Biddenden Vineyards | Kent

Located in the heart of the countryside, Biddenden Vineyards stands as the oldest commercial vineyard in Kent. Established by the Barnes family in 1969, this historic estate spans over twenty acres of gentle, south-facing slopes that soak up the southern English sunshine. The vines are deeply rooted in a unique mix of sandstone and clay, which provides excellent drainage and retains vital warmth during the growing season. This sheltered, sunny microclimate creates the perfect conditions for ripening classic grape varieties, allowing the winemaking team to produce an outstanding range of English still wine alongside their premium sparkling bottles.

While many modern British estates focus entirely on traditional-method fizz, Biddenden has built a formidable reputation for its still wines by championing the distinctive Ortega grape. Originally developed in Germany to thrive in cooler climates, Ortega has found a true home in these Kentish soils, producing beautifully aromatic white wines bursting with notes of green apple, grapefruit, and fresh elderflower. By managing the vineyard carefully by hand and fermenting the fruit gently in cool stainless steel tanks, the winemaking team captures the pure, energetic fruit flavours and crisp natural freshness that have become the signature style of the estate.

The story of the vineyard began entirely by chance when the Barnes family decided to diversify their traditional apple orchards after listening to a feature on BBC radio about the potential of English viticulture. Today, now in its third generation of family ownership, that pioneering spirit remains unchanged. Alongside their acclaimed wines, the estate continues to press traditional farm juices and ciders from the surrounding orchards, maintaining a deep, unbroken connection to the agricultural heritage of the land.

BIDDENDEN VINEYARDS