Meopham Valley Vineyard

What's the vibe?

Meopham Valley Vineyard offers a genuinely intimate and relaxed experience, set against the backdrop of the picturesque Happy Valley in the Kent countryside. Visitors often commend the personal touch from the family who run it, making for an engaging and educational visit.

Opening Hours: The Cellar Door is open seven days a week, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Tours & Tastings: Vineyard tours and tastings are available seasonally and must be pre-booked online.

• Tours typically last around 90 minutes.
• The experience includes a tutored tasting of seven of their wines (four still and three sparkling).
• An optional charcuterie and cheese board is available at an additional cost, featuring locally sourced delights.
• Guests are welcome to stay after their tour to enjoy additional glasses of wine and the scenic views.

Facilities: Tastings are held in a comfortable, sheltered area at the bottom of the vineyard with views of the vines.

Accommodation: While there is no accommodation directly on-site, luxury self-contained cottages are available nearby at Beechfield Cottages, located just a mile from the vineyard. The surrounding village of Meopham also offers various B&Bs.

Accessibility: The vineyard is dog-friendly, welcoming well-behaved dogs, including guide and assistance dogs. Children are also welcome. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear, as the vineyard is situated on a slope with uneven ground.

Meopham Valley Vineyard produces a range of award-winning English still and sparkling wines, drawing from grapes grown on their 25-acre site in the North Downs of Kent. The vineyard cultivates a variety of grapes, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Madeleine Angevine, Leon Millot, Reichensteiner, and Triomphe d'Alsace, alongside Bacchus, Rondo, and Regent.

Their still wine portfolio includes whites such as 'Whitehill' (a blend of Bacchus and Chardonnay) and 'Oakmead White', as well as rosé and their popular 'Union Red', a blend of Acolon, Regent, Triomphe d'Alsace, and Leon Millot. Sparkling wines include traditional method blends like 'Premiere Brut' (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) and a distinctive 'Signature Brut' made from 100% Reichensteiner.

Meopham Valley wines have consistently received accolades in local, national, and international wine competitions. Their 'Whitehill 2020' received Bronze at both the Wine GB Awards 2021 and the Independent English Wine Awards 2021, also gaining recognition at the London Wine Competition. The 'Phoenix Sparkling Brut Rosé' won Gold at the Glass of Bubbly Awards.

In terms of viticulture, the vineyard operates with an ethos of sustainability. Plans for a future winery are part of a broader commitment to regenerating the entire 25-acre property, including new tree plantings to enhance biodiversity and act as natural windbreaks. The vineyard also explores fungus-resistant (PIWI) grape varieties, which require less intervention and spraying, contributing to more sustainable practices. While tastings currently occur under a large stretch tent, future plans include the construction of a dedicated winery and visitor centre integrated into the hillside.

Address: Meopham Valley Vineyard, Meopham Green, Wrotham Road, Meopham, Kent DA13 0PY.

By Car: The vineyard is conveniently located close to major road networks, including the A2, M25, and M2.

By Public Transport: The nearest train station is Meopham. The vineyard is approximately a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride from the station.

Notable Restaurants:

• The George Inn: A warm and inviting pub and restaurant in the heart of Meopham Village, known for its character, open log fireplace, and menu using fresh local produce.
• Bartellas Restaurant & Bar: A highly-rated neighbourhood restaurant offering a Mediterranean menu, open seven days a week for lunch and dinner with options for al fresco dining.

Notable Hotels:

• Spring River Ebbsfleet by Marston's Inns: Located approximately 2.5km from the vineyard, offering a relaxed atmosphere with dining options and close proximity to outdoor activities.
• The Inn on the Lake Hotel: Situated in Gravesend, this hotel offers a pleasant stay with a focus on leisure and dining, often highlighted in local hotel reviews.

Notable Attractions:

• Bluewater Shopping Centre: A large retail and leisure destination offering a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
• Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: Adjacent to the vineyard, this protected landscape offers stunning scenery, walking trails, and diverse wildlife.