Cornwall is home to many independent award-winning vineyards that are in enviable locations with amazing views and not to mention the fabulous wines they produce.
You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to enjoy a visit, perhaps you have never tried a Cornish wine; during a visit you can sample some of the best wines the county has to offer.
The country on a whole has improved its reputation in relation to the wines it produces, the standard and quality of English wines has grown in recent years and this is certainly true when it comes to our local vineyards, they can hold their own in regard to the exceptional wines they produce.
The microclimates and long sunlight hours here in Cornwall make it an ideal location for growing and producing grapes. Cornwall has been described as the “California of England.’
You can take a tour of any of these top vineyards to learn about the process involved to produce their wines. Afterwards, you can enjoy a tipple or two, just ensure you have a designated driver.
A trip to a vineyard makes for a lovely day out in countryside amongst the fresh air, it doesn’t have to be all about wine either, many have cafes or restaurants that offer incredible dishes and amazing views. If you are not familiar with wine or wine tasting, you will find the staff are very helpful and offer lots of advice and hints if needed. Vineyards make for a fascinating visit.
Camel Valley Vineyard, near Bodmin
A well-respected family vineyard, which is run by Bob Lindo and his wife Carol. Since 1989 they have established and built up this incredible award-winning establishment. It is the only vineyard in the UK to hold a Royal Warrant, and is the largest vineyard here in Cornwall; they produce 10 wines, including a pinot noir rose, a sparkling red and a sparkling cider.
Here at Camerl Valley they use traditional winemaking processes and are considered pioneers in the wine industry. Their most famous wine is the Cornwall Brut, served in frst class on British Airways flights as well as featuring on the wine menu of top restaurants.
Extending to 28 acres, this delightful vineyard is found in an idyllic setting, situated on sunny slopes above the River Camel, and close to the Camel Trail it is surrounded by incredible countryside and is easily reachable by car or by bike. A truly beautiful setting.
Between April and October there are daily weekdays guided tours that conclude with a glass of one of their incredible wines.
On Wednesday they operate the Grand Tour which, involves a tour of the estate where you will get an insight into the Lindo’s journey in creating this award winning vineyard, and an insight into the entire wine making process from planting through to glass, finished off by a wine tasting session on the terrace, overlooking the vines. The relaxed and friendly tours require advance booking.
If you don’t want to take a tour, you can simply pop along to take a leisurely walk around and enjoy a glass of wine on the beautiful suntrap terrace whilst taking in the scenic scenery. Light snacks to complement the wines are available to purchase if you are peckish.
Once you have discovered your favourite wine, you can purchase it to take home and enjoy later.
Polgoon Vineyard, Penzance
This family run vineyard was established in 2006 and is run by John and Kim Coulson who have been producing their incredible award winning wines since then. They produce a great range of artisan red, white and rose wines, and are well known for their ethical and vegan wines. They embrace sustainability and source local ingredients where possible, and have worked hard to reduce unnecessary packing and transportation.
Polgoon was once a flower farm, and is found on sheltered slopes overlooking scenic Mount’s Bay, and enjoys its own microclimate. It is not a huge winery but still lots to see and has an interesting story behind it.
They operate Spring/Summer tours from April to September, and Autumn/Winter tours in October and November, they personally run their own tours and tastings sessions, so you get a first-hand personal experience. Visitors will get an insight into the activities and workings of a vineyard and will learn about the different fruit varieties, care and maintenance and production process. Tours are rounded off with a tasting of five of their award winning wines.
There are also self-guided tours of the vineyard and orchards, with interesting fact sheets to read as you stroll around with lovely views too. There are usually workers about if you have any questions. It is a lovely laid back experience.
The Vine House Kitchen is open throughout the summer, offering a great range of delicious home cooked dishes.
Looe Valley Vineyard, Liskeard
This small independent vineyard was established in 2008 and is situated on a sunny site in the East Looe Valley. Owners Charles Boney and Sue Brownlow have a passion for wines, and this shines through in their quality, local hand-crafted wines.
Their tours and tastings operate between Easter and October, usually Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 2.00 pm and are run by Charles himself so you get a personal and interactive account of the processes for growing the grapes, harvesting and wine making. Tours are very informative and interesting, Charles knowledge and passion is incredible. The best part is the tasting session at the end, where you get to try some of their lovely wines right in the vineyard. Of course you can purchase a bottle or two of your favourite to take home.
The setting is idyllic and the views are amazing. A delightful gem here in Cornwall.
https://looevalleyvineyard.co.uk/
Knightor Winery, Portscatho, near St Austell
Knightor is not as polished as some of other wineries but is charming. Nestled above St Austell, it is situated in a lovely courtyard and surrounded by converted old farm buildings, and four acres of gorgeous Cornish countryside. It is owned by Adrian Derx, who produces a great range of red, white and sparkling wines each grown at individual vineyards situated on the Roseland Peninsula.
They are known for their artisan flare, with regular short runs of less than 2,000 bottles. They have developed their own adaptation of the classic aperitif Vermouth incorporating locally picked herbs and spices.
Their wine tours operate on Sundays from April to October, and are informative, interesting and fun, pre-booking is essential. They involve a tour through the display vines, information on the variety of grapes grown here, and elsewhere in the world. A glimpse of the winery and details of how wine is made. The pretty courtyard is the ideal setting to sample some their award-winning premium wines, following a tour of the winery. Afterwards, you can stop by the shop to take a few of these delicious wines home.
For wine tastings simply drop by and you can sample small measures of their available wines. Tastings are overseen by friendly and knowledgeable guides. Take time to wander round their small orchard and herb garden and admire the beautiful surroundings.
Most Fridays they offer something a little different with feast nights with different themes that take inspiration from foods around the world. On Sundays they serve a delicious Sunday roast they are popular and book up quickly.
Trevibban Mill Vineyard & Orchard, Padstow
This stylish vineyard is nestled amongst glorious rural countryside close to Padstow; it is owned and run by Liz and Engin Mumcuoglu. The first grapes were planted in 2008 and today there are 11,000 vines and 1,700 apple trees. This award winning state of the art winery, produces a fantastic range of red, white, rose and sparkling wines.
Their approach in creating their fabulous wines is uncomplicated, organic, utilising the wildlife whilst maintaining the health of the environment.
Located in a peaceful and idyllic setting you are surrounded by green fields and colourful wild flowers, where their flock of Southdown sheep roam freely. Enjoy a glass of wine or cider on the terrace overlooking the vineyard and the St Issey valley whilst absorbing the lovely relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.
They offer informal wine tastings every Wednesday to Sunday. On Sunday mornings there is also a Grand Walking Tour this incorporates a walk around the vineyard, orchard, and lakeside where you will discover how their wines and ciders are produced. Afterwards, you can taste the finished product with eight wines to sample.
Why not finish your visit off with a light lunch in the in-house restaurant, Appleton’s at the Vineyard, where they serve tasty dishes made using locally sourced ingredients.
