Ten beautiful vineyards well worth visiting near to Ashford and Tenterden

Watch out France! Kent is blessed with many wonderful vineyards – there are over 50 in Kent alone.

Millie Green, who works at a local vineyard, and is a local freelance writer and illustrator, is the author of this article introducing some of the many fantastic vineyards that have been established in Kent and East Sussex in recent years.

An introduction to the growth of vineyards in our area.

Kent is home to over fifty vineyards and is challenging the revered Champagne region in France

With rising temperatures due to global warming, Kent has become an ideal climate for vine growth. This has inspired a flurry of new winemakers in the area, particularly for sparkling wines, but also for a range of red, white and rosé wines. 

From our oldest, Biddenden, which began in 1969, to our newest, Hamstreet Wines, an up-and-coming vineyard that only began planting in 2019, Kent has a fascinating variety of wine to explore. In this article, we’ll introduce ten of our closest vineyard neighbours, and give you the low-down on all the tastings, tours and more that you can expect at each one.

Gusbourne

Nestled between Appledore, Woodchurch and Hamstreet, Gusbourne Estate is a vintage producer that specialises in sparkling wine. 

Since harvesting their first grapes in 2006, Gusbourne has flourished into a sophisticated and critically-acclaimed winery, expanding beyond their first two vintages Brut Reserve 2006 and Blanc de Blancs 2006 to include sparkling rosé, Blanc de Noirs and a collection of still wines. 

A sophisticated and critically-acclaimed winery

  • Shop (wine)
  • Tours (with fine dining experiences)
  • Tastings
  • Picnics

I can thoroughly recommend a picnic at Gusbourne.

The Nest, Gusbourne’s shop and home base for tours and tastings, sits right within the vineyard. You’ll start tours from here, and return to one of the adjacent dining rooms for fine-dining carefully paired with Gusbourne wine. 

For a more relaxed experience, book a picnic, where you can drink the wine and tuck into one of Gusbourne’s picnics full of the best charcuterie, cheese, fresh fruit and bread that Kent has to offer, under a shady canopy amidst the vines.

Woodchurch Vineyard

Established in 2009, Woodchurch Vineyard is a sparkling wine producer just on the outskirts of Woodchurch village between Ashford and Tenterden. In their relatively-short time as wine producers, Woodchurch have seen great success, with their 2018 Sparkling Rosé winning Kent Wine of the Year (Taste of Kent 2020 awards). 

You’ll be able to visit the vineyard from Thursday to Sunday each week for tours, the bar and restaurant, and shop. As well as the self-guided tour, you can book onto guided tours and tastings, where Graham Barbour, the founder and owner of the vineyard, will take you through the wines and winemaking process in more detail.

The bar and restaurant is onsite, with a balcony overlooking the vines. Buy a glass of wine on the day or book ahead for charcuterie and cheese boards.

We often present buyers with a bottle of Woodchurch sparking wine on the day they collect their keys from us - they are always so pleased.

Biddenden

Just outside Biddenden village sits Biddenden vineyard, Kent’s oldest winery. Originally, Biddenden was a forty-acre orchard, but in 1969, inspired by falling apple prices, the family planted their first vines. From there, Biddenden has only grown larger and more successful, now home to twelve varieties of grape, and producing 80,000 bottles of award-winning wine a year.

Maker of famous local cider too

  • Tours and tastings (self-guided and guided)
  • Shop (wine, cider and juice)

Biddenden’s red, rosè, white and sparkling wines are the product of three generations’ expertise, innovation and pride. You can buy wine, alongside cider and their collection of pressed juices, at their onsite shop. You can also explore the vineyard on a self-guided tour, or book a private tour and tasting.

There’s also an opportunity to book a special ‘Meet the Winemaker’ tour, which will be led by one of the Barnes family.

