The 3.5 hectare Woodchurch vineyard was established in 2010 by the Barbour family (not the clothing and waxed-coat one) on a gently sloping, south facing slope just outside the village of Woodchurch in south Kent. 

The vineyard was planted with Chardonnay (60%), Pinot Noir (30%) and Meunier (10%) and in 2016 a plot of Bacchus was added. The site is very picturesque as the slope looks over a pastural scene falling toward the Romney Marsh.  Like its nearest vineyard, Gusbourne, it benefits from the moderation of the sea and extra light which that affords.  The estate does not currently house a winery and the wines are made by winemakers in other parts of the south of England. The Woodchurch Classic Cuvée was made at Bluebell Vineyard in East Sussex by New Zealander Kevin Sutherland.

2015 was a terrific vintage, the largest of the decade at that time, and was also one that delivered clean and ripe fruit. As a result, the wines of the vintage have good depth and an ability to age. The Woodchurch Classic Cuvée is a blend of 74% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir and 11% Pinot Meunier and shows the Chardonnay dominance in the crisp core of lemon freshness and touch of white peach in the fruit profile. The wine has a crem pat. nose with apple notes and a hit of umami richness. All in all this a beautiful wine which is really starting to blossom. It is a super aperitif but will also partner seafood and white meats. Try with a mixed seafood salad and see how it seasons the dish and freshens the palate.