by James Scott

jscott@thekmgroup.co.uk

Biddenden Vineyards is celebrating one of its largest ever crops of grapes.

The company is one of many winemakers in southern England enjoying a good vintage thanks to the recent Indian summer.

Kent’s oldest commercial vineyard began harvesting at the start of September with Ortega, Pinot Noir and Gamay varieties. But it was their red grapes which were of particularly high quality, with its Dornfelder vines producing the largest crop to date.

The vineyard’s managing director Julian Barnes said: “This year’s harvest has been of exceptionally high quality.

“Both our Ortega and Dornfelder have had sugar levels that we have not seen before, due to the weeks of warm, sunny weather we have had during the harvest period.

“This is coupled with a good acidity, which has been maintained in the grapes as there has been little rain, and will produce wines of a particularly good quality.”

Biddenden Vineyards, which is also known for its apple juice and cider, is open to visitors seven days a week, with free guided tours and tastings on selected dates throughout the year.

The next is a “leaf fall” tour next Saturday, November 5. Visitors can enjoy a free cup of coffee at 9.45am before the tour starts at 10am.

There’s a chance to taste wines, ciders and apple juice free of charge in the vineyard shop after the tour.

Pre-booking is essential and can be done by calling 01580 291726.
For more information go to www.biddendenvineyards.com