Barnsole Vineyard

Discover Barnsole Vineyard, where English winemaking continues a rich tradition dating back to Roman times with the arrival of Pinot Noir vines in 44 A.D.

https://www.barnsole.co.uk/

Barnsole Vineyard, Fleming Road, Staple, Canterbury CT3 1LG. Get directions

Nearest station: Sandwich (3.7 miles).

Public tours

Private tours

Tasting room

Dog friendly

Child friendly

Online shop

Winery on site

Walking trail

Disabled access

Award-winning

Open year-round

While we update listings frequently, we suggest confirming important details with the vineyard to avoid any surprises.

What's the vibe

Barnsole Vineyard offers a welcoming and tranquil experience in the pastoral Kent countryside. It's a boutique vineyard and winery, known for its passionate winemakers and commitment to sharing their craft. Visitors often describe it as friendly and charming, set in a picturesque location that encourages connection with the wine's origins.

Visiting information

Accessibility: Barnsole Vineyard is dog-friendly and children are most welcome. Guide, hearing, and registered assistance dogs are permitted. The site is also wheelchair user friendly.Opening Hours: The vineyard is open Thursday to Sunday, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, including Bank Holidays. Visitors are encouraged to call in advance during winter months or if the weather is poor.

Tastings & Tours: You are welcome to drop in for a complimentary tasting without a prior appointment. For a more in-depth experience, one-hour tours with the winemaker can be booked by email or telephone. These comprehensive tours, which include a sample of sparkling wine upon arrival, a walk among the vines (weather permitting), a look inside the winery, and a flight of wines, cost £20 per adult.
Food & Drink: While there isn't a full restaurant, Barnsole Vineyard offers locally sourced platters, which must be pre-ordered before your visit.

The Wine

Barnsole Vineyard is a dedicated grower and producer of estate-grown English wines, cultivating their own grapes and processing them in their purpose-built winery. They produce a range of English sparkling and still wines, including elegant still whites and reds, and a variety of sparkling wines. Notable grape varieties include Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, specifically grown for their English sparkling wine, along with Bacchus for aromatic white wine. Their heritage grape variety, Reichensteiner, is used to produce wines such as the 'Twenty Seven Hands Sparkling'. Barnsole wines have received recognition, earning "award-winning" status in various regional and national competitions.

The vineyard operates with a philosophy of treading softly in the environment, striving to leave no trace of their time as custodians of the tranquil landscape. While they do not explicitly mention specific certifications like Organic or Regenerative, their approach emphasizes a gentle interaction with the land and its wildlife, including hares, badgers, foxes, and various British birds. They aim to produce around 20,000 bottles annually, carefully crafting their wines with minimal intervention and extended ageing in their cellars to develop complexity before release.

Getting here

By Car
Barnsole Vineyard is located on Fleming Road, Staple, Canterbury, Kent CT3 1LG, nestled in the countryside just outside Canterbury and between Canterbury and Sandwich.

By Public Transport
The nearest train station is Sandwich. The vineyard is served by local bus routes, including the 43 and 44, which stop nearby. A taxi would be recommended from Sandwich station.

What's nearby

Other Vineyards:

Chapel Down Winery: An outstanding and award-winning vineyard offering tours and tastings, located in the beautiful Kent countryside near Tenterden.
Gusbourne Vineyard: Known for its award-winning English Sparkling Wines and luxurious tasting room, situated in Appledore.

Notable Restaurants:

The Dog at Wingham: An award-winning gastropub and boutique hotel, known for its high-quality modern British food using locally sourced ingredients, located in the picturesque village of Wingham.
The Five Bells: A charming village pub with a focus on traditional British fare, located in Ringwould near Deal, offering a cosy atmosphere and positive reviews for its food and service.

Notable Hotels:

The Dog at Wingham: Beyond its acclaimed restaurant, this boutique hotel offers eight uniquely styled rooms, providing a comfortable and stylish retreat in the Kent countryside.
Broome Park Hotel: A 4-star hotel located in a historic building approximately 4.3km from Barnsole Vineyard, offering a tranquil setting and golf-themed experience.

Notable Attractions:

Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre: A historically significant English Heritage site, marking both the beginning and near-end of Roman rule in Britain, located near Sandwich.
Canterbury Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the mother church of the Anglican Communion, located in the historic city of Canterbury, offering rich history and stunning architecture.