Biddenden Vineyards

Biddenden Vineyards is a single estate vineyard in Kent, England, owned and managed by the Barnes family since 1969. Originally a 40 acre apple orchard, the farm was diversified into viticulture after Joyce Barnes was inspired by a BBC Woman's Hour feature about English vineyards being replanted. One third of an acre of vines was planted in 1969, and today the vineyard spans 23 acres of south facing slopes near the village of Biddenden, growing 12 grape varieties. The first Biddenden wine was bottled in 1972, and production has grown to around 80,000 bottles per year. All vine work is carried out by hand. The estate produces White, Rosé, Red and Sparkling English wines, as well as ciders and juices, and offers vineyard tours.

Biddenden Vineyards is Kent's original vineyard and has been owned and managed by the Barnes family since 1969. The site was originally home to a 40 acre apple orchard; as apple prices began to decline in the late 1960s, the Barnes family considered diversifying the farm. After listening to a feature on the BBC's Woman's Hour programme about English vineyards being replanted, Joyce Barnes was inspired to turn to viticulture. In 1969, one third of an acre of vines was planted and Biddenden Vineyards was born. Today the single estate vineyard spans 23 acres of gentle south facing slopes in a sheltered valley just outside the Wealden village of Biddenden, growing 12 different grape varieties. The first Biddenden wine was bottled in 1972, and production has grown to around 80,000 bottles per year. All vine work on the estate is still carried out by hand, including pruning, canopy management and picking, with harvest running from mid September through to November. The vineyard is now run by the second and third generations of the Barnes family.

Kent's original vineyard, crafting award-winning English wines, ciders & juice from the Heart of the Garden.

• White English wines

• Rosé English wines

• Red English wines

• Sparkling English wines

• Ciders

• Juices

1. 1Biddenden Vineyards | Kent's Original Vineyardbiddendenvineyards.com
2. 2Our Story | Biddenden Vineyardsbiddendenvineyards.com
3. 3Biddenden Vineyard's Open Tour – Biddenden Vineyardsbiddendenvineyards.com