Harbourne Vineyard

This Kent vineyard, nestled within a designated Wildlife Site, lovingly tends venerable vines with traditional methods, yielding wines that echo the vitality of their wild home.

http://www.harbournevineyard.co.uk/

The Harbourne Vineyard, Wittersham Tenterden, Kent TN30 7NP, England. Get directions

Nearest station: Rolvenden (4.6 miles).

Tasting room

Dog friendly

Child friendly

Online shop

Winery on site

Disabled access

Open year-round

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

What's the vibe

Harbourne Vineyard offers a tranquil, family-friendly escape, embodying a philosophy of traditional, minimal intervention winemaking. Situated within a designated Kent Wildlife Site, it provides an authentic rural experience where wines are crafted with a deep respect for nature.

Visiting information

Open: The vineyard shop is open year-round, typically most afternoons from 12 noon to 5 pm daily, extending to 11 am to 5 pm on weekends. It is advisable to call or email in advance if you are making a special trip.Tours: While formal tours are not offered, you can visit the shop during opening hours.
Dogs/Children: Both dogs and children are welcome at the vineyard, making it a friendly destination for the whole family.

The Wine

Harbourne Vineyard produces a range of still wines, including dry and medium-dry whites, as well as red and rosé varieties. The vineyard cultivates classic grape varieties such as Ortega, Bacchus, Muller Thurgau, Seyval Blanc, Pinot Meunier, and Blauer Portugieser. Their Harbourne Estate Dry white wine has received a "Seal of Approval" with an 84% rating from Wine Magazine, recognised for its "slightly honeyed with weight of fruit, crisp acidity and some length".

The vineyard is committed to sustainable practices, employing traditional methods and minimal intervention throughout the grape growing and winemaking processes. No insecticides are used, and all skins, pips, and prunings are returned to the soil, contributing to an "environment sustaining production at its best." Grass is grown between the rows to improve soil structure and reduce issues. In the winery, manual basket presses are used to gently extract juice, and fermentation occurs at low temperatures to retain aromas. The wines are produced with minimal chemical additives, with sulphur used only in very small amounts. All Harbourne wines are suitable for vegetarians and vegans and are GMO-free.

The vineyard boasts its own winery on-site, where all wines are grown, made, and bottled by the owner, Laurence Williams, ensuring a hands-on approach from vine to bottle.

Getting here

By Car: The vineyard is located on Peening Quarter Road, Wittersham, Tenterden, Kent TN30 7NP. It is 1 mile on the Tenterden side of Wittersham on the B2082 Tenterden to Rye road. Be aware that some sat nav systems may misdirect, so verify directions with the postcode.

By Public Transport: The nearest mainline train stations are Headcorn and Ashford International. A taxi from Headcorn to the vineyard takes approximately 18 minutes and can cost between £60-£80. Bus connections are also available from Headcorn but involve a longer journey with transfers.

What's nearby

Other Vineyards:
- Chapel Down Vineyard: Offers tours and tastings of their award-winning wines.
- Tillingham: A well-regarded vineyard, winery, and restaurant known for its natural wines.
Notable Restaurants:
- Hoof & Hook Tenterden: A farm-to-table restaurant focusing on locally sourced ingredients from their own Romney Marsh farm.
- The Lemon Tree: Housed in a historic 14th-century building, offering a delightful British menu in Tenterden.
Notable Hotels:
- The White Lion: A charming traditional pub in Tenterden with upscale dining and vintage-chic rooms.
- London Beach Country Hotel & Golf Club: Offers a range of facilities including a golf course and spa, located near Tenterden.
Notable Attractions:
- Kent & East Sussex Railway: Experience a scenic steam train ride through the picturesque countryside.
- Smallhythe Place: A historic National Trust property, once home to actress Ellen Terry, featuring a theatrical collection and beautiful gardens.