Tillingham Vineyard

I like to think that I am quite 'In the know' and have my finger on the pulse where rural 'it' venues are concerned, but it seems I am so late to the Tillingham vineyard party it's ridiculous!

I first discovered it from someone I follow on instagram and after visiting on what I thought would be a slow, Friday lunchtime, it seems the world and his Aunt knows about this place!

Located near Rye and Peasmarsh, you either need a designated driver or you need to book a room if you want to take a tour and tasting. As I was only popping in for lunch, I couldn't indulge in many of their wine offerings but I told my friend's immediately that there is a new place that we need to visit.

I have visited numerous vineyards in my time, I find them to be romantic, rural and a classy place to get sloshed. This ticked all of the boxes and now I can add that their stone baked pizza's were delicious.

They have a small shop where you can buy local produce such as candles etc and there is a separate bar, with an outdoor area overlooking the vines. The restaurant has much more of a cool ranch sort of vibe, complete with free roaming chickens.

Me being basic, stuck to my same old order of a pizza margherita and small rose but it was really good. I have been doing the keto diet recently so this was a welcome cheat day!

I hope to return but for me it is an hours drive, so I would only want to come back if someone else was driving as I am a lush! But with the warm weather and chilled out vibes I allowed myself to dream that I was in Napa or somewhere ...