Last Friday, May 8th, was a definite highlight in the PA Life Club’s diary this spring. A group of our EA, PA, VA and Office Manager members were hosted by Balfour Winery in Kent on a truly memorable Fam Trip…
The welcoming hospitality started as soon as we arrived at Marden station where a minibus was waiting to transfer us to the winery, less than 10 minutes along a lovely country lane. Transfers are provided as part of all event bookings. The train journey to Marden is less than an hour from London Bridge and Charing Cross stations.
First impressions are important and were all stopped to admire the beautiful flowers adding colour around the entrance to the contemporary venue, and noticed the imposing steel vats where wine is produced.
Our host Esther and the hospitality team were waiting for us on the large terrace upstairs, ready to serve us our first glass of wine, a refreshing Balfour fizz, and freshly made toast with smoked salmon, pastries and strawberries. We had picked a gloriously sunny and warm day, and the terrace was a perfect spot for taking in the views of the vine groves just waking up after the winter.
First activity was the much-awaited wine tasting
We took our seats at one of the meeting rooms, work work perfectly as a private dining room too. Lovely artworks add warmth and interest to the room, as does the gorgeous view of the pond by the building. Three glasses with the tasting menu were laid out for each of us. First two glasses were wonderful Balfour sparkling wines – a 2021 vintage rose followed by a 2022 blanc de noir (white sparkling made with pinot noir and pinot Meunier grapes). We also tasted Sky’s Chardonnay 2023, a fresh wine made in a steel vat so no oak barrel colour or heaviness here.
Vineyard and woodland walk
The vineyard is in a tranquil spot, next to an ancient woodland where we walked through after our guided tour around vine groves. We also stopped by the orchard where apples for their cider grow. Ester is a wonderful guide with an impressive knowledge of wines, viticulture and the Hush Heath Estate. We enjoyed learning about the challenges of growing grapes for wine production and how the winery grew from its humble early 1970s beginnings to one of the multi-award winning English wine producers it is today.
Blind wine tasting lunch was a perfect finish for the day
After the hour or so of gentle walking whilst taking in the interesting facts of what happens in a vineyard, as well as admiring the beautiful Kent countryside, we were ready to sit down for lunch. Our long table for 20 or so of us was laid out in the mezzanine level of the restaurant. The number of wine glasses we all had in front of us, six none the less, set the tone immediately. This was going to be a wine appreciation lunch. In fact it was a blind tasting experience – we compared a Balfour wine to a similar well-known brand over each of our three courses, starting with a sparkling wine. I was pleased to prefer the Balfour sparkling to a very popular champagne.
The lunch was wonderful, each course beautifully presented, made with fresh seasonal produce. And the wines were exceptional, as expected, with more surprises – or perhaps not – as the Balfour own produce score high.
More about Balfour Winery
Balfour Winery offers a refreshing escape from the ordinary corporate setting, blending contemporary elegance with the natural beauty of the Kent countryside. Just an hour from London, it’s an inspiring destination where business, creativity and connection come naturally.
Set across a stunning 400-acre estate, Balfour Winery provides a choice of versatile spaces designed to elevate any corporate event. Its sleek architecture and panoramic vineyard views, is ideal for meetings, presentations, and networking sessions. The flexible layouts allow for intimate board gatherings or larger group experiences, all supported by high‑quality AV and seamless hospitality.
For teams seeking something more immersive, the private meeting rooms offer a unique backdrop that sparks conversation and curiosity. Guided tours, tutored tastings, and behind‑the‑scenes experiences can be woven into your itinerary, creating memorable moments that go far beyond a standard venue hire.
Outdoor options abound too. From vineyard walks across the estate to seasonal activities in our stretch tents, Balfour’s landscape encourages teams to unwind, reconnect, and think differently. Paired with award‑winning English wines and exceptional dining crafted from local produce, every visit feels both indulgent and purposeful.
Whether you’re planning a strategy day, client event, or team celebration, Balfour Winery delivers a setting that inspires and impresses. It’s a place where business feels elevated, hospitality feels effortless and guests leave with a genuine sense of discovery.
The winery organises all year round tours and tasting experiences in their beautiful 400 acre site in the spectacular Kent countryside.
Easy to get to: a visit to the country is a relaxing escape – just 45 minutes from London with our free shuttle bus service*.
The winery sit in Hush Heath Estate – home to some of England’s most vibrant flora and fauna.
For nature and wine lovers alike, the Estate offers an unparalleled guest experience. Guests can enjoy a self-guided stroll through beautiful English vineyards, apple orchards and ancient oak woodlands, or join an expert-led vineyard tour and wine tasting experience in our winery.
Eat at Balfour: Enjoy one of our local Kentish meat, cheese or vegetarian platters made with seasonal produce. We source our food from local producers such as Curd & Cure, Moons Green Charcuterie and our fruit and vegetables from David Catt & Sons.
Great accommodation options nearby
We own a collection of fabulous pubs throughout Kent, Sussex, The Cotswolds and London. All proudly serving Balfour wines, beers and ciders. Continue your winery experience with lunch or dinner at one of our local Balfour Hospitality pubs where you can expect locally sourced produce, a great atmosphere and beautiful boutique bedrooms.
If you’d like to join our FAM Trips such as this, please sign up to the PA Life Club first – it’s free for business support professionals – and then register to our events in our Upcoming Events page.
