Kent vineyards: great wines in temperate latitudes

In Kent, where the Romans cultivated vines two millennia ago, people are giving credence to the predictions: within twenty years or so, the climate in the south of England should resemble that of Bordeaux. Biddenden, behind the pastures and apple trees, is home to the region's oldest vineyard, dating back to... 1969! "Over the years, we've become better and better at cultivation and conservation techniques. As a result, the wine is better every year".explains Vikki Wright, head of marketing. Here, ten varieties crowd the tasting counter, especially the whites. Biddenden's Ortega, twice winner of the award for best English wine, is the wine on which all bets are placed. Although Kent wines are still largely destined to fill national glasses, London's top restaurants, such as the Dorchester Hotel, are putting them at the top of their menus... to open them up to the world.