Terlingham Vineyard: a new chapter for a boutique Kent winery above Folkestone

Terlingham Vineyard, perched above Folkestone in the Kent North Downs with views across the English Channel to France, has entered an exciting new era. Under the stewardship of General Manager David and his team, who took over from the founding family last year, this boutique winery is building on strong foundations with fresh energy, a clear vision, and an honest approach to what it takes to grow great wine in this exceptional corner of England.

The vineyard's history predates the current team, but David has made it his own. Coming to viticulture from a background in hospitality rather than horticulture, he has thrown himself into the work with the kind of determination that defines the best small producers. The early months have been a steep learning curve - and he's the first to say so. "We've thrown ourselves in the deep end," he says. "Sink or swim. And I think we're swimming."

What David brings to Terlingham is a genuine love of the place and an instinct for storytelling. The vineyard's position is extraordinary: high on the North Downs, facing south and east, with France visible on clear days across the Channel. That location shapes everything - the soil, the climate, the character of the fruit. David understands this intuitively, and it shows in the way he talks about the wines to the hundreds of guests who have visited since tours and tastings opened in late spring.

Just over 600 guests have come through since reopening - groups from across Kent and beyond, bookings running into the winter months and already coming in for next year. Around 85 per cent of those guests leave with wine. The connection between visitor and bottle, built through the vineyard walk and the conversation in the Tasting Barn, is Terlingham's great strength. That story was here before David arrived. He's simply telling it better.

Plan a visit to Terlingham Vineyard near Folkestone, Kent. Tours and tastings from £40 per person. Book at terlingham-vineyard.co.uk.