Chapel Down

Chapel Down, one of England’s largest sparkling and still wine producers, sits only ten minutes’ drive from Tenterden and Rolvenden. Since arriving at their Tenterden site in 1995, Chapel Down has continued to grow, expanding to almost 950 acres in 2019. Their range has diversified too, now including red, rosé, white and sparkling wines, as well as more recently gin and vodka.

One of England's largest producers

One of England's largest producers

  • Tours
  • Tastings
  • Experiences
  • Shop (wine, spirits, deli counter, gifts & accessories)

There are a huge number of options for visiting Chapel Down, from guided tours and tastings to sharing platters of local produce to enjoy on the grounds of the estate. For the most special occasions, the vineyard has partnered with Sissinghurst Castle estate to offer a two-night experience including a private tour, three-course meal at Chapel Down’s two AA Rosette and Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, The Swan and accommodation on Sissinghurst’s estate.

You can also buy Chapel Down’s wine and spirits at their onsite shop, which also boasts a deli counter of local produce. If you’re lucky, you may also manage to scoop up a cellar door exclusive wine.

I liked the still Bacchus so much I bought a few shares in Chapel Down as it gives me a good discount in the shop and online.

Wayfarer Wines

One of the younger vineyards on this list, Wayfarer planted their first vines in 2016 at the back of their family home between Woodchurch and Tenterden. The Ashford family, who run Wayfarer, noticed a gap in the stills market, and therefore decided to focus on producing the best still wines that England has to offer. With just eight acres under vine, you can be sure that Wayfarer is carefully looking after each grape, to ensure that their wines are all deeply flavourful and developed.

You can visit the Wayfarer vineyard for a cheese and charcuterie tasting, which includes a tasting of all five of their white and rosé wines, as well as a tour by the vineyard founders and owners.

At the end of the tour, there will be an opportunity to purchase wine. Alternatively, you can book a full day tour through Wines of Kent, which will take you to three different vineyards in the space of a day.

Brabourne Vineyard

At just two acres under vine, Brabourne is a small but perfectly-formed vineyard. They planted their first vines at their site within Brabourne village in 2014, and work with Oxney Organic Estate to produce their still and sparkling wines. Despite their short time producing wine, they have already won a bronze WineGB award for their 2020 English Pinot Noir Rosé.

Phone ahead to visit Brabourne, where you can book a private tour and tasting session. As the vineyard is family-run, each tour can be tailored to the requirements of your group. You’ll also have the opportunity to buy wine from Brabourne’s cellar door. Fig Cottage is available nearby to rent, so you can take your time enjoying Brabourne’s beautiful surroundings.

Brabourne is a multi talented vineyard, as they rear rare breed poultry, grow unusual fruit and vegetables, and keep their own bees. They’re also experimenting with cider and beer, so keep an eye out for this plucky up-and-coming producer.

I live just down the road from this vineyard. It's in a beautiful spot nestled below the North Downs.

Hamstreet Wines

Established in 2019, Hamstreet Wines is a newcomer to Kent’s vineyard scene. The vineyard is just outside Hamstreet on the road to Woodchurch.

They released their first wines this year (2022), Pet Nat 2021 and Field Blend 21. These unusual wines reside somewhere between rosé and red wine, full of fruity notes. Grown on just ten acres of land, these wines are available to purchase in very small quantities, so don’t miss them.

Ham Street Wines is not open to the public, so you’ll have to try their wine through delivery, but they are an exciting producer to watch over the coming years.

Westwell

Just beneath the Pilgrims’ Way on the North Downs is Westwell’s estate. With the multiple soil types in the area, Westwell have been able to plant four different varieties of grape across perfect soils to prioritise growth and depth of flavour.

Sustainability is at the heart of Westwell’s philosophy, and they take pride in trying to make their wine as eco-friendly as possible. They don’t use insecticides, and have reduced crop-spraying, as well as using their by-products to explore new possibilities in wine ‘waste’ products.

