First Light Vineyard

Explore an estate where acclaimed architects have blended modern design with natural beauty, setting a stunning scene for your next glass of wine.

https://flvines.com/

First Light Vineyard, 99 Kingsdown Rd, St Margaret's at Cliffe, Dover CT15 6BA Get directions

Nearest station: Martin Mill (1.8 miles).
Approx walking time: 40 minutes.

Public tours

Private tours

Self-guided tours

Online shop

Walking trail

Organic or sustainable

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

What's the vibe

First Light Vineyard offers a serene and intimate escape, focusing on crafting premium, cool-climate English wines. It's a boutique destination for those seeking a high-quality viticultural experience in a picturesque setting.

Visiting information

Booking: Visits are by appointment only. The Cellar Door re-opens seasonally for specific dates and events, which are announced on their website. Private and group bookings are also available through prior arrangement.

Open Year-Round: No, general public access is seasonal, but private visits can be arranged outside these times.

Restaurant/Cafe: There is no restaurant or cafe on site.
Special Events: The vineyard hosts irregular special tastings and events; details are available on their website.
Accommodation: No accommodation is available on site.
Children/Dogs: Due to the working nature of the vineyard, bringing young children is not advised. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in outdoor areas.

The Wine

First Light Vineyard specialises in producing single-estate, limited-release cool-climate wines. Their portfolio includes traditional method sparkling wines, made from classic varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, alongside still Rosé. All wines are crafted on-site in their state-of-the-art winery, ensuring meticulous control from grape to bottle.

The vineyard has garnered significant recognition for its wines. Their 2018 Blanc de Blancs was awarded a Gold medal at the International Wine Challenge 2023, and the 2019 Rosé secured a Gold at the WineGB Awards 2022.

First Light Vineyard is committed to sustainable viticulture practices, with a focus on enhancing biodiversity and promoting soil health across their vineyard.

Getting here

By Car: First Light Vineyard is located at The Old Rectory, Smarden Road, Pluckley, Kent, TN27 0RG.

By Public Transport: The nearest train station is Pluckley, which is approximately 1.5 miles from the vineyard. From the station, it is about a 30-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride to the vineyard.

What's nearby

Notable Restaurants:
- The Dering Arms (Pluckley): A highly-rated pub and restaurant offering award-winning food and a wide wine selection, just a stone's throw from Pluckley station.
- The Chequers Inn (Pluckley): A traditional village pub offering a welcoming atmosphere and classic pub fare.
Notable Hotels:
- Eastwell Manor, Champneys Hotel & Spa (Ashford): A luxurious hotel set in an impressive manor house, featuring a spa and fine dining.
- Elvey Farm (Pluckley): Nestled in the Kent countryside, offering elegant bed and breakfast accommodation in a tranquil setting.
Notable Attractions:
- Sissinghurst Castle Garden: A world-renowned National Trust garden created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson.
- Leeds Castle: Often referred to as "the loveliest castle in the world," offering a rich history and beautiful grounds.
Other Vineyards:
- Woodchurch Wine Estate
- Balfour Winery