About Us
Oast Wood Wines was founded by Stephen and Kate Sidebottom in 2021.
We have lived and farmed at Potts Farm for 20 years, and have been driven over the years to farm in a way that is harmonious with the environment and celebrates the beauty of the English countryside. Inspired by the history of the area, the changing nature of local agricultural landscapes and encouraged by the energy and quality of English viticulture, we planted the vineyard in 2021.
For the past 20 years, the farm has been a working sheep farm, with flocks of Herdwicks and Texels enjoying the rich grazing pasture. The sheep also play a role in the system of the vineyard, helping to fertilise the vineyard soil and clear vineyard herbage.
The vines are situated between the ancient bluebell woods and our family home, the Oast house. A solitary Red Oak sits amidst the vineyard, a perfect shaded spot to enjoy watching the vines grow. Currently we have planted Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Bacchus and Divico.
We have long been committed to farming in a way that considers and contributes to the wilder ecological diversity of the area, with especial focus on maintaining wildflower meadows. Some of these meadows have been undisturbed for over 10 years, and are a haven for bug and animal populations, massively increasing the biodiversity of the area.
Our Practices
Sustainability
A focus on regenerative practices that foster soil health, including winter grazing by a flock of sheep, working with heavy horses for vineyard management, and no use of herbicides.
Soil Composition
The vines are planted on sandstone, ironstone, clay, and loam. This combination contributes to the wine's complex profile, offering a roundness and mineral intensity characteristic of the vineyard.
Biodiversity
The vineyard is surrounded by wildflower meadows, wetlands, and ancient woodland, contributing to the distinct flavours of the wines.
Ecosystem
The vineyard has been designed to integrate with the ancient woodland creating a mycorrhizal network where trees and vines connect and share resources through the soil. The wood also acts as a trap for cold air that helps manage frost risk.
Find Us
Oast Wood Wines, Potts Farm, Chennell Park Road, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6XA
By Train: Take a train from London St Pancras International to Ashford International (approx. 40 minutes) or from Charing Cross / London Bridge to Headcorn Station (approx. 1 hour). From Headcorn, it's a 20-minute taxi ride to the vineyard, and from Ashford it takes about half an hour.
By Car: From Tenterden, take the Cranbrook Road, cross the level crossing, turn right into Chennell Park Road following signs for Silcock’s farm shop, and Potts Farm is about half a mile on the left.
On Foot: Follow footpath AB19 from Tenterden Town staem railway station heading south-east. This follows a raised trackway before heading across a field, crossing a stream and then following a fenced path across Chennell Park. After you come out of the pedestrian gate onto Chennell Park Road turn right and then left into Potts Farm passing the oast house. The tasting room is in the rear farmyard and is part of the old barn.
