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The Vyneyarde, Westwell Wine Estates Ltd
At this Kentish estate, you don't just savour the wine; you can cast your vote in the UK's first democratic winemaking club, helping decide the next vintage.
The Vyneyarde, Westwell Ln, Charing TN27 0BW.
Get directions
Nearest station: Charing (1.6 miles).
Approx walking time: 34 minutes.
Public tours
Private tours
Tasting room
Dog friendly
Child friendly
Online shop
Winery on site
Walking trail
Disabled access
Award-winning
Organic or sustainableWhile we update listings frequently, we suggest confirming important details with the vineyard to avoid any surprises.
What's the vibe
Nestled on a chalk escarpment overlooking the Kentish Weald, Westwell Wine Estates offers a welcoming and intimate experience, focused on showcasing exceptional English wines. Reviewers frequently praise the beautiful setting and the relaxed atmosphere.Visiting information
General Access: The Cellar Door, Bar & Shop is generally open from Friday to Sunday, though seasonal opening hours may apply. Check their website for current timings. Walk-in tastings and bottle sales are available during these hours. Tours & Tastings: Guided tours of the vineyard and on-site winery, followed by tutored tastings, are available on select dates and must be booked in advance directly through their website.Food: The vineyard offers a selection of local cheese and charcuterie boards to complement your wine in the tasting room.
Accommodation: There is no accommodation on site.
Children & Dogs: Well-behaved children are welcome in the tasting room. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the outdoor areas.
The Wine
Westwell Wine Estates produces a diverse range of still and sparkling English wines, crafted entirely from grapes grown on their estate. Their portfolio includes traditional method sparkling wines such as Classic Cuvee, Pelegrim, and Special Cuvee, alongside still wines like Ortega, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir Rosé, and Pinot Meunier. They also experiment with less traditional styles, including Pet Nat and skin-contact wines, and were the first English vineyard to create an amphora-aged wine and successfully keg wine.Westwell wines have received significant acclaim, winning numerous awards. Among their notable achievements, the Westwell Classic Cuvee 2018 secured a Platinum award at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2023. They also earned multiple Gold medals at both the IEWA 2023 and WineGB Awards 2023 for wines including Westwell Pelegrim NV, Ortega 2022, Special Cuvee 2018, Pinot Meunier 2022, and Chardonnay 2022.
The vineyard is committed to sustainable viticulture practices, working with the natural environment to encourage biodiversity and healthy soils. They are actively working towards organic certification and do not use herbicides in the vineyard, striving to minimise chemical use and promote a balanced ecosystem. All wines are produced on-site in their own winery, allowing for complete control over the winemaking process from grape to glass.
Getting here
By Car: The vineyard is conveniently located approximately 10 minutes from Junction 9 of the M20. When using a satnav, search for 'Westwell Wine Estate'.By Public Transport: The nearest train station is Charing, which is approximately one mile from the vineyard. Alternatively, Ashford International Station, served by high-speed trains from London St Pancras, is about a 15-minute taxi ride away.
What's nearby
- Other Vineyards: Chapel Down and Gusbourne are both prominent English vineyards located in Kent.
- Notable Restaurants:
- The Pig at Bridge Place: A popular hotel and restaurant offering a '25-mile menu' focusing on local Kentish produce, located near Canterbury.
- Curious Brewery: An award-winning brewery in Ashford with a taproom and restaurant serving local food, offering tours and tastings.
- Notable Hotels:
- Boys Hall: A beautifully restored 17th-century Jacobean manor house in Ashford offering a restaurant and boutique accommodation.
- Eastwell Manor, Champneys Hotel & Spa: A grand country house hotel and spa set in 62 acres of gardens near Ashford.
- Notable Attractions:
- Leeds Castle: Known as the "loveliest castle in the world," offering a rich history, beautiful gardens, and attractions.
- Godinton House & Gardens: A historic house and 12-acre gardens located just outside Ashford, featuring beautiful planting and a unique yew hedge.