Westwell is open for tour and tasting sessions, which allow you to learn more about Westwell’s sustainable approach, as well as seeing the vines in the beautiful North Downs countryside. They now also offer charcuterie or cheese board add-ons to these tours, so you can enjoy their wine and a bite to eat. The tour will give you an opportunity to buy directly from the cellar door, and purchase wines that aren’t available elsewhere.

Chartham Vineyard

On the outskirts of Canterbury sits Chartham Vineyard. Chartham started out in 2013 with the aim of producing modern yet sustainable red, white and sparkling wines. Chartham has already celebrated great success, winning multiple Decanter World Wide Awards for their Rose de Noir 2018, Blanc de Blancs 2018 and Pinot Noir 2020.

On Saturdays, the vineyard opens its doors to the public for pre-booked tastings. In the summer months, you’ll be taken on a tour of the estate with your tasting; in Winter, you’ll have a talk to save you from walking in the cold. You’ll also be able to buy wines from their vineyard shop, and browse a free art gallery of local artists’ work. 

I often pass the vineyard on my way to houses I'm selling in the neighbouring villages. It's been interesting to see the vines flourish since they were planted.

Oxney Organic Estate

Oxney Organic Estate, a stone’s throw from Rye, prioritises a low-impact approach to winemaking. The estate’s 35 acres make up 20% of the UK’s organic grape crop, which in turn become still and sparkling wines. The winery is on-site in a converted square oast house, and is kitted out with sustainable, low-intervention equipment.

The estate is open for tours and picnic lunches, which allow you to eat lunch in a nearby meadow, at a cosy table in the winery, or on the terrace overlooking the vines.

Once you’re finished for the day, you can rest your head at one of the shepherd huts, in Vineyard House, or Oxney Barns. Oxney’s wines can be purchased from their website.

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Under this relief, qualifying assets result in a reduced rate of Capital Gains Tax of 10% on the value of the sale, with a limit of up to £10 million during your lifetime. Compared against […]

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Otties Farm - New Dairy for yoghurt and cheese making

Three generations have worked the land at Ottinge since the turn of last century. The rolling green hills of the Elham Valley make for perfect dairy country and so the cows arrived to the pastures […]

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The farming voice must be heard for a Green Brexit

The beginning of May sees the deadline for Kent landowners and farmers to give their views on DEFRA’s ‘Health & Harmony: The Future for Food, Farming and the Environment in a Green Brexit’. If adopted, […]

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Planning permission granted for 14 homes in Whitfield

Proposals to build 14 high quality homes at Whitfield have been given the go-ahead by Dover District Council. Permissions for the new four and five bed properties was secured by Hobbs Parker Property Consultants, with […]

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How to make the best of a Compulsory Purchase Order

As a result there is likely to be an ongoing demand to use compulsory purchase powers (CPOs) to make it all happen – and that can often be difficult for the landowner unless they’ve got […]

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Permitted development in town centres

Potential planning changes could have implications for our town centres, which is timely given the ongoing crop of high profile retail administrations. The Government consultation on Permitted Developments Rights covering the upward extensions of buildings […]

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Tenancy planning for landowners

As politicians continue to wrestle with Brexit, there is obviously significant uncertainty. What we do know is that Brexit – if it happens – will bring changes, and landlords and tenants alike should be prepared. There could be changes to financial […]

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Netflix linked with move to Ashford?

The possible plans for a European filming hub presented recently to Ashford Borough Council could transform the long-abandoned Newtown railway works into seven state-of-the-art film studios. If the project goes ahead, the studios could sit […]

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Thinking local is the answer when planning to develop

Successful development is often about having the right land in the right place, but when it comes to the right timing, the progress of the Local Plan process can often make or break a deal or decision. With districts […]

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Housing secured in the Green Belt

A Grade II-listed oast house and associated farm buildings will be transformed into six homes after Sevenoaks District Council gave the green light for the development at Foxbury Farm, Stone Street, near Seal. Permission has been given to convert the […]

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National Planning Policy Framework update

The redesign of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has given councils greater powers to promote housing. However, the Government can now punish councils if they don’t deliver the presumption in favour of sustainable development. The reality is most authorities, cashstrapped by […]

