Balfour Winery

Tonbridge and Malling

Type:Vineyard

Five Oak Lane, Staplehurst, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 0HT

Tel: 01622 832794

Balfour Winery

About

Balfour Winery on the Hush Heath Estate is a 400-acre family-owned estate in the heart of the ‘Garden of England’, Kent, with vast ancient woodlands, vineyards, apple orchards and wildflower meadows. With family values at its core, Balfour Winery combines conservation with an unrivalled spirit of hospitality and generosity. 

We are famous for producing Balfour Brut Rosé, one of the most iconic and exclusive English sparkling wines, using traditional Champagne methods and grape varieties. Our vineyards were established in 2002 and are predominantly planted with Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, although more recently, plantings of Bacchus and Pinot Blanc have been added.  All our grapes are handpicked and blended in our state-of-the-art Winery. In 2018, we underwent a large expansion, with a new contemporary style Cellar Door building, housing our Visitor Centre, which offers Vineyard/Winery tours and tastings, with space for corporate and private events. 

Balfour wines are nationally and internationally award-winning and include our sparkling and still wines. Balfour Winery has a distinct ‘house style’, producing wines of elegance and purity, showcasing a soft mousse with a fruit-forward approach and a refreshing, lively acidity.

An exciting tourist attraction, Balfour Winery has a friendly and passionate team who enjoy welcoming guests and sharing their extensive knowledge of viticulture, winemaking and tutored tastings.  

Tour Options
A variety of tour options are available including:

Balfour Wine Estate Tour and Tasting

Available May - October | Monday - Friday and Sunday, 11.30am - 1.30pm, £45pp | Saturday, 11.30am - 1.30pm and 2.30pm - 4.30pm, £65pp

Nestling in the heart of the Kent countryside lies Balfour Winery. The Balfour Wine Estate Tour and Tasting experience takes you on a walk of our vineyards, orchards and ancient oak woodlands where our history and viticulture practices are brought to life by your guide. Discover how we work alongside nature to produce our award-winning wines and continue to nurture the diverse ecosystem on the estate.

Upon your return to the tasting room, you will be immersed into the world of winemaking as our Head Winemaker, Fergus Elias, talks you through the process of winemaking, from grape to glass, in our short film. 

On a Saturday and Sunday, as part of this tour, you will visit our state-of-the-art winery where you will be guided around our incredible facility where the winemaking and production techniques used for our still and sparkling wines will be explained. *

Conclude the day with a tailored tutored tasting of six Balfour wines that will reflect our diverse range of still and sparkling wines. 

A truly unique and memorable wine experience that guarantees you’ll feel all the passion and dedication that goes into making our Balfour wines.

Balfour Wine Tasting Masterclass

Available all year-round | Monday - Sunday, 2pm - 3pm | £25pp

Our knowledgeable tour guides will lead you in a fun and relaxed tasting of six Balfour Wines, where you can learn the technique of wine tasting without the bravado.

Wine and Dine Experience

Available all year-round | Thursday - Sunday, 11am - 4.30pm | £175pp | Booking Essential

This luxury all-day tour and tasting experience begins with a private transfer from Marden train station (if required) to Balfour Winery in the heart of the Kent countryside.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your host for the day with a glass of our signature Balfour Brut Rosé and led upstairs to the balcony to take in the breathtaking views overlooking Nannette’s vineyard.

On your walk, you will be shown hidden areas of the estate not accessible on other tours and given insights into our viticulture practices, and our woodland and wildflower conservation program.

After the tour, you will visit our state-of-the-art winery. This will be followed by a tutored tasting of six Balfour wines including new release and limited-edition wines.

A delicious, seasonal three-course lunch, expertly prepared by our talented Head Chef will then be served. Each course will be paired with a glass of our wine specially selected by Fergus Elias, our Head Winemaker.

At the end of your afternoon, a private transfer will take you back to Marden train station.

Self-Guided Tour 

Available all year round, free to enjoy, and no booking required.
Pick up a map from our Cellar Door and explore our picturesque estate at your own pace. With two specifically designed routes to choose from, enjoy a moment of tranquillity and stillness.
 

Book Tickets

Facilities

Catering

  • On-Site cafe/restaurant - Our platters are available to purchase on-site

Establishment Features

  • Event Venue - Private hire is available for corporations and individuals hosting between 25 and 200 guests. Requests are considered independently.
  • Toilets - Including a disabled toilet

Parking & Transport

  • Parking (free) - Parking is available next to the winery and train services from Marden and Staplehurst run regularly.

Payment Methods

  • Approx length of visit - 1.5 - 3 hours
  • Groups Accepted
  • Maestro Accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Max group size - N/A
  • Min group size - 1
  • Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

  • In countryside

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Drive time from central London approx. 2 hours Marden station to Balfour Winery, 5 mins by car form train station

Public Transport Directions

Train time from London Charing Cross to Marden approx. 50 mins Transfer from Marden or Staplehurst station is approx. 5 minutes

Awards

  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2017/18 - Bronze Beautiful South Awards Winners 2017/18 - Bronze 2018
  • Tourism South East Award -Tourism South East Member 24/25 - Gold Tourism South East Member 24/25 - Gold 2024

Opening Times

2024 (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

* Open daily 11am-5pm including Bank Holidays

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