Elham Valley Vineyard

Elham Valley Vineyard: elegant Kent wines with a purpose. It's home to The Fifth Trust charity, empowering adults with learning disabilities.

https://www.vineyardgardencentre.co.uk/events

Elham Valley Vineyard, Elham Valley Road, Breach, Barham, Canterbury CT4 6LN. Get directions

Nearest station: Snowdown (4.5 miles).

Public tours

Self-guided tours

Tasting room

Restaurant or café

Dog friendly

Child friendly

Online shop

Walking trail

Disabled access

Award-winning

Hosts weddings

Organic or sustainable

Open year-round

While we update listings frequently, we suggest confirming important details with the vineyard to avoid any surprises.

What's the vibe

Elham Valley Vineyard offers a unique and enriching experience, seamlessly blending the serene beauty of the Kent Downs with a profound social mission. It's a welcoming space where visitors can enjoy the tranquil vineyard setting while supporting a meaningful charitable cause.

Visiting information

Can you pop in for a drink or do you need to pre-book a tour?

You are welcome to visit the on-site licensed café, which is open daily for meals, snacks, and wine sales. For vineyard tours and wine tastings, booking is advisable as these are typically available by appointment.
Opening Hours:

The Vineyard Garden Centre and Café are open year-round.
Garden Centre: Monday to Friday 9am – 4:30pm, Saturday 9am – 4pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm.
Café: Monday to Saturday 9am – 4pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm.

On-site facilities:

There is a welcoming licensed café overlooking the vines, serving delicious homemade food, including breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, often using locally sourced and homegrown produce. The vineyard is also home to a garden centre.

Special Events:

Beyond regular café visits, the vineyard hosts special "limited charity wine tours" by appointment, which often include tastings and charcuterie. Check their website for specific advertised dates.

Accessibility & Family:

Children: Welcome.
Dogs: Welcome, including guide dogs and registered assistance dogs.
Disabled Access: The site has good wheelchair access and disabled facilities.

The Wine

Elham Valley Vineyard cultivates grape varieties such as Seyval Blanc, Bacchus, and Pinot Noir. From these, they produce a range of English wines including still white, still rosé, sparkling white, and sparkling rosé (Blanc de Noirs). In 2024, nearly 600 new Solaris vines were planted, with their first harvest anticipated in 2028, aiming to produce a dry white wine.

The vineyard's wines have received recognition, winning awards in 1988 and 1994. While older accolades, they demonstrate a history of quality winemaking.

Elham Valley Vineyard operates with an eco-friendly ethos, employing traditional hand methods for viticulture and vinification. They encourage biological control by allowing grasses to grow among the vines, which helps reduce the need for pesticides. The vineyard is actively hoping to apply for the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain certification, reflecting their commitment to environmental awareness, particularly as they are situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Their wine is crafted by local producer Defined Wine, less than two miles from the vineyard.

Getting here

By Car
Elham Valley Vineyard is located approximately one mile south of Barham on the B2065 Canterbury Hythe Road. If travelling from the A2, take the bridge exit between Barham and Elham.

By Public Transport
The nearest bus stop is "Vineyard, Breach," which is just a 1-minute walk from the vineyard. This stop is served by bus routes 15, 16, and 17. The number 17 bus route connects Folkestone and Canterbury. The nearest train station is Canterbury, located about 5 miles away, from which a bus or taxi would be required to reach the vineyard.

What's nearby

Discover more of what the beautiful Kent countryside has to offer during your visit to Elham Valley Vineyard:

Other Vineyards:

Simpsons Wine Estate, Barham, Kent
Terlingham Vineyard, Folkestone, Kent

Notable Restaurants:

The King's Arms: Located in Elham village, this gastropub was crowned "Best Pub in Kent" at the National Pub & Bar Awards 2024.
The Rose And Crown: A historic 16th-century coaching inn in Elham, offering traditional British cuisine and a cozy atmosphere. (Note: Temporarily closed at time of writing).

Notable Hotels:

The Rose And Crown: This historic inn in Elham also offers cozy en-suite rooms in a converted stable block.
The Abbots Fireside: A guesthouse in Elham village, set in a historic building, offering comfortable rooms within walking distance of the village centre.

Notable Attractions:

Howletts Wild Animal Park: Home to over 390 animals, including endangered species, this animal park offers a unique wildlife experience and supports vital conservation efforts.
Elham Valley Railway Museum: A family attraction where visitors can explore railway memorabilia, see steam engines, and experience a replica 1930s railway station.