5 vineyards near Whitstable

5 GREAT VINEYARDS NEAR WHITSTABLE.

Whitstable is known for its oysters, charming seaside, and independent spirit. But did you know it’s also within reach of some excellent vineyards?

If you’re in the mood for a countryside adventure, here are five vineyards near Whitstable that are well worth the trip.

5 great vineyards near Whitstable

Without further ado, here are five of the best vineyards near Whitstable.

1. Chartham Vineyard, Chartham

Just a short drive from Canterbury, Chartham Vineyard offers the perfect blend of tradition and modern wine-making techniques. Found in the Stour Valley, its location is as picturesque as the wine is delightful.

You can enjoy guided tours of the vineyard, learning about how they craft their award-winning still and sparkling wines. Their Pinot Noir, in particular, is a must-try—bursting with dark cherry and subtle spice.

The vineyard shop is open every Saturday, offering tastings and a chance to stock up on local produce.

The perfect way to spend a weekend morning before heading back to Whitstable for lunch by the sea.

How to get there: Chartham Vineyard is 30 minutes drive from Whitstable. From Canterbury, it is also possible to take the train to Chartham.

Find out more: Chartham Vineyard website.

2. Heppington Vineyard, Lower Heppington

Located on the south-facing slopes of the Kent Downs, Heppington Vineyard is a hidden gem producing small batches of high-quality English sparkling wine. With views over the countryside that stretch for miles, this vineyard feels worlds away from the bustle of coastal life.

Their wines are crafted using traditional methods, focusing on sustainability and minimal intervention. A tasting here is more than just sampling—it’s a deep dive into the craft of English wine, with passionate owners who are always on hand to share their knowledge. Their Bacchus is fresh, citrusy, and has quickly become a local favorite.

Sadly at the moment it does not appear that Heppington Vineyard is allowing tastings and tours – but watch this space. And who knows, it may be worth contacting them directly if you are really interested in their wine.

Find out more: Heppington Vineyard website.

3. Gorsley Vineyard, Canterbury

Gorsley Vineyard, a boutique vineyard tucked away in the rolling hills of Kent, offers a peaceful escape into the world of English winemaking.

Their range of still and sparkling wines is beautifully balanced, with a focus on regional character. The vineyard itself is small but charming. I particularly love the Alpaca branding on the wine bottles.

For those who appreciate the art of organic farming, Gorsley is all about sustainability. If you’re a fan of English rosé, their Pinot Noir Rosé is crisp, with delicate floral notes—a perfect sip for a summer’s day.

Throughout the summer, Gorsley host a few tastings and tours. It’s best to contact them directly for more information. Visitors can also visit by appointment.

How to get there: Gorsley Vineyard is a 35 minute drive from Whistable. You can also take a bus from Canterbury.

Find out more: Gorsley Vineyard website.

4. Barnsole Vineyard, Staple

Barnsole Vineyard is a quintessentially English experience. Situated near the village of Staple, this small but mighty vineyard has been producing quality wines since the 1990s. Their sparkling wines, made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, are crisp, elegant, and perfect for celebrations.

What sets Barnsole apart is their commitment to tradition. Their still white wine, made with Reichensteiner grapes, is refreshingly light and pairs beautifully with seafood—perfect for pairing with those famous Whitstable oysters when you return tot he seaside.

Don’t miss out on their cellar door tours, where you can learn about their winemaking process and sample directly from the source. Contact them in advance if you’d like to do this. Or, you can pop by to purchase some wine. And, on weekends only you can enjoy a delicious local food platter.

How to get there: Barnsole Vineyard is around a 40 minute drive from Whitstable.

Find out more: Barnsole Vineyard website.

5. Little Bursted Vineyard, Pett Bottom

Ok, this is a little bit of a teaser as Little Bursted Vineyard is yet to sell any wine or open it’s doors to visitors. The small vineyard was planted in April 2022. But, watch this space – the Pinot Meunier and Melon de Bourgogne grapes are growing as we speak.

Find out more: Little Bursted Vineyard website.

Would you like to know more about vineyards in Kent?

Where to next?

A few of my favourite things

Looking for a gift for yourself or a wine lover in your life? Here are a few of my favourite English Wine things.

Please note that some links on my website are partnered with affiliates. Using an affiliate link does not make it more expensive for you to purchase. We receive a small commission whenever you buy something which in turn allows me to keep writing independent content. Your support is greatly appreciated.

I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

English Wine Guide