THE LOWDOWN

Sitting pretty in the Garden of England on a stunning sloping site looking towards Bidborough Ridge you’ll find this magnificent Manor House, Vineyard and Cellar Door – all transformed with care from a tired house with an overgrown garden and a fruit farm in need of investment.

Not big and flashy, but bijoux and super stylish there’s much to love about this bold, modern venture led by progressive and sustainable values, but with roots deep in time, tradition and place.

MODERN TWIST ON TRADITION

With a sense of playfulness and fun at every turn, you’ll love to pink spotted horse that greets you on arrival, while at the same time the vineyard is located to the west of Yotes Court, an historic English Heritage Grade 1 listed manor house between the picturesque villages of West Peckham and Mereworth in Kent.

Susannah Ricci, owner of Yotes Court Estate, is well-known in England and Ireland as a major supporter of National Hunt racing. There are many nods to this at the vineyard – Susannah’s famous pink and green racing silks were the inspiration for the labels – and this explains the pink spotted horse.

Susannah was initially at a loss as to the best way to preserve the picturesque Kent countryside surrounding her family home after acquiring a neighbouring fruit farm upon the grower’s retirement.

Following much research and after many discussions, with experts (Master Wine maker Stephen Skelton since you asked) it was concluded that the site was perfect for growing grapes.

STYLE & SUSTAINABILITY

The land is a beautiful south sloping site looking towards Bidborough Ridge and Tunbridge Wells with free-draining soil full of chunks of Kentish ragstone. When it comes to the soil for growing the perfect grapes the rockier the better. 

Plus, when it comes to Sustainability, Yotes Court makes every effort to minimise the use of sprays and fuel, increase biodiversity in the vineyard and protect the fertility of the soils for generations to come.

With wine names that include ‘On the Nod’, ‘Hands and Heels’ and ‘Best Turned Out’ – all named with horse racing terms – it’s clear that this is a vineyard that promotes a sense of fun and joy and does not take itself too seriously.

SHOP & EXPERIENCES

The vineyard tours will take you on a journey from ground to grape to glass, including a guided tasting of a selection of Yotes Court’s fine wines.

Take a 45-minute (approx.) tour through the vines with an experienced guide, to learn about the grapes, the vine lifecycle and why this vineyard in Mereworth, Kent, is the best site Stephen Skelton MW has been involved in planting in his career.

The tour is followed by a guided tasting of a selection of Yotes Court fine wines in the Tasting Room.

PRIVATE HIRE

Planning for a special occasion and want to have the whole Tasting Room to yourselves? Indulge in a private Tour & Tasting, followed by a buffet style lunch with a glass of sparkling wine in the Tasting Room.

The relaxed, approachable environment makes it the perfect experience for wine lovers and wine novices alike. £40 pp and minimum of 8 people.