Press Endorsements
Here are some of the lovely comments and press mentions we've received of late.
"Not far from Ashford in Kent are the charming vineyards of Westwell. They're making a selection of seriously good wines, in a fun, inviting and low intervention way. The Pelegrim NV is their benchmark sparkling wine and I love it. Its bubbles were energetic and delightful in my glass - and I was smitten with the licks of lemon curd tart and its racy saline edge. If you're anything like me, you'll find its mouth-watering acidity leaving you excited about the next glass. This is a perfect example of an 'extra-brut' style."
"Adrian Pike - co-founder of Moshi Moshi Records, which launched the careers of Bloc Party and Hot Chip - is among the latest wave of producers shunning the Champagne copycat approach and crafting a distinct identity for English wine."
"Producing a range of unique, sustainably-minded wines that come with extremely Instagram-friendly labels, Westwell Wines might be one of the relative newcomers to the UK wine scene but they're already making a good deal of noise. The guided tours and tutored wine tastings are perfect for wine newbies and experienced drinkers alike."
"This small producer makes great value, eclectic wines."
"Bringing music industry savvy to the British wine scene."
"Former record label founder Adrian Pike has added real swagger to the English wine scene since taking over at Westwell in 2017. Set just off the Pilgrims Way on Kent's North Downs, this 14 hectare, south-facing vineyard has charted an exciting new course under his ownership, paring back pesticide usage and experimenting with wild or "indigenous" yeasts across an innovative range with a strong identity courtesy of labels bearing beautiful etchings inspired by the winemaking process."
"Experimentation is the name of the game at this North Downs vineyard - skin contact, wild ferments, amphora, pet nats you name it, they'll have a go at it. It's successful too - in London you'll find their wines everywhere from The Drop in King's Cross to Brunswick House and Levan. Tours take place on Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays - a lovely tramp through the vineyards followed by a tasting in their new tasting room."
"I visited Westwell back in the summer and liked their wines very much. The Double Pinot is cracking."
"The most beautiful labels in the land... and winemaker Adrian Pike has an artist's touch."
"Westwell's estate lies just beneath the Pilgrims' Way used for centuries by those traveling to Canterbury. Pelegrim, an old word for pilgrim, is the name of one of Westwell's excellent classic method sparklers, but there is more to this estate than fizz. It also makes a still white from aromatic Ortega grapes and experiments exuberantly with all the buzzwords of contemporary winemaking: skin contact, amphorae, pet-nats, and wild ferments."
"Westwell's wines come with a side of rock 'n roll, with managing director and winemaker, Adrian Pike at the helm - his unique creativity has led to a raft of awards for his wines."