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Make the right choice for your farm dispersal sale

For them it can be a stressful event, full of important decisions and the responsibility to maximise income. Despite how it might look to anyone turning up on the day, every farm dispersal sale comes with its own list […]

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Vicky Phillips returns to Hobbs Parker's Property Consultants team

Having reached the position of Partner in her previous role at a national firm, Vicky has a wealth of experience in farm, land and estate valuations in the south-east and nationally, for private client, high […]

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Change of use and permitted development to support the high street

‘Planning Reform: Supporting the high street and increasing the delivery of new homes’, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, consults on possible new permitted development (PD) rights which could make it easier to change the use of buildings […]

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Hobbs Parker welcomes new Senior Planner to the team

Senior Planning Consultant Elizabeth Welch joins the team after almost a decade at Dover District Council. Prior to her local authority work, Elizabeth has worked at Bovis Homes, Barton Wilmore and Ward Homes. She is a fully qualified Chartered Town Planner […]

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Inheritance tax relief for farm businesses

It is not uncommon for farm businesses to shy away from Inheritance Tax planning, as it is sometimes controversial within families, and almost always time-consuming. However, a proactive approach is vital in tax planning to ensure eligibility for relevant reliefs. Farm […]

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Solar farms advice for landowners

The key advancement is the reduction of installation costs and increase in efficiency of the solar panels. The average installation is priced at around £600,000 per MW compared to £1.4m in 2011, and wholesale energy prices are still […]

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Why 2019 is the right time to invest in Ashford

“If you have ever wished you’d invested somewhere that has regenerated, you will know that you are already too late.” These are the words of Alex Davies, Managing Director for Hobbs Parker Estate Agents, an […]

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Green plans could mean red light for development

Ashford-based Hobbs Parker Property Consultants LLP (HPPC) is concerned that if confirmed DEFRA’s consultation about development delivering a bio-diversity net gain will introduce an additional requirement on developers that will need to be addressed from […]

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Ten of the world's best selling Prius hybrid cars for sale

Today we will be selling ten of the world’s best selling hybrid cars. If you’ve been to Gatwick or Heathrow airport you will probably have seen hundreds of these dependable and economical cars ferrying passengers 24 […]

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Wonderful Jaguar XJ8 For Sale

This is a wonderfully rare car from a lovely local family who purchased it new. There certainly cannot be many with this provenance. Just the one owner with only 18,000 miles. The owners, a local […]

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The History of W & B Hobbs and The Hobbs Parker Group

This clip from the Kentish Gazette dated 28th August 1849 casts doubt on the firm’s long-held belief that W & B Hobbs was established in 1850. It has piqued my interest in the early years of our […]

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Ladies in waiting, early winter sunshine

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A development opportunity half done!

Congratulations, you did it. Your local authority
 has granted you planning permission for development. It’s in your hand, signed. The corks are popping! Hold on just a minute, because as well
 as you’ve done so far, […]

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19 New Development Sites for Ashford

The draft local plan was put out to consultation last year. It has been reviewed by the Council and the latest version of the plan is due to be put to the Council’s cabinet with […]

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The Best Restaurants in Kent and East Sussex

This article was written a few years ago and some of the details may be out of date. Please contact the restaurants for further information before travelling. The next best thing to eating good food, […]

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Listed Buildings Advice

The market for period property is booming and the older the house or cottage, the more likely it is to be listed. By listing a property, it celebrates a building’s special architectural and historic features […]

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Outlook Summer 2017

In this edition: We look at how owners of brownfield sites looking to bring forward housing-led development could be given permission in principle (PiP) after new planning legislation came into force on 15 April, according […]

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The best pubs in and around Ashford and Tenterden

When I was young going to the pub generally meant me and my siblings sitting in the beer garden squabbling over a pack of Ready Salted whilst my parents nipped in for a pint and […]

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Ryelands in the mist at Marsh Green

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Cattle at pasture

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Romney ewe with quads

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Romney ewe with lambs

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Sussex heifer in a field

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Sussex Cattle in a barn

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Planning to succeed

As a result, development can be difficult, especially for housebuilders, as many local communities fail to recognise the need
to increase the demand of the growing population. The Government, which is publicly committed to delivering a […]

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Could the latest business rates revaluation hit your pocket?

