Description
About Heppington Vineyard
In 1806, Gregory Blaxland, a farmer from Canterbury, Kent, emigrated to Australia with his brother John. During their 220-day journey, they collected vines at the Cape of Good Hope. In 1813, Gregory and two fellow explorers discovered a passage across the Blue Mountains, marking a turning point in Australian history. From the vines he planted, Gregory became the first person to export Australian wine to the UK, earning a silver medal for his red wine in London in 1822.
Inspired by this pioneering legacy, Gregory’s descendant Henry Blaxland planted 6.25 hectares of vines on family farmland overlooking Canterbury Cathedral in 2016. The site, with chalk, limestone, and clay soil, mirrors the Champagne region. Combined with East Kent’s ideal climate and its symbolic twinning with Rheims, the vineyard is perfectly suited for champagne varieties. The south-facing slope is planted with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, complemented by Pinot Gris for still wines.
Where apples and blackcurrants once thrived, vines now flourish in the Garden of England. Our sparkling wines, crafted by Emma Rice of Hattingley Valley, include a Classic Cuvée from our 2018 harvest and a Sparkling Rosé from 2019. A Blanc de Blanc from 2019 is maturing on the lees.
Our still wines, made by Defined Wine near Canterbury, have earned national acclaim, winning three silver medals and a gold in 2020. Wines from our 2021 harvest are now available, continuing the family tradition of innovation and excellence.
