What’s that saying about parents and children? That the apple never falls far from the tree. In the case of Sir Isaac Newton’s lightbulb moment of legend back in 1666 – the one that paved the way for his law of universal gravitation – that particular apple was a variety known as the Flower of Kent.
Although ‘Newton’s apple’ reportedly fell from a tree at his family home in Lincolnshire, the trees from which it descended almost certainly originated in Kent, where the Gusbourne estate was known to exist a full 256 years before young Isaac started wondering about the falling habits of fruit. Today, fruit orchards in all shapes and flavours flourish alongside vineyards in our home county – a lush landscape rich in history dating back to Roman times.
Just one excuse to spend this Father’s Day (Sunday 19th June, 2022) exploring the Garden of England’s fascinating past and enchanting present. Whether your father – or father figure – is a history buff or an oenophile, our estate and its neighbouring countryside make for a brilliant midsummer day out with Dad.
Here are a few Father’s Day gift suggestions from our team at The Nest…
Pick up a picnic for two
Arrive at midday to a picnic packed with our selection of the finest local Kent produce, including a perfectly chilled bottle of award-winning Gusbourne Brut Reserve. You'll be seated under our special outdoor canopy in our Boot Hill Garden to enjoy a relaxed picnic with views of the vineyards. Booking essential.
Taste something new
Enjoy our new-release still Chardonnay Guinevere 2020, served alongside a special English Wine Week lunch hosted by Patrick Salmon of Alfred Enderby Fine Smoked Fish. Book your places here.
Wine, dine and walk amongst the vines
For Father’s Day or any time, the gift of a Discovery Tour or Estate Tour is a superb way to get to know what makes Gusbourne so special. These warmly hosted tours start with a welcome glass of Gusbourne Brut Reserve at The Nest before small groups embark on an informal walk and talk around the vineyards – drink in the fresh air, the scent of the wildflower meadows, the birdsong and of course our extraordinary views. Our Discovery Tour includes a casual lunch of seasonal sharing platters, and the Estate Tour features a relaxed three-course lunch. Both include tutored tastings and some special and exclusive release wines not available on our standard Vineyard Tour. Book or gift a visit any time, spaces permitting.
Stay a bit longer
Our local hospitality partners are the ideal overnight base for a short – or longer – stay when travelling from farther afield. We recommend The Gallivant, a thoughtfully designed boutique hotel and restaurant just steps from the beach at Camber Sands. Or The George in Rye, a stunning historic property recently re-opened after an extensive and elegant refurbishment. Just two of the many fine accommodations and activities near us in Kent and East Sussex.
Make Father’s Day positively sparkle
Raise a glass to all the wonderful, supportive dads out there with a gift bottle of fine English Sparkling Wine, crafted with meticulous care by the passionate winemaking team at Gusbourne. Our award-winning range of vintage sparkling wines all come with the option to add a gift box and personalised message, with complimentary UK delivery and no minimum order.
Even more special are our Late Disgorged wines. These unique wines show complex and nuanced character thanks to extended lees ageing. This extra time on the lees add additional layers of tertiary flavours and weightier tones of toasty, nutty notes that develop even further as the wine lies on cork before its release.
Happy Father’s Day from Gusbourne!
You may also like...
Stay Like a Local: Our Guide to Kent and East Sussex
