Biddenden Vineyards

When	Days	Hours
May–September	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, BH	09:00–17:00
May–September (Sunday & Bank Holiday)	Sun, BH	11:00–16:00
May–September (Saturday)	Sat	10:00–17:00
October–21 November	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri	09:00–17:00
October–21 November (Saturday & Bank Holiday)	Sat, BH	11:00–16:00
12 January–8 February	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri	09:00–17:00
9 February–30 April	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri	09:00–17:00
9 February–30 April (Saturday & Bank Holiday)	Sat, BH	11:00–16:00
17 November–24 December	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri	09:00–17:00
17 November–24 December (Saturday)	Sat	10:00–17:00
17 November–24 December (Sunday & Bank Holiday)	Sun, BH	11:00–16:00

Closed 25 Dec–11 Jan. Closed Sundays 22 Oct–21 Nov and 9 Feb–30 Apr.

Opening hours can change for private events - it's always worth checking the vineyard's website before you visit.

What's the vibe?

Biddenden Vineyards offers a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for a leisurely visit to Kent's original vineyard. This charming, family-run estate is set within picturesque grounds, creating a serene backdrop for exploring and enjoying English wines.

Tours and tastings Several ways to explore the vineyard are on offer. Self-guided tours include a tasting flight of three wines from £15 per person, with two route lengths to choose from (around 20 or 40 minutes). Open tours last approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and are priced from £30 per person. Private guided tours run for around 1 hour 45 minutes from £48 per person, and a Meet the Winemaker experience is also available - contact the vineyard for pricing. All tours include a tasting, pre-booking is required, and a minimum of two people applies. A Meet the Winemaker experience is also available; check the website for current availability and pricing. Food There is no restaurant on site, but a sharing board of local cheese, charcuterie, crackers, chutney and seasonal produce can be ordered on the day to accompany your visit. Online shop The full range of wines, ciders and juices is available to order online with nationwide delivery.

Biddenden Vineyards, Kent's original commercial vineyard established in 1969, produces a diverse range of still and sparkling English wines. Across its 23 acres, the vineyard cultivates 11 to 12 different grape varieties, including Ortega, which is Biddenden's signature wine and accounts for approximately half of the vineyard's production. In addition to wines, Biddenden also produces traditional Kentish cider and a unique range of apple and pear juices.

The vineyard's commitment to quality is consistently recognised. Biddenden's wines have won numerous accolades, including four bronze medals at the 2021 WineGB Awards for wines such as Biddenden Bacchus 2018 and Gribble Bridge Dornfelder 2020. More recently, at the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards, they received a Silver medal for their Pinot Reserve 2018 and two Bronze medals for Biddenden Ortega 2021 and Schönburger 2021.

Viticulture Practices:
Biddenden Vineyards is proudly certified sustainable by WineGB. They implement regenerative farming practices, focusing on biodiversity and soil conservation through methods like cover cropping, which helps enhance soil nitrogen and reduces the need for chemical interventions. No insecticides are used, preserving local wildlife, and a rainwater harvesting system is in place to reduce reliance on mains water.

Winery:
All viticultural work, including pruning and picking, is carried out by hand on the estate to ensure optimal grape quality. The entire winemaking process, from pressing and fermentation to bottling, is completed on-site, producing around 80,000 bottles annually.

By Car:
Biddenden Vineyards is located on the outskirts of Biddenden village and offers free on-site parking.

By Public Transport:
The nearest train station is Headcorn, which is approximately a 10-minute taxi ride from the vineyard. Regular train services to Headcorn are available from London. The nearest bus stop is Castletons Oak, about an 11-minute walk away.

Book train tickets in advance via Trainline.

• Notable Restaurants:
  • The Three Chimneys Country Pub: An multi-award-winning historic pub in Biddenden, offering locally sourced seasonal dishes and a selection of ales, wines, and spirits. Visit Website
  • The Bakehouse Biddenden: A family-owned licensed café in Biddenden village, known for its locally sourced ingredients, including breakfast and lunch options, and sweet treats. Visit Website
• Notable Hotels:
  • King Hotel Tenterden: A modern hotel in Tenterden offering comfortable rooms with contemporary décor, free WiFi, and a restaurant, located a short drive from the vineyard. Visit Website
  • Little Dane Court: A charming 550-year-old guesthouse in the centre of Tenterden, offering luxurious accommodation and an oriental garden. Visit Website
• Notable Attractions:
  • Sissinghurst Castle Garden: A world-renowned garden created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, featuring a series of themed outdoor rooms. Visit Website
  • Kent & East Sussex Railway: A heritage railway offering steam train rides between Tenterden Town and Bodiam, providing a nostalgic journey through the countryside. Visit Website