A county famed for its flourishing orchards and rolling fields, Devon is also home to some of the most fruitful vineyards in the UK. Sweeping along the county’s south coast and reaching across its verdant middle to the Atlantic north coast, these charming vineyards and wineries kiss sun-soaked cliffsides and valley slopes. First thought to have been planted by the Romans, they have experienced a resurgence in the last few decades and are now recognised across the globe for the quality of their wines. Planted by hand and tempered by the balmy climes afforded by the Gulf Stream, their lush vines produce a range of grape varieties – perfectly capturing a taste of Devon in every drop.
If you are seeking a dreamy adventure, uncover some of the best vineyards in Devon and sample the artisan wines grown from nutrient-rich soils and golden sunshine.
Old Walls Vineyard
Old Walls Vineyard in Bishopsteignton is one of the best-known vineyards in Devon. Believed to be located on a two-thousand-year-old Roman vineyard, its origins and name are rooted in history while its honed methodologies combine tried-and-tested methods with the latest equipment for the richest results. Secure a place on a guided tour and behold the ancient mastery and modern techniques that go into producing each bottle of wine at Old Walls. Encompassing wines, vines, and views, each daytime tour promises an in-depth introduction to wine production and includes welcome drinks, a Ploughman’s lunch, and of course, the opportunity to sample heavenly wine. For something different, twilight tours are also available and propose the irresistible pairing of wine tasting and tapas.
Pebblebed Vineyard
The multi-award-winning Pebblebed Vineyard in Topsham is one of the only single estate vineyards in the country. Harnessing the unique environmental fingerprint and temperate summers that make Devon such a thriving wine growing region, this vineyard nurtures a variety of grapes. Perfect for flavour-filled reds and cool rosés, the vineyard’s early ripening Rondo grapes are ready for harvest at the end of September. Meanwhile, by mid-October, their Seyval Blanc grapes await to be transformed into the vineyard’s award-winning traditional method sparkling and still white wines. If you would like to sample the bespoke bottles and take part in walks and talks around the site, uncover the winery and vineyard through a guided tour with Head Winemaker, Alex, and learn about how each wine evolves with each growing season for a finish that is simply unique.
Calancombe Estate
Situated near Modbury in South Devon, Calancombe Estate is an award-winning, family-friendly vineyard, winery, and distillery. Spread across more than twenty acres of rolling Devonshire countryside, it features a flourishing polyculture planted with 22,500 vines, a thousand apple trees, damson and mirabelles and countless blackcurrant bushes. Amongst the liquid riches produced within the estate, delicious wines, gins, ciders and cassis are all divined from the land and can be purchased for delectation from the shop. Head over to explore the vineyards, orchards, and winery from Wednesday to Saturday throughout the year and take part in guided tours and tastings, paired with lunch or afternoon tea in the onsite café for added indulgence.
Alder Vineyard
One of the best dog-friendly vineyards in Devon, Alder Vineyard in Lewdown beckons wine converts and connoisseurs alike to “journey far beyond the bottle” and find out about its wines from field to flute. Inviting visitors to stroll through its rows of vines and experience curated wine tastings and tours, the vineyard aims to share knowledge, uncork mysteries, and inspire an even greater appreciation of Devon’s wines and all that makes these beverages so special. Book onto a tour, before heading over to Alder’s multi-award-winning kitchen and bar and indulging in dream-worthy fare. With mouth-watering cheese and charcuterie platters, handcrafted open sandwiches, and soothing winter warmers all on the menu, a feast for the senses is guaranteed. For a novel twist, you can also look forward to nights of musical entertainment hosted as part of Alder’s Live in the Vines events.
Lyme Bay Winery
To savour a sublime selection of Devonshire wines, ciders and meads, as well as spirits and liqueurs, make way to Lyme Bay in Axminster. Recognised with a number of regional and international awards, the quality of this vineyard’s wine is far-famed and promises flavour-filled moments for vino aficionados. Secure a spot on a guided tasting session or simply head over to Lyme Bay’s Cellar Door shop and enjoy an informal introduction to the winery’s range. As well as traditional wines, you can sample unique offerings such as its elderflower, cherry, and strawberry wines and its ‘Nectar of the Gods’ mead. Perfected over fifteen years of refinement, Lyme Bay’s mead is particularly sought-after and stars a variety of flavours, including Taste of the West gold-award-winning traditional, black cherry, and rhubarb.
Dalwood Vineyard
The family and dog-friendly Dalwood Vineyard near Axminster in East Devon yielded its first crop in 2013 and has grown from strength to strength ever since. Covering a petite plot planted with three-thousand vines, the vineyard’s team tends to manicured rows of seyval blanc, solaris, madeleine angevine and pinot noir grapes to produce some of the finest wines in the county. To glean insights into the history and processes of the vineyard, tours can be arranged throughout the year. For tailored experiences and special occasions, private bookings can also be taken to enjoy exclusive barbecues and lunches in the vineyard, served by friendly staff and surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Huxbear Vineyard
A family-run vineyard, winery and microbrewery, Huxbear Vineyard is nestled in the Teign Valley and is managed by Lucy and Ben Hulland. Crafting boutique wines from the midst of stunning Devonshire landscapes, it covers fifteen sun-drenched acres and adopts a minimum-intervention approach to winemaking to protect the environment in which it resides. Within its leafy expanses, a mixture of chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot meunier, bacchus, schonberger and siegerrebe grapes are grown for both sparkling and still wine production. To immerse yourself in the spellbinding setting and learn about the vineyard, reserve a place on a guided tour. Non-walking tours are also available for those with limited mobility. If you are seeking something different, you can also sample a drop or two of their Huxbeer pale ale too.
Sandridge Barton
The home of Sharpham Wine, Sandridge Barton at Stoke Gabriel in the South Hams is one of the best vineyards in Devon. Making the most of the area’s unique terroir of fertile soils and mild climes to produce award-winning classic English wines, this vineyard has been honing its craft for over forty years. Using a combination of New World and traditional techniques, it curates a stunning collection of still and sparkling wines, each embodying unique flavour profiles and tell-tale regional characteristics. Sophisticated yet innovative, some of their most famous include Sharpham’s Classic Cuvée, Dart Valley Reserve and ‘Billy’ Pinot Blend. For magical moments ensconced in natural beauty, visit Sandridge Barton’s state-of-the-art, sustainably-focused winery and visitor centre above the River Dart and book onto an unforgettable tour or one-off event, including delicious dinners on the estate.
Lympstone Manor
Residing in tranquillity above the enchanting Exe estuary and Jurassic coastline in East Devon, Lympstone Manor is a real haven. Starring one of the best Michelin restaurants in Devon, it is also renowned for its luscious vineyard which produces some of the region’s best wines. Replicating the riverside setting of some of Europe’s most famous vineyards peppered along the banks of the Gironde, Rhône, Loire, and Rhine, Lympstone’s south-west facing vineyard has certainly taken root. Enjoy a seasonal, guided tour of the estate between May and September each year, or for a truly authentic experience, secure a reservation in its Michelin star restaurant and enjoy a glass of Lympstone’s award-winning wine alongside the finest fare and far-reaching views that flow towards the sea.
Seeking a drop of inspiration? Take a look at our luxury cottages in Devon.
