Global recognition for top winemaker

A Canterbury winemaker is toasting success at one of the most prestigious awards in the industry.

The Simpson Wine Estate at Barham has been judged ‘best in show’ for its flagship Roman Road Chardonnay 2018 and earned a platinum medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2020.

The award is only bestowed upon the top 50 wines entered into what is the largest and most influential international wine competition.

It is the third vintage of the vineyard’s Roman Road Chardonnay which was produced during the harvest of 2018, which produced exceptional grapes with the perfect balance of aroma, flavour and acidity. It is a huge achievement for the Simpsons’ Wine Estate which is cultivating a reputation as one of the most highly respected, still wine producers in the UK. Founders Ruth and Charles Simpson say they are thrilled with the accolade from such a respected, global competition. “We are incredibly proud of this Chardonnay and feel that this award reflects Britain’s increasing influence as a quality still wine producer within the international wine industry,” said Charles.

The couple set up their vineyard near Canterbury in 2014, planting 10 hectares of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. A further 20 hectares of vines were planted over 2016 and 2017. From 2019 all three planted vineyards will be in production and have the potential to produce 250,000 bottles of English still and sparkling wine a year.

Founders Charles and Ruth Simpson