Woodchurch Wine Estate: An Award-Winning Kent Vineyard With Tours, Tastings and English Sparkling Wines
An English Vineyard in the Garden of England
Set on a sun-soaked south-facing slope above the ancient Romney Marsh, with views across Kent to the English Channel, Woodchurch Wine Estate is one of the most distinctive single estate vineyards in southern England. The family-run estate, founded in 2009 by Graham and Donna Barbour, produces award-winning English still and sparkling wines from a 12-acre vineyard planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier and Bacchus grapes.
Today, under the new guardianship of Kelly and John Smith alongside Donna and Darren Worsley, the vineyard is embarking on a fresh chapter. The team is expanding the food offering, growing the Wine Club, launching a summer events calendar and working to make English wine more accessible than ever, while honouring the meticulous, low-intervention philosophy that has shaped Woodchurch from the start.
A New Chapter for the Estate
Four friends, Kelly and John Smith and Donna and Darren Worsley, are the proud new guardians of the Woodchurch Wine Estate. The couple describes their philosophy simply: "Family and the love of great wine are our foundation. Our goal is to ensure Woodchurch remains a place where great wine and great memories are made."
The Vineyard and Its Terroir
Woodchurch is a single estate vineyard of more than 12 acres, perched on the edge of the picturesque village of Woodchurch, deep in the heart of Kent, the so-called Garden of England. The site was chosen for its rare combination of south-facing aspect, free-draining soils and cooling maritime influence, geography that experts increasingly recognise as ideal for producing world-class sparkling wines.
Throughout the year the vines are managed by hand and treated with great care, which in turn means the fruit harvested is of the highest quality. The team uses minimal herbicides and no insecticides, striving to keep other chemical use to a minimum and opting for organic alternatives wherever possible. The grasses on the perimeter of the vineyard are kept long to promote wildflowers and wildlife, and nature is allowed to provide the balance. This low-intervention approach results in healthier vines, higher quality fruit and more expressive wines.
The Wines
Woodchurch's stated vision is to create the world's finest sparkling wines, and every step of the vine-growing and winemaking process is approached with meticulous attention to detail. The wines are made in a state-of-the-art winery by one of the UK's leading winemakers, whose philosophy of minimal intervention and diligent approach results in superb sparkling and still wines. The full range is available to buy online.
English Sparkling Wines
- Classic Brut NV - £36.00. A traditional-method blend of 60% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier, all grown on the single estate. A multi-vintage cuvée (2017, 2018 and 2019) aged on lees for 56 months and disgorged in October 2023. Refreshing citrus flavours mingle with notes of orchard apples and pastry, finishing with long-lasting biscuits and cream. Kent Wine of the Year 2023.
- Rosé Brut 2022 - £39.00. A charming 56% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay and 11% Meunier blend with a delightful bright rosy hue. Bursting with vibrant notes of cherries and strawberries and delicate floral hints, it is crisp and refreshing. Winner of Kent Wine of the Year 2020.
- Chardonnay Brut 2017 - £47.00. 100% Chardonnay aged in oak barrels for 3 months and then for five years on lees in the bottle. The wine has developed rich notes of brioche and pastry with a real depth and complexity. Trophy winner at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2022.
Still Wines
- Field White 2023 - £22.00. A 50/50 blend of Bacchus and Chardonnay picked, pressed and vinified together to create a still wine with a captivating flinty character. Fresh and crisp on the palate with a steely backbone and a long, elegant finish: a perfect partner for fresh seafood.
- Rosé 2023 - £25.00. The first still Rosé released by Woodchurch, made from estate-grown Pinot Noir.
- Chardonnay 2023 - £28.00. A still Chardonnay showing enticing aromas of citrus and stone fruits, continuing Woodchurch's evolution into still wines.
Mixed Cases and Gift Boxes
The Woodchurch shop makes seasonal gifting simple. Save 10% on the per-bottle price when you buy any of the following pre-selected cases or purchase six or more bottles of any single wine:
- Mixed Case (still and sparkling) - £177.00 (was £197.00)
- Sparkling Mixed Case - £219.00 (was £244.00)
- Still Mixed Case - £135.00 (was £150.00)
- Still Trio - £71.25 (was £74.00)
- Woodchurch Trio - £84.50
- Gold Gift Box with 2 Wines - £78.00
- Gold Gift Box with 3 Wines - £125.00
- Black Gift Box with 3 Wines - £130.00
Personalised gift messages can be added to any online order by entering the message in the basket, and the team offers discounts on large orders for weddings and special occasions on request.
Wine Accessories
- Woodchurch Half-Cut Candle - £20.00
- Bottle Stopper - £9.00
- Soft-Touch Double Lever Corkscrew - £10.00
Cellar Door, Bar and Restaurant
A visit to Woodchurch is about far more than buying a bottle. The cellar door shop sells the full range of Woodchurch wines at cellar door prices, while the bar and restaurant serve Woodchurch wines by the glass and bottle alongside other locally produced refreshments. Expect a range of snacks and cheese or charcuterie boards and hot plates, with stone-baked pizzas served on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The latest menu, pizza menu and drinks list can be viewed before visiting.
There is seating inside and tables on the balcony overlooking the vines and the Kent countryside. There is no need to book for drinks, but to guarantee food the team advises booking ahead. Last food orders are taken one hour before closing.
