Great wineries and vineyards to visit in Kent and East Sussex

With growing conditions similar to the Champagne region of France, Kent and East Sussex are home to some of the most famous and successful English vineyards.

Across the region there are great wineries, from established family owned Kent wineries dating back to the 15th century to organic vineyards utilising cutting edge growing methods, but they’re united by producing some of the most beautiful English wines.

Staying with Harriet and Oliver at Meadow Cottage B&B or one of our other places to stay in Kent or Hastings, like the Old Rectory or The House in Hastings gives you the opportunity to explore them and here’s a list of great wineries and vineyards in Kent and East Sussex.

1. Sedlescombe organic wines

Offering a range of organic (and fully vegan) wines, this small and stylish winery is a superb starting point for understanding and sampling organic and biodynamic wines. They offer superb tours with the option of either a cream team or lunch at the end. There’e a brilliant shop on site too where you can grab a coffee too.

Where is the Sedlescombe winery? Just off the A21 between Hastings and Hawkhurst

Find out more about Sedlescome Organic Wines 

2. Tillingham

One a farm dating back as to the 13th century, Tillingham now produces so experimental sparkling and still wines based on organic and biodynamic principle. At the root of how they work is a belief in sustainability and respect for the land, born witness by the remarkably kept land. It’s beautiful.

There’s a restaurant here which has lunches and dinners on selected nights of the week and there’s also a lovely wine bar. Tours are available at the weekends and cost £35 per head.

Where is the Tillingham winery? Close to Rye, on the East Sussex coast, Tillingham is in a beautiful and unspoilt location.

Find out more about Tillingham 

3. Chapel Down

One of the most establish UK wineries, Chapel Down Wines has long been producing award winning wines, with a range of sparkling and still options. Recently they’ve also entered into distilling gins and vodka.

There’s an on site restaurant which forms part of the tour options, which range from simple guided tours for £20 per person, to tours with champagne and a de luxe three course lunch for £120.

Where is Chapel Down Wines? Close to the the Kent town of Tenterden, Chapel Down Wines is just outside of the village of Small Hythe and is a wonderful spot.

Find out more about Chapel Down Wines 

4: Biddenden Vineyards

The longest established commercial vineyard in Kent, family owned Biddenden Vineyards has been producing wine since 1969. With award-winning white, rosé, red and sparkling wines, ciders and juices there will be something here for everyone.

There are all sorts of open and bespoke tours available at Biddenden, upwards from a £10 per person guided group tour. You do need to book though.

Where is Biddenden Vineyards? Close to the town of Biddenden, just north of Tenterden, the vineyards are surrounded by rolling Kent farmland.

Find out more about Biddenden Vineyards

5. Woodchurch Wines

A relative newcomer to the wine scene in Kent and East Sussex, this family owned and managed vineyard was named the “Winner of ‘Kent Wine of the Year’ Taste of Kent awards 2020” – no mean feat when you consider the competition. The sparking wines here are superb!

Where is Woodchurch Wines? Just outside Woodchurch, not far from Ashford making it an easy vineyard to visit by train and taxi.

Find out more about Woodchurch Wines 

6. Oastbrook Estate Vineyard

The closet winery to Meadow Cottage B&B, Oastbrook produces still and sparking wines on a working farm. The experience here is very intimate and you need to make bookings to visit, but as Harriet from Meadow Cottage says “you get a very personalised tour”.

The guided tour lasts for 2 hours, inclusive of the tasting.  It costs £25 per person based on a group of 4 or more visitors.

Where is Oastbrook Estate Vineyard? Close to the famous and historic National Trust Bodiam Castle, the estate is not far from the A21 just outside of the village of Cripps Corner.

Find out more about Oastbrook Estate Vineyard

7. Oxney Organic

Oxney is largest single organic estate in the UK – its 35 acres of vines produce around 20% of all organic grapes grown in the UK – and produces some fabulous English sparkling wine, as well as whites and roses.

They hold 90-minute guided tours and tasting, every Saturday from April to November which cost £20 per person.

Where is Oxney Organic? This award winning vineyard and winery is in Beckley, East Sussex not far from Rye.

Find out more about Oxney organic 

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