1503: Discover the range, exclusively at Dan Murphy’s
Established in 1503, Hush Heath Manor has been the Balfour-Lynn family home since the 1980s.
Set amidst 400 acres of ancient oak woodland in Kent’s Weald, the manor overlooks its vineyards. In 2002, Richard Balfour-Lynn began planting vines with a focus on crafting fine sparkling rosé. Assisted by Stephen Skelton, MW, and guided by Owen Elias, a four-time UKVA Winemaker of the Year, the winemaking journey began.
Today, Fergus Elias oversees day-to-day winemaking. With 40 acres of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and select Champagne varieties, Hush Heath remains England’s only dedicated Rosé sparkling wine vineyard, committed to producing world-class wines.
The 1503 Classic Cuveé
Winemaking
Named after the year Hush Heath Manor was built, the 1503 Classic Cuvée is beautifully balanced with lively citrus, apple fruit, and vibrant English acidity. It is the perfect introduction to English sparkling wine.
Approachable in style, the quality of the Kentish fruit is the star. A superb example of a fruit-forward yet complex traditional method English sparkling wine, it is arguably England’s best valuetraditional method sparkling wine.
Technical Info
Blend: 56% Chardonnay, 23% Pinot Noir, 13% Pinot Blanc, 7% Pinot Meunier
Dosage: 9g/l
Vineyards: Multi-vineyard, all from clay soils
Tasting Note
Beautifully balanced. Lively lemony acidity, crisp apple, white pepper, and thyme characters with a touch of toasted brioche.
Food Pairing
Amazing with fish and chips, oysters, or as an aperitif.
Find out more about English Wines…
The history of English wine dates back to Roman times, but it wasn’t until recent decades that the industry began to thrive. Thanks to a combination of climate change and advancements in viticulture, English wine, particularly sparkling wine, has gained international acclaim. Kent, often referred to as the “Garden of England,” is at the forefront of this renaissance, known for its favourable terroir and pioneering vineyards.
Kent as a Winemaking Region
Kent’s unique combination of chalky soils, mild climate, and rolling landscapes makes it an ideal region for viticulture. The area is particularly well-suited for producing sparkling wines, drawing comparisons to the Champagne region in France. The vineyards of Kent are celebrated for their high-quality fruit, which forms the backbone of some of the finest English wines.
About Balfour Winery
Balfour Winery is one of England’s leading producers, pioneering wine in Kent since 2002.
In 2004, when the iconic Balfour Brut Rosé became the first English wine to win a trophy at the prestigious International Wine Challenge.
What followed has been two decades of careful development, using clonal selections and small-batch winemaking to showcase the potential of English wine. Today, our wines are enjoyed in hotels, restaurants and retail specialists globally.
Over 20,000 people visit our home each year. We are the “best vineyards to visit” in the UK thanks to its beautiful mosaic of wildflower meadows, ancient woodlands, orchards and vineyards.
We are proud to be a founding member of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain.
Visiting the UK from Australia? Experience English Wine at its best…
If you’re planning a trip to the UK from Australia, make sure to include a visit to Balfour Winery on your itinerary. Located in the heart of Kent, our vineyard offers a unique opportunity to explore one of England’s premier wi
ne regions and taste some of the finest English sparkling wines.
Explore Balfour Winery
Recognised as England’s “best vineyard” to visit by VisitEngland, Balfour Winery provides an immersive experience into the world of English wine. Nestled in 400 acres of ancient oak woodland and rolling vineyards, the estate is a picturesque setting for a day out.
Tours and Tastings
We offer a variety of tours and tastings designed to suit both wine enthusiasts and those new to the world of wine. Our knowledgeable guides will take you through the vineyards, where you’ll learn about our sustainable viticulture practices and the history of Balfour Winery. The tour continues to our state-of-the-art winery, where you’ll discover the winemaking process from grape to glass.
After the tour, enjoy a tasting session of our acclaimed wines. You’ll have the chance to sample a range of our celebrated sparkling and still wines, each showcasing the unique characteristics of Kentish fruit. From our renowned Balfour Brut Rosé to our innovative still wines, there’s something to delight every palate.
Plan Your Visit
Balfour Winery is easily accessible from London, making it a convenient day trip for visitors. We recommend booking your tour in advance to ensure availability. Alongside our wine tours, you can enjoy a leisurely walk through our beautiful woodlands, orchards, and wildflower meadows.
Experience the Best of English Wine
Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply curious about English wines, a visit to Balfour Winery is a memorable experience. Discover the passion and craftsmanship that go into every bottle, and take home a taste of Kent with our exquisite wines.
For more information and to book your tour, please visit our website or contact our visitor centre. We look forward to welcoming you to Balfour Winery and sharing the best of English wine with you.
Come and discover why Balfour Winery is celebrated as England’s finest vineyard to visit. Your journey from Australia to the heart of Kent will be rewarded with an unforgettable wine experience. Cheers!
