Kent Staycation [ 2024 ] | Page 90

FOOD & DRINK : VINEYARDS
Warehorne Vineyard , Ashford Family-run vineyard with 18 acres under vine that exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere , creating a sense of belonging for all who visit . Warehorne Vineyard ’ s distinctiveness lies in its commitment to producing exceptional still wines . The carefully selected grape varieties include pinot noir , pinot gris , chardonnay , pinot meunier , cabernet noir and the captivating hybrid , divico . These thrive in sandy clay , infusing the wines with the essence of the region ’ s terroir . A captivating guided vineyard tour and tasting experience offers guests a firsthand immersion into the world of vines and wine . www . warehornevineyard . co . uk
Chartham Vineyard , Chartham , nr Canterbury Chartham Vineyard ’ s landscape combines topography , geology , soil , aspect and microclimate to produce a favourable ecosystem for viticulture . Their terroir has very similar characteristics to the Champagne region of France . This stunning vineyard sits above the River Stour , just below the North Downs Way , three miles from Canterbury . www . charthamvineyard . co . uk
Herbert Hall , Marden This five-hectare organic vineyard is situated on the edge of Marden village , a sunny south-facing slope sheltered by ancient hedgerows . In the family for three generations , the philosophy here is based on remaining in harmony with nature – farming organically and encouraging the reintroduction of flora and fauna to a region so damaged by conventional farming methods . Most of the vineyard work is done by hand and grapes are pressed within hours of picking . www . herberthall . co . uk / the-vineyard
Mereworth Vineyard , Mereworth Innovative and impassioned winemakers based in Mereworth , producing award-winning , world-class English sparkling wine . The vineyards , overlooking Wateringbury , are perfectly positioned on the Greensand Ridge . The combined winery bar , café and shop gives you the unique opportunity to enjoy their drinks in the rooms in which they make them , with a view of the production area , tank rooms and cellar wine storage . www . mereworth . co . uk
Heppington Vineyard , Street End A single-estate family vineyard nestled in the Kent Downs . Dedicated to producing delicious still and sparkling English wines , Heppington ’ s sparkling wines are made by the internationally renowned winemaker , Emma Rice of Hattingley Valley . Since 2018 , Heppington have released a classic cuvée and from 2019 a sparkling rosé ; their wines from the following years , including a blanc de blanc ( chardonnay solo ) from 2019 , are maturing on the lees . www . heppingtonvineyard . co . uk
Ham Street Wines , Ashford Vineyard est . 2019 , certified organic following regenerative and biodynamic principles . In 2019 , Ham Street Wines planted over 16,000 vines across 10 acres with a mix of chardonnay , pinot noir , pinot meunier , bacchus and pinot gris vines . Their wines are all smallbatch natural wines made from their own grapes and crafted to show off the best of that particular vintage with minimal additions and interventions in the winery . www . hamstreetwines . co . uk
Meopham Valley Vineyard , nr Gravesend Located in the North Downs and spanning 25 glorious acres , this vineyard is set on a beautiful east-facing slope with the picturesque Happy Valley as a backdrop . www . meophams . co . uk
Nine Oaks Vineyard , Hothfield From vine to wine and grape to glass , Nine Oaks are committed to making small-batch , estate-grown wines that are a true expression of their boutique vineyard . A family business and one that is truly independent , they are passionate about viticulture , the land they work and the wines they produce . www . nine-oaks . co . uk
Gorsley Vineyard , Bishopsbourne A boutique family-owned vineyard in the stunning East Kent countryside specialising in English sparkling wine . Distinctive labelling shows off their treasured alpaca herd that can sometimes be spotted near the vines . www . gorsleyvineyard . co . uk
Wayfarer Wines , Woodchurch This lovely vineyard is open for tours on Friday , Saturday and Sunday throughout the year from 12pm to 5pm . Enjoy a warm welcome to the vineyard by Emma or Karen for a tour of the estate followed by a guided tasting of their outstanding still wines from Kent . Wayfarer ’ s award-winning wines are paired with specially selected local cheeses from the High Weald Dairy and served with chutney and crackers . www . wayfarerwines . com
Brissenden Family Vineyard , Maidstone Whether your interests lie in fine wines , beautiful scenery or being part of a community , you will love visiting these seven glorious acres . A resolutely downto-earth team , Brissenden looks forward to sharing with you an honest behind-the-scenes view of what it is like to run a vineyard . www . brissendenvineyard . com
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