'2026 in the Vineyard - the Year in Review' Hosted by Gusbourne Wine
Estate.

Led by Gusbourne's Head of Wine Communication Laura Rhys Master Sommelier. 2009 Sommelier of the Year and UKSA judge and member.

It’s already shaping up to be an unusually challenging year for English Vineyards –
from late frosts to prolonged drought – it seems 2026 will certainly be one to
remember for English wine…
Join us at Gusbourne Estate in Kent for an immersive day within the vineyards
and winery, exploring in-depth how recent vintage variations have expressed
in their wines.

Following a tour of the estate vineyards (please bring sturdy footwear and a
waterproof coat) we’ll go behind the scenes in the winery with the winemaking
team, learning what makes them Triple WineGB Winery of the Year and their wines
some of the most awarded in the UK (including a privileged first tasting of 2026
base wines from tank).

We’ll then be treated to a focused tasting from the Gusbourne range, including
some rare bottles from the library cellar, followed by a seasonal wine-paired lunch.
Perhaps most special of all, we’ll be hosted by the wonderfully talented Laura Rhys,
MS; a Master Sommelier since 2010 (and one of only 299 in the world) Laura has
been Gusbourne’s Global Ambassador since 2015.

In the winery, she works alongside the winemaking team at two critical stages: blind tasting and blending. She diplomatically refuses to single out a favourite Gusbourne wine (“It changes from vintage to vintage”) – making her the perfect host to explore this fascinating aspect
of English wine.

Event Details & Registration

• Date: Monday, 9 November 2026

• Time: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM

• Venue: Gusbourne Winery - Kenardington Road, Appledore, Ashford, Kent, TN26 2BE.

• Audience: UKSA Members - Exclusive

• Cost: Free (£10 refundable attendance deposit)