We heard it on the grapevine…we celebrate English Wine Week with a vineyard tour
English wine is no longer second best to imports from Europe, in fact sales of English wine continue to grow year in year out and for good reason. Luckily some of the best in England are situated on our doorstep, so we’ve rounded up a list of our favourite vineyards to visit and try some of this spectacular tipple.
Warden Abbey Vineyard is a unique venture, as it’s a community run vineyard. Leased by Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity the team continue to produce medal winning wines in a non-profit venture working with local charities, schools and organisations offering social and therapeutic horticulture, the opportunity to learn and develop skills and much more. Support their work with a visit on one of their vineyard tours, open days or ‘Walking in the Monks’ Footsteps’ tours, discussing the history of the area.
Giffords Hall in Suffolk is a family run vineyard producing still and sparkling wines. Why not join one of their grand tours in the summer months for an accompanied tour around the vineyard along with a full tasting of three wines and three liqueurs? Alternatively, book a private tour for two or more, for a more in-depth and personalised visit.
Family run Chet & Waveney vineyard in Norfolk produce both still and sparkling wines. Book a tour in advance to experience a vineyard tour and tasting of up to six wines from the vineyard accompanied by local cheese and charcuterie. For something a little different, sign up to their Pruning Masterclass run by winemaker and viticulturalist John Hemmant at the vineyard. Everything learned is easily transferrable to garden pruning.
Enjoy a taste of East Anglia’s wine at Flint Vineyard in south Norfolk. Available to book in advance, tours are led by owners Hannah and Ben who will guide you through some of the mysteries of the vineyard and the wine-making process. The tour ends with a tasting of three different wins produced at the vineyard. Book in advance and add in a lunch platter featuring locally produced cheese and bread along with an extra glass of wine.
Weststreet Vineyard in Essex offers a couple of different ways to experience the best of their wine. Choose to join their Saturday workshop which offers an introduction to wine. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the world of wine or enjoy a tasting of six English wines over the course of an hour at one of their wine tastings. It’s also worth booking a table at their restaurant for brunch, lunch, dinner or even afternoon tea…all accompanied by a glass of their wine, of course.
A visit to Winbirri vineyard in Norfolk will see you tasting award-winning wines like no other during their vineyard tour and tasting experience day. Head winemaker Lee Dyer will show you around the vineyards, explaining the history of the place, how they care for the vines and the reasons for the varieties of grapes grown in this part of England. You’ll then have the chance to enjoy a tasting accompanied by local cheeses and cured meats.
Chilford Hall Vineyard in Cambridgeshire is one of England’s oldest established vineyards, known for producing award-winning wines. Tours of the vineyard are available from March to October every year and as well as the chance to purchase wines made at Chilford Hall, the shop sells regional produce too. Why not stop by and make a day of it, following a tour with a trip to their bistro?
Humbleyard Vineyard in Norfolk is open to the public for a self-guided tour. Pop along to the farm shop to pick up a copy of the map and enjoy meandering through the vineyards from 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday. There are also a few tasting and tour evenings throughout the warmer months which can be booked in advance. Tours begin at 5.30pm with an hour of walking and talking through the vineyards and then end with a tasting of a number of still and sparkling wines and a nibble or two for only £10 per person.
