An introduction to Squerryes

Nestled in the picturesque Kent countryside, Squerryes Estate is a blend of historical grandeur and contemporary viticultural excellence. With roots tracing back over 300 years, the 2,500-acre Squerryes Estate has evolved from a traditional English estate into a renowned producer of award-winning sparkling wine.

A Legacy of Generations

For eight generations, the Warde family has called Squerryes home. The estate's history is woven into the very fabric of the land, with Squerryes Court, a late 17th-century manor house, standing as a testament to their enduring legacy. The family motto, "Licet Esse Beatis" ("It is permitted to be joyful"), encapsulates the spirit that permeates the estate and is displayed in stained glass above the front door.

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From Farmland to Vineyard

The journey into winemaking began in 2006, a pivotal moment when the Warde family decided to plant their own vines, rather than sell land to a french champagne house. This bold decision was fueled by the realisation that the estate's chalk soils and climate mirrored those of the prestigious Côte des Blancs in Champagne. The unique terroir, with its chalk soils and favorable climate, provides the ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, the classic grapes used to make champagne. What became known in the family as 'the long thirsty wait', were the 8 years between planting the vines and the release of our first vintage in 2012. Since then, we have been releasing vintage Brut, Rosé, Blanc de Blancs and Late Disgorged vintages every year.

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The importance of terroir

This specific terroir is why the estate can produce such high quality sparkling wines. Located high up on the North Downs, we experience cooler summers, giving our grapes extra time on the vines than other producers, ensuring high acid content and low sugar.

Having garnered widespread acclaim, Squerryes has earnt numerous prestigious awards, including gold medals in the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships. Our dedication to producing vintage wines, allowing the terrior of each year to be shown, is a very important part of the estate's wine philosophy. Recently we have taken on a Head Winemaker and set up a wine production facility, further refining our winemaking practices and bringing the entire winemaking process in-house.

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Sharing the joy

Squerryes offers a range of experiences, from vineyard tours and tastings to dining at the two AA rosette restaurant, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the estate's beauty and its exceptional wines. We like to think we're more than just a vineyard; a living testament to the harmonious blend of history, passion, and innovation. With our commitment to sustainability, excellence in service and our unwavering dedication to winemaking, our intention is to be here for another 300 years, delivering future joy to generations to come.

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 "Licet Esse Beatis, a licence to enjoy, is our family motto. We've been creating joy for 300 years, and now we're bottling it.” - Henry Warde

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