Chapel Down launches nationwide Taste of England competition to spotlight rising chefs and modern cuisine

British wine producer Chapel Down has launched a new culinary competition, Taste of England, aimed at emerging chefs who are shaping the direction of modern English cuisine – and applications are now open. Chefs from across the country are invited to submit an original three-course menu paired with the producer’s sparkling wines, which will be judged this June at an event at the Chapel Down winery estate in Kent. 

Entries are expected to highlight homegrown produce, reflect a strong sense of place and demonstrate a contemporary approach. They will be assessed by a panel of industry experts and journalists, who will select three winners. Each will receive £3,000 as well as a series of high-profile opportunities throughout summer 2026, including being featured in Chapel Down’s national PR and marketing campaign, and the opportunity to present their menus at a range of events across the summer, among them a chef takeover at The Swan, the winery’s two AA Rosette restaurant.

The competition reflects a wider strategic push by the brand to strengthen its position in the UK food and drink sector, with a stated focus on engaging millennial consumers. It’s part of a broader gastronomy campaign for summer 2026, which brings in partnerships with events including Pub in the Park, Sound Bites Festival, Big Feastival and Royal Ascot.

Founded in Tenterden, Kent, Chapel Down describes itself as the country’s leading wine producer, and exports to 14 international markets. Its wines are stocked by major retailers including Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, Harrods, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Majestic, and are served at high-end venues such as The Ritz Hotel, the Hand & Flowers and Chez Roux at The Langham. In 2024, Chapel Down’s rosé received the Best in Show Trophy at the Decanter World Wine Awards, becoming the first English sparkling rosé to win the accolade in the award’s 20-year history.

Chief marketing officer Liam Newton said: “At Chapel Down, we have always believed that great wine and great food are intrinsically linked through a shared sense of place. English cuisine is undergoing a real shift, with a new generation of chefs championing seasonal produce and redefining what modern English cooking looks like. Taste of England is about giving those chefs a platform, while also showcasing the versatility of English sparkling wine as a natural partner to contemporary British dishes.”

Food Desk

Chapel Down’s Taste of England competition is open now, with entry forms and instructions available to download here. The deadline for submissions is 10pm on 27^th April 2026. For further information, visit the brand’s website here.