About Chartham Vineyard
Chartham Vineyard occupies a position steeped in history and blessed with exceptional terroir at Burnt House Farm, close to the magnificent city of Canterbury in Kent. First planted in 2013 by Dr Roz Waller and her husband Richard Goodenough, with their son Andy managing day-to-day operations, this family enterprise has quickly earned recognition for producing some of Kent's most distinctive wines.
The vineyard's location is remarkable. Situated just below the North Downs Way, the ancient footpath trodden by pilgrims journeying from Winchester to Canterbury Cathedral for centuries, Chartham enjoys south-facing slopes with soils that match the terroir of the Champagne region of France. The River Stour curves through the valley below, and Canterbury's dreaming spires lie just three miles to the northeast.
Chartham has gained particular acclaim for its Pinot Noir, with leading wine writer Matthew Jukes describing their 2018 vintage as 'one of the stand-out wines' with 'an edgy, Auxey-Duresses feel.' The vineyard also produces excellent Bacchus, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris, along with sparkling wines that showcase Kent's natural affinity for traditional method production.
Visiting and Events at Chartham Vineyard
The Goodenough family's love of fine art rivals their passion for wine, reflected in their beautiful tasting room housed in a renovated cow barn. This space serves as both a gallery for local artists and a venue for wine and art courses, exhibitions, and cultural events. The Tasting Room and Barn are available for private hire, including weddings.
Chartham Vineyard: Site and Grape Varieties
Group tours led by Andy Goodenough run on Saturday mornings and afternoons, offering visitors the chance to walk among the vines before enjoying tutored tastings. Chartham Railway Station sits adjacent to the vineyard, making it remarkably accessible by train from London. Dogs on leads are welcome, and the vineyard actively invites harvest helpers to participate in the grape-picking season.