Family
The
Vineyard
Home of Kent’s original vineyard, rooted in generations of hands-on expertise. Biddenden has been owned & managed by the pioneering Barnes family since 1969.
The oldest vineyard in Kent, and possibly the UK, owned and run since 1969 by the Barnes family, drawing on three generations of winemaking experience.
Twelve different varieties of grapes are grown across 25 acres, including both Germanic and French varieties, producing award-winning white, red, rosé and sparkling wines- there’s something for everyone at Biddenden.
About us
Originally home to a 40 acre apple orchard, the Barnes family started to consider diversifying the farm in the late 1960s as apple prices began to decline. After listening to a feature on the BBC’s Woman’s Hour programme about English vineyards being replanted, Mrs. Barnes was inspired to turn to viticulture. In 1969, one third of an acre of vines was planted and Biddenden Vineyards was born. Today our single estate vineyard spans 25 acres of gentle south facing slopes situated in a sheltered valley, just outside the picturesque Wealden village of Biddenden. 12 different grape varieties are grown here to produce our array of award-winning White, Rosé, Red and Sparkling English wines.
VIEW OUR GALLERY
Approximately 80,000 bottles of wine are produced each year at Biddenden. All the grapes are estate grown, with all vine work & picking carried out by hand to ensure that the very best quality grapes are selected to produce Biddenden’s wines. Pressing, fermentation and bottling is also carried out on site. England’s most authentic vineyard experience, immerse yourself in the surroundings of our beautiful estate and choose from one of our tour options- Private, Open or simply a Self Guided Tour which requires no booking. The vineyard shop offers a wide range of local & artisan food & drink alongside Biddenden’s award-winning sparkling & still wines to take home. And why not pair your wine with our Sharing Platter showcasing food from the Garden of England?
KENT'S ORIGINAL VINEYARD
LOCAL & ARTISAN FOOD & DRINK
FAMILY RUN
ESTATE GROWN & BOTTLED WINES
ROOTED IN GENERATIONS OF HANDS ON EXPERTISE
Our wine garden tour
'Private Tour'
Join us at Biddenden, Kent's original vineyard where we have 3 generations of expertise spanning over 55 years, to learn more about the story of our family run vineyard and taste our award-winning selection of English wines.
Our private guided tours are for small groups of up to 8 people, offering you an in depth insight into Biddenden Vineyards’ history and winemaking. Your own personal guide will escort you around the vineyard and winery explaining the processes and any specific areas of interest you may have.
Your guide will then accompany you through a tasting of four selected Biddenden wines.
Please consider the British weather conditions when you visit and bring suitable footwear, like wellies, that can be changed into for walking around the vineyard.
Visit our website to learn more about our other tour offerings and Vineyard Shop.
Our wines
Our wines are produced only with grapes grown here on the estate. We take great pride in our grape to glass philosophy, with an expert knowledge from the vineyard through to the winery. The skills, expertise and passion that go into crafting our white, rosé, red and sparkling wines have been developed and perfected over 55 years, with each generation of the Barnes family adding their own unique touch.
Meet the wine makers
SALLY & JULIAN BARNES
get in touch
We would love to hear from you and help you with planning your experience at the Wine Garden of England. Drop us an email and one of our team will get back to you.
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