18th February 2026
Simpsons' Wine Estate becomes the official wine partner of the Marlowe Theatre
Simpsons’ Wine Estate is delighted to announce that they are the official wine partner of the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. This is the start of a very exciting local partnership, with just 7 miles between the vines thriving on the Estate and the wines being poured at this iconic theatre.
The Marlowe Theatre has been at the heart of the Canterbury community for nearly a century and is now one of the UK’s most successful large-scale regional theatres and the biggest performing arts employer in the region. The Marlowe Theatre operates as an independent charity, with a mission is to be Kent’s engine house for the performing arts, shaping the spirit of the county. The theatre showcases a diverse and dynamic programme throughout the year, as well as supporting community projects, and their creative and apprenticeship work with young people. They are a ‘Creative Green’ organisation and are committed to taking action on climate change and environmental sustainability.
This makes for a perfect pairing with Simpsons’ Wine Estate, which together with its growing reputation for world-class still and sparkling wines, is proud of its ‘Gold Standard’ sustainability credentials and work in the local and wider community.
“This is a very exciting and wonderful local partnership opportunity. We are pleased and proud to be working with The Marlowe Theatre, which is such a beacon of creativity, culture and community in the heart of Kent. To be able to share our wines, which are produced such a short distance from the Marlowe, with theatregoers and to champion the rising quality and diversity of homegrown wine, is really special.”
Co-Founder, Charles Simpson, comments
“We’re thrilled to welcome Simpsons’ Wine Estate as our official wine partner. With 99% of our stockists and suppliers drawn from the local area, working with businesses that share our commitment to place, sustainability and community is incredibly important to us. Simpsons’ wines are produced just a few miles from our stage in Canterbury, and their dedication to quality and environmental responsibility makes this a natural and exciting partnership. We’re proud to be able to offer our audiences something truly local as part of their visit, while celebrating the strength of Kent’s creative landscape.”
Kate Mullan, Director of Operations at the Marlowe Theatre, added
The Marlowe Theatre has listed three of the Simpsons’ still wines and one sparkling across its bars and ‘Green Room’ restaurant; Gravel Castle Chardonnay, Railway Hill Rosé, Rabbit Hole Pinot Noir and Chalklands Classic Cuvée NV. This will offer guests the chance to enjoy a glass of something truly local as part of their visit and raise a glass to the arts.
Simpsons' Wine Estate was established in 2012 by Ruth and Charles Simpson in Barham, Kent, just ten minutes south of Canterbury city centre, amidst the pristine beauty of the Elham Valley. This is an unspoilt seam in the North Downs where the contours of the land, climate and soil could scarcely be improved upon for viticulture. Simpsons’ Wine Estate has a growing reputation for being one of the most highly-respected English wine producers in the UK. The Estate’s wines have been incredibly well-received by consumers, premium retailers and luxury hospitality establishments across the nation. They also now have an expanding profile in the export market, particularly in Scandinavia, and welcome visitors throughout the year across their extensive range of events held at the Estate.
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Simpsons Wine Estate
This is why we settled for nothing less than the finest parcels of land in southern England to plant our vines for Simpsons’ first English sparkling wine.
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