Wine Flights
Wine flights comprise three 50ml glasses of the current releases, alongside tasting notes from the winemaker. They are available any time during opening hours with no need to book, making them an easy way to explore the range for visitors short on time. A wine flight voucher is available online for £12.50.
Vineyard Tours and Tastings
Woodchurch Vineyard welcomes visitors all year round. There is a free self-guided tour that takes around 20 minutes: simply arrive at the vineyard, pick up a map from the bar and set off. The full guided experience, however, is the highlight of a visit.
Guided Vineyard Tour and Tasting - £25.00 per person
Book the tour online. Tours are held every Saturday at 11am, last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and include:
- A guided walk around the vineyard with an explanation of the various activities that occur throughout the year.
- A tasting of four Woodchurch wines with insight into the winemaking process.
- The chance to stay afterwards, browse and buy wine at cellar door prices, with the vineyard open until 5pm.
Children can join the tour at no extra cost; just let the team know when booking. Tour and tasting vouchers (£25.00) make an excellent gift, and private tours can be arranged by emailing info@woodchurchwine.co.uk or calling 01233 860276. Cancellations made 72 hours or more before the tour can be transferred to a future date or refunded in full.
Woodchurch Wine Club
The Woodchurch Wine Club is the heart of the estate's community. A one-year membership costs £340.00 (was £405.00) and includes:
- 12 bottles of Woodchurch wine delivered in two shipments of six bottles, six months apart. Sparkling and Still cases include 3 bottles of sparkling and 3 bottles of still wine; Sparkling-only cases contain 6 bottles of sparkling.
- 10% discount off purchases online or at the vineyard, stackable with other offers.
- A welcome pack with a membership card and two wine flight vouchers (valid for one year).
- Priority booking for two places at Woodchurch harvest, including the popular volunteer harvest days.
- Invitations to member pick-up events and exclusive members-only discounts.
- Exclusive access to library and cellar-door wines not available elsewhere.
Wine is delivered to mainland UK addresses only, and members can opt to pick up their case in person if preferred. Renewals are offered at £25 less than the standard yearly fee. Trade enquiries are handled separately: the trade offering includes a low minimum order of just 12 bottles, free UK delivery and competitive trade prices.
Events and the Woodchurch Calendar
Woodchurch runs a year-round programme of wine experiences, food events and member-only occasions:
- Guided Vineyard Tour and Tasting - every Saturday at 11am. Bookable online.
- Wood-Fired Pizza at the Vineyard - stone-baked pizzas on Saturdays in March, and every Saturday and Sunday from April onwards.
- Wine Club Harvest Days - priority booking for members each autumn, typically three or four days to choose from.
- Member Pick-Up Events - invite-only pre-order events with members-only discounts.
Past highlights have included a Sparkling Mother's Day Afternoon Tea, Tenterdine wine flights with Artisserie pâtisserie in Tenterden, and the Volunteer Harvest Days.
Awards and Recognition
Woodchurch wines have built an impressive track record at the highest levels of international competition. The Classic Brut was crowned Kent Wine of the Year 2023 and won Gold at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2023, the Independent English Wine Awards 2023 and continues to collect Silver medals at Decanter, IWSC, IEWA and Glass of Bubbly year after year. The Rosé Brut is a multiple Gold winner at Glass of Bubbly and the Independent English Wine Awards as well as Kent Wine of the Year 2020. The Chardonnay Brut took the Glass of Bubbly Trophy in 2022 and Gold at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships in 2019.
How to Find Woodchurch
Woodchurch Wine Estate sits on Susan's Hill in the village of Woodchurch, Kent, with the postcode TN26 3RE. It is one of the most accessible vineyards in the country: high-speed trains run from London St Pancras and Stratford International to Ashford International every 30 minutes (journey time around 36 minutes), with a 20-minute taxi ride from Ashford bringing you to the cellar door. Slower trains from Charing Cross take around 1 hour 18 minutes. By car, leave the M20 at Junction 9 and follow the A28 and Bethersden Road to Susan's Hill; the vineyard is on the left as you approach the village. Visitors on foot can follow the picturesque footpaths from behind Woodchurch Church and walk up through the vines to the cellar door during opening hours.
Find the vineyard on Facebook, Instagram and Threads for the latest news, seasonal menus and harvest updates.
Visit, Book and Buy
- Cellar door shop, bar and restaurant: woodchurchwine.co.uk/pages/visit-us
- Book a guided tour: woodchurchwine.co.uk/products/vineyard-tour-and-tasting
- Buy wine online: woodchurchwine.co.uk/collections/all
- Join the Wine Club: woodchurchwine.co.uk/products/club
- Gift vouchers: woodchurchwine.co.uk/collections/vouchers
- Trade enquiries: woodchurchwine.co.uk/pages/trade
- Contact: 01233 860276 - info@woodchurchwine.co.uk
Free delivery on UK orders over £50, with local hand delivery available free of charge to TN23, TN24, TN25, TN26, TN27, TN28, TN29, TN30 and TN31 postcodes. Whether you arrive for a self-guided walk, a Saturday guided tour, a glass of Classic Brut on the balcony or a membership case delivered to your door, Woodchurch is a thoroughly modern English vineyard rooted in 15 years of Kentish craft.