Balfour Winery - Tonbridge

Balfour Winery: A Premier Destination in Kent

Balfour Winery, located at Five Oak Ln, Staplehurst, Tonbridge TN12 0HT, United Kingdom, presents a unique and immersive experience for wine enthusiasts and visitors alike. With a phone number of 1622832794 and a comprehensive website at http://www.balfourwinery.com/, Balfour Winery has established itself as a notable destination within the Kent countryside. This establishment distinguishes itself through a diverse range of offerings, encompassing a thriving vineyard, an elegant restaurant, and a captivating tourist attraction.

A History of Excellence and Innovation

Balfour Winery’s story began with a vision to bring a South African and Napa Valley-inspired wine experience to the United Kingdom. The founders sought to replicate the relaxed, convivial atmosphere and quality wines found in these renowned regions. This dedication has resulted in a space that feels both familiar and distinctly its own. The winery has consistently invested in its facilities, ensuring a premium experience for every guest.

Key Features and Amenities

Visitors to Balfour Winery can expect a multifaceted experience. The wine bar offers a carefully curated selection of wines, allowing guests to sample a variety of vintages and styles. The wine club provides a membership opportunity for those seeking regular deliveries of Balfour’s wines and exclusive events. Furthermore, the wine store allows visitors to purchase bottles to enjoy at home. The restaurant complements the wine offerings, providing a sophisticated dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients and expertly paired wines.

Accessibility and Practical Information

Balfour Winery is committed to inclusivity and accessibility. It is proudly women-owned, reflecting a dedication to female leadership and expertise. The premises boast on-site services, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable visit. Wheelchair-accessible car parks, wheelchair-accessible entrances, wheelchair-accessible seating, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet are all provided, demonstrating a strong commitment to accommodating all guests. Free of charge street parking is also available nearby, and ample on-site parking is provided. The winery is also LGBTQ+ friendly and operates as a transgender safe space, fostering a welcoming environment for everyone.

Guest Experiences and Observations

The winery consistently receives positive feedback from visitors. The atmosphere is frequently described as relaxed and convivial, encouraging guests to linger and enjoy the surroundings. Many visitors appreciate the dog-friendly options within the restaurant and outdoor area, making it a popular choice for those traveling with pets. The sharing platters are consistently praised for their quality and variety. The staff are consistently noted for their excellent service and attentiveness.

Areas for Potential Enhancement

While generally highly regarded, there are a few areas that could be explored for further development. Some visitors have suggested that more information about the wines, particularly their origins and the stories behind their names, would enhance the tasting experience. The absence of cocktails during the summer months, while understandable due to operational constraints, could be addressed by offering alternative non-alcoholic beverages. The limited dessert options, currently confined to ice cream, could be expanded to include other seasonal treats.

Summary of Reviews and Reputation

Balfour Winery currently holds 373 reviews on Google My Business, reflecting the significant interest and engagement within the local community and beyond. The average opinion is 4.7/5, indicating a overwhelmingly positive experience for the majority of visitors. The comments suggest a strong focus on hospitality, quality food and wine, and a welcoming atmosphere. The winery's success can be attributed to its commitment to replicating the best aspects of South African and Napa Valley winemaking traditions, combined with a strong local presence and a dedication to customer satisfaction.

Recommended Information for Visitors

When planning a visit to Balfour Winery, it’s recommended to:

• Book in advance, particularly for restaurant reservations and special events.
• Allow ample time to explore the vineyard and wine bar.
• Consider joining the wine club for exclusive access and discounts.
• Check the seasonal menu for the most up-to-date offerings.
• Take advantage of the on-site parking or nearby street parking options.

Balfour Winery offers a delightful blend of wine tasting, fine dining, and scenic beauty, making it a worthwhile destination for both seasoned wine enthusiasts and casual visitors.

👍 Reviews of Balfour Winery

Sarah W.

5/5

Had a wonderful afternoon at Balfour, it’s done in a South African/Napa Valley style. We didn’t do the vineyard tour as I have done quite a few and this was a spontaneous afternoon out visit.The bottom floor of the restaurant and the outdoor area are dog friendly. Sharing platters are plentiful and well done, staff and service were excellent. Plenty of parking. They only have ice cream for dessert, no cocktails. They do own label beer and cider. In the summer they don’t do coffees or tea. Would be nice to know who the wines are named after if you don’t do the tour.

Big E.

5/5

Brilliant afternoon. Amazing views, great food and wonderful service. The Balfour beer is especially good.

If you’re looking to go at the weekend I would advise you book it can get busy especially if the weather is nice. Plenty of parking.

Wendy D.

3/5

This is a truly beautiful setting. Lovely restaurant and terrace opening into the vineyard in immaculate gardens.
service was lovely but exceptionally slow. We had to clear a table of the previous occupants to sit at it, then had to be quite forceful to get service. We ordered the top of the range sparkling rosè (delicious) but arrived without any kind of cooler - they had run out! After 15 minutes watching the wine get warmer I went to find an ice bucket (5 on shelf) and had to ask for ice and water aaargh. We then had to be ‘proactive’ to order the tapas which were nice. Overall lovely but stressful!

Robert B.

5/5

Absolutely stunning time on the tutored tasting. Big shout-out to our guide, Charlie! Tried six wines, 3 still and 3 sparkling. Loved learning about them and the history of the vineyard. Charlie was very affable and knowledgeable and it felt like we were just some friends chatting about wine! Would 100% return.

Troy H.

5/5

Beautiful estate! Did not book a tour since we were on a slightly unpredictable schedule coming down from London, but the wines were lovely, the share platter was wonderful, and everyone was very friendly. Would love to come back for a longer experience!

Laura S.

5/5

Visited over Easter weekend. Very busy so advise booking. Attentive staff, beautiful indoor and outdoor areas. 2 magnums of their Balfor and a lot of people watching later we had a lovely time. Great atmosphere, stunning views and lovely wine.

C K.

5/5

Thanks for a lovely time. I would definitely 100% recommend to anyone. Already recommended to the family. I would recommend the Nannette Rosé and all of the Pizza's. Also a special thanks to Gabi/Gabby, A* Treatment, very personable and professional. Many thanks! Look forward to coming again.

Rosie W.

5/5

We booked for dinner, and opted to join a tasting beforehand. The tasting was really informative and interesting - Lindy who led it was really great. The dinner was phenomenal - really couldn't fault it.

And of course, their wines are just absolutely stunning, especially if you like white or fizz!