Warmed by the Gulf Stream and blessed with rolling countryside, the county of Cornwall boasts a unique terroir just perfect for winemaking. Nurturing flourishing vineyards and estates sown with fruit-laden vines, its temperate climes and favourable grape-growing conditions have placed the county on the international wine stage. So delicious are its wines that Cornish vintages are winning not just national but international awards.
Using natural advantages, planting hardy vines, and refining techniques over seasons in the sun, vineyards in Cornwall have grown from strength to strength over the last few decades and are an unmissable attraction in the county. Should you be seeking a unique wine-tasting experience and a drop or two of indulgence, discover the array of Cornish vineyards offering guided tours and selling artisan creations to enjoy at a luxury retreat.
Camel Valley
One of the oldest vineyards in Cornwall, the famous Camel Valley Vineyard covers more than eighty acres of countryside near Padstow in North Cornwall. With nearly twenty acres under vine, it also happens to be the largest vineyard in the county and produces between 150,000 and 250,000 bottles of wine each year. Fine-tuning their craft since 1989, the team at Camel Valley – led by owners Bob and Annie Lindo – pride themselves on creating the finest quality wines and have won hundreds of awards. In 2010, the vineyard hit a particular milestone by winning gold for Best International Traditional Method Sparkling Wine at the IWC, beating Bollinger and Roederer to first place. Today, the vineyard is open for daily tours from Monday to Friday, as well as grand tours and tastings in summer. To savour the artisan tastes of Camel Valley’s award-winning wines and bask in the views of rolling vines, enjoy a glass on the winery’s terrace in the sunshine.
Trevibban Mill
Trevibban Mill resides just outside of Padstow in the dreamy grape-growing region of North Cornwall. Gracing sun-bathed slopes, this working vineyard is surrounded by beautiful countryside and kissed by the salty air of the north Cornish coast. Renowned for its handcrafted collection of Cornish wines, this vineyard in Cornwall is also known for its handmade cider produced from the onsite apple tree orchard. Book a guided vineyard and winery tour to glean a unique behind-the-scenes experience of Trevibban, or take part in guided wine or cider tasting sessions to sample the fruits of the estate. For a full flavour sensation, you can also pay a visit to Barnaby’s Bistro, a Michelin-recommended restaurant onsite serving delicious brunches, lunches, cocktails and, of course, Trevibban wine.
The Atlantic Vineyard
A new vineyard in Cornwall, The Atlantic Vineyard can be found near Newquay and beckons with eco-friendly wines. On a mission to become one of the first net-zero vineyards in the UK and sustainably produce first-class wines, this vineyard uses the elements to nurture its vines and generate electricity from solar and wind power. As well as using water from onsite boreholes, this vineyard also champions a no-chemicals approach to producing its organic Cornish wine. Opened to the public in 2023, on select days it welcomes wine lovers to learn about its thirty-acre site and its seven-acre vineyard planted with fourteen varieties of hybrid grapes. It also invites visitors to follow its nature trail and enjoy a picnic in the sunshine. To secure a place on a tour, book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Polmassick Vineyard
Planted in 1976, Polmassick Vineyard and winery in St Ewe is Cornwall's oldest vineyard. Nestled between the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Roseland Peninsula in South Cornwall, it adorns south-facing slopes close to the rural parish of St Ewe and nurtures a variety of grapes. Recently taken over by new owners, this vineyard in Cornwall has been given a verdant lease of life and entices seasoned wine aficionados and admirers alike to sample its artisan wines. Call ahead to secure a spot on a bespoke tour of the vineyard or simply turn up to peruse the vintages on offer in the Cellar Door wine shop. In summer, you can also partake in a cream tea or light lunch on their sheltered, flower-draped garden terrace. Dogs on leads are welcome, and vineyard wines are served by the glass.
Bosue Vineyard
A family-run vineyard in Cornwall, Bosue Vineyard grows “Cornish wines from Cornish vines”. Encompassing south-facing slopes in a gently shelving wooded valley near St Ewe in South Cornwall, its vineyard sits on the footprint of an eight-hundred-year-old farm and is home to a variety of red and white grapes. Growing hardy fruits suited to the mild Cornish climes, the team at Bosue tends to rows of Rondo, Regent, Solaris, Johanniter, Phoenix and Orion vines and produces award-winning still and sparkling white and rosé wines. It also crafts Bosue Brandy, distilled from Cornish grapes grown and matured onsite and oak matured for a year and a half. This vineyard is not open for tours and tastings; however, its creations can be purchased and collected by appointment at the winery, or Lobbs Farm Shop at Heligan, The Great Cornish Food Store in Truro and Ellis Wharton Wines in St Columb.
Knightor Winery
Knightor Winery is a well-known vineyard in Cornwall. Home to a working winery near St Austell and a suntrap vineyard on the Roseland Peninsula, it offers a range of tours and experiences for wine lovers. Book a guided tour at the winery for a fascinating glimpse into the world of wine production, or head over to the vineyard to admire the far-reaching views, see where the wines start their journey, and treat yourself to a bite to eat in the onsite Vine restaurant. Combine your visit with one of Knightor’s events, or simply pop over to soak up the atmosphere. To make your trip even more tempting, you can also pay a visit to Knightor’s cellar door, where handpicked selections of premium still and sparkling wines await, as well as a range of Knightor’s vermouths and spritzes.
Looe Valley Vineyard
Looe Valley Vineyard rests in a sunny locale near St Keyne in the East Looe Valley. One of Cornwall’s flourishing vineyards, it was first established in 2008 and has developed and grown over the years. To create high-quality, local artisan wines, the vineyard team nurtures a mixture of resilient, early-ripening Solaris, Bacchus, Schonberger, Pinot Noir grapes and more. Harnessing the weather and reading the elements, they harvest the grapes from around September onwards and create a mixture of red, rosé and white wines. To uncover the vineyard for yourself, summer tours and tastings run from May to September each year. Private tours for groups can also be booked in advance, as well as romantic tours and tasting sessions for two for the dreamiest day out in Cornwall.
Polgoon Vineyard
The only commercial vineyard in West Cornwall, Polgoon Vineyard and Vinehouse Restaurant is a short distance from Penzance and the stunning Mount’s Bay. Producing a range of award-winning still and sparkling wines, ciders, fruit juices and more, it promises a delectable introduction to Cornish artisan beverages. If you have never been before, head over between February and December each year and take part in guided vineyard tours, or book tickets to one of their one-off events for a novel twist. Of the sparkling wines you can sample during your visit, Polgoon’s Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé, Sparkling Seyval Blanc and Sparkling Elderflower Wine are sure to tempt. Meanwhile, amongst the still wines, red, white and rosé varieties can all be relished, as well as a unique Cornish strawberry country wine.
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