Kent Staycation [ 2024 ] | Page 89

FOOD & DRINK : VINEYARDS

FROM GRAPE TO GLASS ... KENT ’ S VINEYARDS

Barnsole Vineyard , Staple , nr Canterbury A boutique vineyard and winery run by a handful of passionate winemakers who strive to produce premium sparkling wines , Barnsole is one of the oldest vineyards in Kent , situated between historic Canterbury and the Cinque Port town of Sandwich . Growing upon fertile land that has been farmed since ancient times , Barnsole ’ s situation delivers the perfect geology and climate to produce the high quality grapes that make their award-winning English wines . www . barnsole . co . uk
The Mount Vineyard , Sevenoaks Since opening The Mount to guests for drinks , meals and private hire bookings , owners Simon and Sarah have concentrated on building a special hideaway where you can escape for a special slice of Kent . With nothing but the vines and open skies over Shoreham to stare at ( including the odd flypast of a Spitfire returning to Biggin Hill ), guests can let the peace and golden sunlight of the evenings take their cares away , one sip at a time . www . themountvineyard . co . uk
Woolton Farm , Bekesbourne , nr Canterbury A small boutique farm and vineyard set in idyllic Kent countryside producing award-winning wine and cider . Visit Woolton Farm to experience the art of farming in the Kent countryside and the craft and care they put into all of their produce . Family run by the Mount family , choose from a wide selection of tours and tasting menus and delight in the beautiful ancient barn and artisan café . www . wooltonvineyard . co . uk
Woodchurch Wine Estate , Ashford With a cellar door shop and terrace bar , Woodchurch Wine Estate serve wines by the glass and bottle , as well as cheese and charcuterie boards outside on their terrace . Wander through the vines and explore the vineyard at your leisure , or book a special tour and a tasting of four Woodchurch wines . www . woodchurchwine . co . uk
Elham Valley Vineyard Growing grapes for wine making since 1979 , Elham Valley Vineyard is set among the rolling hills of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty . Visit the Vineyard Garden Centre and café to sample the wines and take in glorious views . www . vineyardgardencentre . co . uk
Yotes Court , Maidstone Situated on a beautiful sloping site in West Peckham , with sweeping views out towards Bidborough Ridge , Yotes Court provides a serene environment in which visitors can bask in the county ’ s paradisiacal vine-filled countryside . Sip a refreshing glass of award-winning still rosé as you gaze in awe across luscious rows of vines that cover the hillside in front of you ; a truly exceptional experience overlooking one of Kent ’ s most cherished characteristics . www . yotescourt . co . uk
Harbourne Vineyard , Tenterden A small , family-owned vineyard and winery using traditional methods and minimum intervention to produce handmade wines . Planted in 1979 , this cherished vineyard is open most afternoons to visitors who want a glimpse into the world of a Kentish family vineyard . www . harbournevineyard . co . uk
Terlingham Vineyard , Folkestone A coastal vineyard with gorgeous views over the Channel . Family run , Terlingham ’ s tours include tasting a selection of their wines accompanied by a cheeseboard , bread selection and tea , coffee and cake . Terlingham now also craft their own small-batch artisan gin from bacchus grapes . www . terlinghamvineyard . co . uk
Brabourne , Ashford As a small , family-run vineyard at the foot of the North Downs , all of Brabourne ’ s vines are lovingly tended by hand . Growing mostly pinot noir grapes with just a few rows of chardonnay , their only focus is on premium wines . www . brabournewine . com
89