DAYSOUT
TEAM BUILDING WITH A DIFFERENCE … A TEAM TOUR & TASTING AT
NINE OAKS VINEYARD
FOR HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM MARTYN POLLOCK AND HELEN MATHESON-POLLOCK , THE CULTIVATION OF THEIR VITICULTURE DREAMS HAS BEEN A REAL FAMILY AFFAIR AND LABOUR OF LOVE . THE REALISATION , HOWEVER , IS A BURGEONING INDEPENDENT VINEYARD , WHERE GROWING ALONGSIDE THEIR THREE HECTARES OF BACCHUS , CHARDONNAY , PINOT NOIR AND PINOT MEUNIER , IS A GROWING REPERTOIRE AND REPUTATION FOR GREAT SINGLE-ESTATE WINES WHICH ARE BEST EXPLORED ON A VINEYARD TOUR AND TASTING … BY SAMANTHA READY
Set just a few minutes from the bustling town of Ashford lies the little rural hamlet of Hothfield . There , tucked away from the walled surrounds of the once imposing Hothfield Estate in the grounds of Helen ’ s childhood family home , you ’ ll find one of Kent ’ s newest vineyards : Nine Oaks .
Named after the number of ancient trees that surround the perfect terrier for viticulture , Nine Oaks has been the realisation of a family inspired not only by the planting of some small vines in the family garden and a love of good , clean wine , but by a myriad past that includes military service , family farming and rural agriculture as far away as Kenya and back again .
Making the bold decision to plant their own vineyard in 2020 , lockdown gave the pair and their three young children the necessary time to truly cultivate their wine dreams , and today the result is growing hectares of vines , an inspired partnership with Kent Wildlife Trust ( which has seen everything from rewilding projects to the grazing of Highland Cattle on the land ), engaging summer outdoor theatre performances , and , of course , a growing repertoire of now award-winning still wines alongside the exciting launch of their first sparkling rosé .
A tour here is a careful balance of passionate anecdotes , family growth and vine growing science , without being ‘ too ’ sciency or challenging for those that prefer the wine to the vine . Carefully trodden paths will guide you from fledgling rows of new vines to the now more maturer earlier grapes , and , if you ’ re lucky , you ’ ll spot kestrels swooping above to the gentle backdrop of ‘ baas ’ from the neighbouring fields ’ resident sheep .
After learning not only about the hard work of planting , cultivating and maintaining the carefully selected vines , including stories of the pesky starlings that threaten to swoop demolishing months of hard work , to future plans for growth , it ’ s time for arguably the best bit : a tutored tasting beside the vines .
Here , Helen easily explained the pair ’ s evident commitment to quality over quantity and the journey from their first release Pinot Noir Rosé , to a lightly oaked 2022 Chardonnay , and their signature Bacchus 2022 ; a fresh and aromatic white with delicate notes of elderflower and citrus that capture the essence of a Kentish summer . The real star , however , was their exquisite sparkling Classic Cuvée . Excitingly , we were one of the first ( and perhaps last due to its surge in popularity which means sellout is pending ) to sample the delicate blend of pinot noir and chardonnay that ’ s spent two years maturing on lees and offers a refined palate of wild strawberries and cream ; perfect for any celebration – get it now for Christmas if you can !
A tour and tasting at Nine Oaks is an effortless team day out . While wine and time out are always a great pairing , you and your guests , like us , can also enjoy some inspiration too . Nine Oaks has an unwavering attention to detail and commitment to their goals . From the careful management of the vines to their beautiful hand-designed labels , upon which , if you pay attention , you ’ ll see the family , the kestrels and the vineyard growing alongside their releases , it is the embodiment of team work really making the dream work . Our advice ? Go . You won ’ t be disappointed .
A one-hour Tour & Tasting at Nine Oaks Vineyard costs from £ 15pp and is available by appointment only on Fridays , Saturdays and Sundays .
Nine Oaks Church Lane Hothfield TN26 1EL www . nine-oaks . co . uk
nineoaksvineyard
72 • www . insidekent . co . uk