Canterbury Wine Festival at Westgate Hall city centre venue

Canterbury Wine festival™ was founded by Westgate Hall in 2019, in collaboration with Master of Wine Clive Barlow.

Kent is the epicentre of England’s current viticulture scene- we’re becoming known as the “Vineyard of England” and we want to let the whole world know about it!

Our aim is to bring the global wine culture to you, in the heart of our city

Why wine?

“Wine brings people together, it’s a social lubricant” says Clive. In a time when coming together and spending quality time with each other is becoming ever more paramount and needed, the Canterbury Wine Festival is a chance to switch off from the everyday and indulge a little in the finer things in life and leisure time.

Why Canterbury?

Kent is the best county producing wine in England. Canterbury is the heart of Kent, and therefore of the wine region. There’s nowhere better to tantalise those taste buds and to try new flavours.

The inaugural Canterbury Wine Festival

In June 2019 we held the inaugural Canterbury Wine Festival, where over 300 people gathered under our historic roof to taste, discover and talk about Kent’s award-winning wines from 14 vineyards across our beautiful county.

The mysteries of this most illustrious of libations were explained at one of Clive’s expert Masterclasses, where the inimitable Master of Wine will share his knowledge from over 30 years in the trade.

Sounds like fun doesn’t it? Come join us

We’re planning the next Canterbury Wine Festival, for when restrictions allow. Keen to be the first to hear about the festival?

Get in touch

Introducing Master of Wine Clive Barlow

Clive started his wine career quite by accident, when he spent a summer working on a pheasant farm as a young man. An interest in the land and sustainability, man's relationship with it and the cultural link forged from it inspired Clive, and now as owner of Press Wines at the Good Shed Canterbury, he shares the wonders of this beautiful, sensual product that people enjoy together, and his passion for it, daily. Wine is an integral part of socialising, food and bringing people together, and that’s what this festival is all about.

“Where it takes the individual. Whilst the taste of the wine will fade, the knowledge you’ll learn and the memories you’ll make at the festival will last, making all your future wine tasting that bit more enjoyable.”

Amrita Bartram, Partner, Girlings Solicitors

‘The first ever Canterbury Wine Festival showcased a great selection of high quality wine from vineyards from across the county. It is easy to see why Kent is stamping its mark as the vineyard capital of the UK and why its wine continues to receive international acclaim.’

Westgate Hall Market

We showcase Kent's talented Makers, Artists and Producers, all in one place, in our fully Covid-secure venue. Browse the very best in local produce, crafts, arts, homeware, jewellery and more. Meet the people behind the products and hear how they lovingly make each item, or host your own stall.

Produced in Kent

Westgate Hall is proud to be an Industry Partner of Produced in Kent. The garden of England is abundant in exceptional locally grown food, drink and artistry. We join Produced in Kent's mission to celebrate, promote and champion Kent's exceptional produce and crafts.

Canterbury Festival

Kent's much-loved, long-standing International Arts event, Canterbury Festival, is coming to Westgate Hall from 16 - 30 October 2021, bringing world-renowned artists, musicians, comedians and performers to Canterbury, for the whole community to enjoy and participate in.

Bemix Discovery Catering

We regularly welcome social enterprise Bemix Discovery Catering and their wonderful group, those with and without learning difficulties, to enjoy time together gaining skills in cooking and catering. Restrictions permitting, you can visit their monthly pop-up cafe at the Hall.

Canterbury Academy Trust

Westgate Hall supports young people as they practise, rehearse and perform their creative skills during their studies at Canterbury Academy Trust - the "school of all talents". We provide a large, safe space for them to thrive and flourish in as part of their studies and training.

Health and wellbeing venue hire at Westgate Hall

NHS Blood donations

Trusted by the NHS, our spacious, hygienic, Covid-secure accredited Hall has hosted blood donation sessions for years. We have continued to do so throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, providing a safe space for vital health sessions.