Chapel Down Bacchus (Kent, England)

The vineyard site at Tenterden was first planted in 1977 by Stephen Skelton MW, who developed it into a well-regarded English winery over the following decades. Chapel Down acquired the Tenterden site in 1995, having previously operated on the Isle of Wight and in Burgess Hill. In April 2000, English Wines was incorporated through a merger of the Tenterden and Lamberhurst vineyards. The company became a public limited company as English Wines PLC in January 2002, and by 2003 had relinquished the Lamberhurst lease to focus on building the Chapel Down brand. In 2011, the group changed its name to Chapel Down Group PLC, eventually becoming England's largest wine producer with over 1,000 acres under vine. Bacchus emerged as a flagship still wine during this period, recognised for its exceptional performance in Kent's cool climate.

• Tenterden site first planted 1977 by Stephen Skelton MW; acquired by Chapel Down 1995
• English Wines incorporated April 2000 via merger of Tenterden and Lamberhurst vineyards
• Became English Wines PLC in January 2002; Lamberhurst lease relinquished 2003
• Rebranded Chapel Down Group PLC in 2011; listed on AIM; now England's largest wine producer

Chapel Down's home estate sits near the market town of Tenterden in the Kent countryside, with vineyards positioned above 49.9 degrees north latitude. The South East of England benefits from a maritime climate moderated by proximity to the English Channel, producing long daylight hours during the growing season that are key to developing intense aromatic flavours in cool-climate grapes. Chapel Down's own vineyards are primarily situated on the chalk-rich soils of the Kent Downs, where south-facing slopes provide essential warmth accumulation. The winery also sources fruit from partner vineyards across Kent, East Sussex, and Essex to ensure quality and consistency. The chalk terroir, made up of ancient seabed deposits, contributes mineral character and free drainage essential for balanced vine growth and vibrant acidity in the finished wines.

• Located near Tenterden, Kent; vineyards positioned above 49.9°N latitude
• Maritime climate: long growing-season daylight hours promote aromatic intensity and natural acidity
• Primary soils: chalk-rich, free-draining Kent Downs; south-facing slopes for heat accumulation
• Fruit sourced from own and partner vineyards in Kent, East Sussex, and Essex

Bacchus is a white wine grape created in 1933 by Peter Morio at Germany's Geilweilerhof Institute, crossing a Silvaner x Riesling hybrid with Müller-Thurgau. In England's cool climate, the grape retains higher acidity than in Germany, producing wines with vivid freshness. Chapel Down Bacchus is vinified as a bone-dry still white wine using whole-bunch pressing to preserve aromatic purity, followed by fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine then spends six months on its lees before bottling, adding texture and complexity. The result is a wine with characteristic notes of gooseberry, green apple, elderflower, grapefruit, and fresh herb, drawing frequent comparison to Sauvignon Blanc. Chapel Down advises drinking most vintages young and fresh, within two to three years of release, at a serving temperature of 8 to 12 degrees Celsius. A premium single-vineyard expression, Kit's Coty Bacchus, is also produced from the North Downs chalk estate at Aylesford using wild-yeast fermentation in old French oak.

• Bacchus: Silvaner x Riesling cross, crossed with Müller-Thurgau; created 1933, released 1972
• Winemaking: whole-bunch pressing; stainless steel fermentation; six months lees aging in tank
• Style: bone-dry, unoaked, with gooseberry, elderflower, grapefruit, green apple, and herbal notes
• Drink young: Chapel Down recommends consumption within two to three years of release

Chapel Down operates as England's largest wine producer from its Tenterden base in Kent. The winemaking team is led by Head Winemaker and Operations Director Josh Donaghay-Spire, who joined Chapel Down in 2009. A first-class graduate of Plumpton College, England's leading viticulture and oenology institution, Donaghay-Spire gained experience at wineries in Champagne, Alsace, and South Africa before joining Chapel Down. Named one of the 50 Most Influential People in British Luxury on the Walpole Power List 2025, he has been instrumental in Chapel Down winning top international awards, including Best in Show at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards for the Chapel Down Rosé. Chapel Down dispatched over one million bottles of traditional method sparkling wine for the first time in 2025, reflecting its scale and growth as England's leading wine brand.

• Head Winemaker and Operations Director: Josh Donaghay-Spire; at Chapel Down since 2009
• Graduate of Plumpton College; experience in Champagne, Alsace, and South Africa
• Named Walpole Power List 2025: one of the 50 Most Influential People in British Luxury
• Chapel Down dispatched over one million bottles of sparkling wine for the first time in 2025

Chapel Down Bacchus qualifies under the English Wine PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), the top quality tier for English wines. PDO status requires that 100% of grapes used are grown within England, and that the wine passes two mandatory independent tests: a post-bottling chemical analysis and an organoleptic no-fault tasting panel of five to seven persons. For still PDO wines, the maximum permitted yield is 80 hectolitres per hectare, and vines must be grown at or below 220 metres above sea level. The UK operates a two-tier system: PDO (Quality Wine) at the top, followed by PGI (Regional Wine, or Protected Geographical Indication). Chapel Down's Bacchus also benefits from England and Wales receiving both PDO and PGI status in 2007. The organoleptic assessment is administered by the designated UK laboratory, Campden BRI, with at least two-thirds of tasting panel members required to give a passing mark.

• English Wine PDO: top quality tier; 100% English-grown grapes required; all production in England
• Maximum yield for still PDO wine: 80 hl/ha; vines must be grown at or below 220m above sea level
• Two mandatory tests: post-bottling chemical analysis and organoleptic no-fault tasting panel (5 to 7 persons)
• Campden BRI administers organoleptic assessment; minimum two-thirds of panel must pass the wine

Chapel Down's estate near Tenterden is open to visitors throughout the year, making it one of England's most accessible and best-known wine tourism destinations. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the vineyards and winery with tutored tastings, or dine at The Swan at Chapel Down restaurant, which offers locally sourced food with panoramic views across the Kent and East Sussex countryside. The estate's Wine and Fine Food Store stocks the full range of Chapel Down wines alongside local produce. For those wanting a more immersive experience, the vine-leasing scheme allows participants to own their own Bacchus vines. Chapel Down has partnerships with prestigious events including Royal Ascot and The Boat Race, and over 10,000 retail investors enjoy discounts on wines and experiences at the Tenterden estate.

• Open year-round; guided vineyard and winery tours with tutored tastings available
• The Swan at Chapel Down: restaurant with panoramic views; locally sourced menu
• Wine and Fine Food Store: full range plus local produce; free tastings always available in-store
• Vine-leasing scheme available; official sparkling wine partner of Royal Ascot and The Boat Race