Biddenden Vineyards
Gribble Bridge Lane Biddenden Kent TN27 8DF
Kent is getting quite a name for itself as a wine-producing area. Big names include Chapel Down and the nearby Biddenden, a somewhat smaller, family-run concern prettily set in the Wealden countryside. Specialising in German grapes – among them Ortega, Bacchus, Schonburger and Reichensteiner – that flourish on the sunny, warm, south-facing slopes, Biddenden has racked up a host of awards to its name: the fruity Ortega is a sure-fire winner. They're also known for their ciders and apple juices, using the very best produce from this traditional apple-growing region. Following the self-guided trail through the vineyards takes about twenty minutes – dogs are welcome, on leads – after which you can buy the wines, along with local produce at their shop, which also offers free tastings. If you can, however, try to time your trip to coincide with one of their free guided tours, run on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which focus on various seasonal themes from flowering to harvesting. Full of intriguing snippets, tours include a welcome cup of coffee and tastings at the end, but you'll need to book in advance. They don't have a full restaurant here, but there is a coffee shop.
