Why vineyards across the south-west deserve a place on your bucket list
Why vineyards across the south-west deserve a place on your bucket list
When you think about vineyards, places such as France, Spain, or Italy might initially come to mind.
This is understandable, as these regions have built up their reputations over centuries.
However, some parts of England are beginning to establish themselves in a similar way. In fact, the Guardian reports that British wine production is forecast to reach between 25 and 29 million bottles by 2032, up from just 5.3 million in 2017.
At the same time, the retail value of English and Welsh wines could reach £1 billion by 2040.
Devon and Cornwall, in particular, have become increasingly well-known for producing high-quality wines.
Now that the weather is starting to pick up again and the days are longer, you might have started thinking about new places to enjoy a delicious meal or a refreshing drink.
Read more: 10 restaurants across Devon and Cornwall that are well worth visiting
And this could be the ideal time to visit one of these vineyards for yourself.
Continue reading to learn about five vineyards across the south-west that could be worth adding to your bucket list this spring and summer
1. Tamar Valley Vineyard
Located near Tavistock, where the Hansford Bell office is, Tamar Valley is a family-run vineyard set within the breathtaking Tamar Valley.
While the land has been in the same family since the 1950s, the vineyard itself is a more recent development.
Indeed, vines were planted in 2016, with the first harvest taking place in 2019.
The vineyard produces both still and sparkling wines using grape varieties more suited to the English climate. These include:
- Madeleine Angevine
- Rondo.
If you wish to visit, the vineyard offers tours and tastings, giving you the chance to walk through the vines and see how everything is laid out across the slope.
You’ll usually receive an explanation of how the grapes are grown and harvested, and, of course, the chance to try a selection of wines produced on site.
2. Alder Vineyard
Alder Vineyard is found at the foot of Dartmoor, which gives it a slightly different setting compared to some of the other vineyards in the region.
Here, you’ll find guided tours and tastings, which are described as a “behind the vines” experience led by the family team.
The tours usually last around 90 minutes and include both a walkthrough and a tasting session.
In terms of what’s produced, Alder Vineyard offers a range of still wines, including varieties such as Madeleine Angevine and Rondo, which are often used in English winemaking.
Its Madeleine Angevine is described as a dry white with light, fruity characteristics, while its Rondo rosé includes more pronounced flavours of strawberry and raspberry.
3. Camel Valley
Camel Valley is one of the more established vineyards in Cornwall and has been producing wine since 1989.
It is especially well known for its sparkling wines and a range of still wines. These include varieties such as:
- Bacchus
- Pinot Noir
- Chardonnay.
The vineyard offers guided tours, which typically take place on weekday mornings, and include a walk through the vineyard itself followed by a look at the winery.
After the tour, you’ll be glad to hear there is usually a tasting session where you can try some of the vineyard’s more recognised bottles.
Due to its reputation, Camel Valley can be slightly busier than some of the smaller vineyards. However, it’s still a brilliant experience if you wish to learn more about English wine production.
4. Trevibban Mill Vineyard
Trevibban Mill, located near Padstow, produces a range of wines, including whites, rosés, and several red varieties, made with grapes such as:
- Orion
- Dornfelder
- Pinot Noir.
It also produces cider from apples grown on site, giving you the option to try something entirely different alongside the wine.
Tours are available and are usually led by one of the owners or a member of the family. These include a walk around the vineyard and orchard, followed by a tasting session in a lovely south-facing room.
The tastings include a range of different varieties, allowing you to really compare different styles and grapes in one sitting and hone your wine knowledge.
5. Old Walls Vineyard
Old Walls Vineyard is located in Devon and offers a slightly different experience compared to some of the others on this list.
While it does produce wine, the vineyard is currently more focused on accommodation, with lodges available to book on site.
It’s worth noting that the vineyard currently isn’t offering tours at the time of writing, but it still produces a wide range of wines you can try during a stay in one of the lodges.
This includes reds, whites, and rosés made using grapes such as Regent, Dunkelfelder, and Reichensteiner.
So, while it may not offer the same tour experience as some of the others listed, it could still be well worth a visit if you’re looking to stay somewhere that produces its own wines.
Get in touch
To find out more about how we can help you, please call us on 01822 617 960, email info@hansfordbell.co.uk, or fill in our online contact form, and we’ll be in touch.
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