Jo’s Blog: Red Rebels & Rhubarb Fizz. A refreshingly different look at Kent’s vineyards

So instead of giving you the usual tasting notes, here are some fun facts from across the county. From bold reds and cherry wine to helter-skelters and pizza shacks – here’s what makes our wine scene anything but ordinary.

Doubleday Wines, Bapchild
Producers of rich, bold cherry wine made with their own Kentish Morello cherries. A bit different – and definitely delicious.

Chartham Vineyard
Right next to Chartham train station and a stone’s throw from Canterbury along the Great Stour Way footpath. Their shop and art gallery is open every Saturday – wine and culture, all in one stop.

Woolton Farm, Bekesbourne
Producers of single-estate still, sparkling and rosé wines. Their thatched barn is open all summer with a wine bar and pizza shack, plus camping, orchard glamping and wedding hire on site. It’s a full-blown destination.

Simpsons Wine Estate, Barham
This North Downs estate is famous for its luxury wine experiences – and its Fruit Chute, a helter-skelter-style slide that adds a little extra fun to your tasting tour. They often team up with other Kent producers and charities to create fab experiences too.

Warehorne Vineyard, Hamstreet
With sweeping views over Romney Marsh, when most vineyards were chasing whites and fizz, Warehorne went against the grain and planted mostly red varieties, such as Pinot Noir and Divico. The result? Some of the boldest red wine production in the UK.

Nine Oaks Vineyard, Hothfield
A family-run boutique vineyard producing small-batch wines and hosting tastings, events and summer tours. Plus a full summer lineup of theatre performances.

Woodchurch Wine Estate
Award-winning wines and a cracking shop and tasting room overlooking the ancient Romney marsh, down to the English channel – the perfect geography to produce the finest English sparkling wine. They host regular tours and events – definitely one to visit.

Wayfarer Wines, Woodchurch
Focussed on only producing still wines from their two vineyards, one of which runs along the Pilgrims Way: a historic route from Winchester to Canterbury. Join them for tours, tastings, summer dinners and BBQs to match.

Oast Wood Vineyard, Tenterden
A small-batch still wine producer tucked between ancient grassland and woodland. Their approach is all about working in harmony with the environment.

Chapel Down, Tenterden
The biggest name in the game. With over 1,000 acres of vines, Chapel Down produced a whopping 1.7 million bottles in the 2024 harvest alone. Not exactly boutique – but definitely brilliant.

Biddenden Vineyards
Kent’s oldest vineyard, producing around 80,000 bottles a year. They run regular tastings, tours, and vineyard lunches from their popular farm shop.

Wildshark Vineyard, Harrietsham
An eco-friendly, sustainable vineyard run by the Elite Pubs group. They offer tours, stays, tastings, picnics and BBQs – a great spot to make a day of it.

Ragstone Ridge, Boughton Monchelsea
A family run, single estate vineyard producing sparkling white and rose wines. They offer tours and tastings, as well as keeping bees on the vineyard and harvesting their delicious borage honey.

Silverhand Estate, Luddesdown
A fully organic vineyard with a conservation team on site. Their sparkling wines, made using both the traditional and charmat methods, are carbon negative – so you can sip with a clear conscience.

Myatts of Mockbeggar, Cliffe
Producers of not one but two brilliant bottles: Rhubarb Fizz and Raspberry Fizz. Both sparkling, both packed with fruit, and both far too easy to drink.

Cheers to English Wine Week!
There’s no shortage of ways to explore Kent’s incredible wine scene – just pick a producer on the website and start there. Our Sustainability guide will help you make the most of any season that you choose to explore the county, and the Visit Kent website will help you find out what else is happening during your visit. Leave the car at home and hop on a Southeastern train for the most sustainable and relaxing way to enjoy your journey.