Farm buildings and agricultural land will continue to be exempt from business rates as long as they are being used for agriculture. However, many farmers may have diversified since the last revaluation in 2010 and […]

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Is now the right time to diversify?

As well as developing your business plan and securing the necessary finance, many face the challenge of avoiding lengthy and costly planning applications, especially with many farms being in the AoNB or close to SSSIs […]

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Favourable exchange rate brings timely relief to farmers

Recent forecasts for net farm income for all farm types for the year to March 2016 are down by 25 per cent, equivalent to an average of £13,000. The 2016 exchange rate for this year’s […]

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Will your second home also be your pension?

Recent research suggests that the level of income people aspire to retire on each year has increased from £35,000 to £42,000 yet this would require a pension pot of more than £1 million. Evidence shows […]

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Will solar panels increase the value of my home?

As the weather gets colder and darker, and the heating and lights stay on longer, there’s one thing I can predict with even more certainty than the Queen’s Speech broadcasting on Christmas Day. The arrival […]

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Is it time to loosen the Green Belt?

With demand for housing continuing at an unprecedented rate, despite the possible implications of Brexit, some people are asking: Is it time to review the Green Belt and its role and current size? However, Sajid […]

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Plans for new home in AONB given consent

Permission has been granted to replace vacant farm buildings with a three bedroom house on farmland in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) overlooking the Pilgrims’ Way in Brabourne. Ashford Borough Councillors voted by […]

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Renewable Energy – is it beginning to run on empty?

Last year didn’t end brightly, and despite what’s happening in other countries, 2016 could see the beginning of the dark ages for renewable energy projects in the UK. As if the changes in feed-in tariffs […]

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Permitted Development Rights for rural buildings

The current legislation offers an excellent opportunity to farmers and landowners to quickly and cost-effectively secure planning permission for new dwellings in rural areas. It applies to buildings up to 450m2 in area and/or three […]

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Agricultural Grant Scheme Launched for Hedgerows and Boundaries

The deadline for applications is 30 April. Benefits may be obtained for capital items such as hedge planting, laying and coppicing, earth bank restoration stone-faced bank repair and restoration, and stone wall restoration. A woodland […]

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Our recommended golf courses in Kent and East Sussex

As a golfing destination, Kent and East Sussex has a huge amount going for it. We’re blessed with a better than average climate (compared with other parts of the UK) which means we enjoy more […]

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How to gain planning permission -- a view from both sides of the fence

  Having joined Hobbs Parker Property Consultants six months ago, with nearly 30 years’ planning experience gained at Canterbury City Council and local authorities, Steve Davies gives an insight into the world on both sides […]

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What does Brexit mean for the whole planning system?

It’s been impossible to get away from the issue of the European Union referendum and the vote to leave. However, it’s important to consider what it might mean for the whole planning environment and how […]

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The best beaches in Kent and East Sussex

We explore the best beaches in Kent and East Sussex — for your children, dogs and foodie friends — as we work our way round the South East’s beautiful coastline. It’s a funny thing that […]

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Why do kitchens sell houses?

The party is in the kitchen! When we have a party at our house my wife and I spend hours making our living room look nice and then most of the evening trying to get […]

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Is selling some land an option in 2016?

There appears to be very little confidence of an improvement in outlook for the agricultural sector in the short term. So, is selling an option for some in 2016? The controversial option is to sell
 […]

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New team rising to challenge

New team rising to challenge To ensure Hobbs Parker Property Consultants respond to the need for the best possible property, land, planning and development advice, we have made a number of changes to our senior […]

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