields achieved in 2021, we have to look back at the very difficult growing conditions during the year. Unseasonably cold weather during April and May resulted in a delayed start...