The duo visited the vineyard and helped out with jobs around the farm, including leaf stripping in the vineyard and helping out with the bottling of sparkling wine in the winery.  In return for their work, they were rewarded by having a wine tasting with Biddenden vineyard’s owner and wine maker,Julian Barnes, along with bottles of wine to accompany their evening meal.

In the evening, Dick and James laid on a meal aboard their boat, the Amelie Rose, for all of the producers whom they had visited during the day, using the produce they had worked for.

 The programme, ‘The Hungry Sailors’ aired on ITV on Tuesday 7^th February and is available on the ITV player for a limited time.

 Below: Dick & James Strawbridge with vineyard owner Julian Barnes

Biddenden’s Ortega white wine, strong Kentish cider and farm pressed apple juice have all reached the final three in their respective categories, which are voted for by the public and will now go on to be tasted by a judging panel.

The winners will be announced at the awards dinner on Friday 2nd March 2012.

The Taste of Kent awards are run by Produced in Kent a membership organisation dedicated to championing local food, drink, products and services in Kent.  For more information please visit their website.

To view a full list of this year’s finalists, please click here.

 Below, Julian Barnes collects the award for ‘Best Kentish Cider’ at last year’s Taste of Kent awards

The tour, “Beers, Wines, Brewery and Vines” combines tours of the two attractions, creating an exciting day out for any wine or beer enthusiast.  Start at Shepherd Neame brewery for a guided tour around the brewery, followed by beer tastings and a meal in the Visitor Centre bar.  After a short journey through the Kentish countryside arrive at Biddenden Vineyards where you will be taken on a guided tour of the vineyard and winery, with tastings of the award winning wines and ciders in the vineyard shop.  A Kentish cream tea is then served in the shop to complete your visit.

This tour joins the vineyard’s other joint tours, including Vines, Wines & Railway Lines with the Kent & East Sussex Railway, Oasts & Toasts with the Hop Farm, Narrow Lines & Wines with Romney Hythe & Dymchurch railway, Lake & Grape with Bewl Water, Garden Delights & Vineyards Sights with Pashley Manor Gardens and Kentish Cheese & Wine with Winterdale Cheesemakers.

Full details of our group tours and joint tours can be found by clicking here or by contacting us on 01580 291726 to request a copy of our Group visit leaflet.