THE UK - WEST WINE REGION
Camel Valley vineyards in Cornwall
Photo source: Camel Valley
Suggestions for discovering Devon wine, wine tasting in Cornwall and visiting vineyards in Gloucestershire!….
Devon vineyards, Cornish vineyards, Gloucestershire vineyards
This is a large region, starting in the north-west with Herefordshire and Worcestershire, going south into Gloucestershire and west to the Welsh border, then through into Somerset, Devon and finally Cornwall.
There are approximately 170 vineyards in the region, but they represent just 8% of the total number of hectares under vines. So, a lot of small vineyards displaying marked differences between each other, reflecting the different local climates. Prevailing winds and rain have a big impact, as does the variation in soils. Up until now the best wines have resulted from grapes like Bacchus and Seyval Blanc grapes and not the typical sparkling wine grapes of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Wine tourism - staying in the vineyards at Three Choirs in Gloucestershire
Recommended vineyards in England’s ‘West country’
Although there are about 170 vineyards across the region, only a few are well-known and established. The Three Choirs vineyard in Gloucestershire is perhaps the most famous in the region. With 75 acres under vines, it is the largest vineyard in England and it is also the oldest, with the first plantings dating back to 1973. The Three Choirs also has 3 lodges and 8 rooms available for accommodation and wine tourism.
Most vineyards offer wine tours and wine tastings.
Remember to contact the winery to arrange and confirm your visit in advance and in the current times to understand the Covid 19 guidelines and restrictions.
Remember to contact the winery to confirm your visit in advance and to understand relevant Covid 19 guidelines and restrictions.
Devon & Cornwall:
Gloucestershire:
Travel guide and other useful information
It would be crazy to try to list all of the things you could see and do in such a broad and varied region as the West, so we’re not going to try! Here is a flavour to get the ideas flowing!
Attractions in Devon & Cornwall:
Down in the South-West of England there are the beautiful coastal resorts and south-west coast path to explore and discover, as well as the stunning national parks.
If you're down in Cornwall and decide to visit the Camel Valley vineyards, then take time to explore the North Cornwall coastline and coastal resorts like Padstow and lovely Port Isaac. Bodmin Moor is a walker’s paradise and then discover the Camel Valley and Estuary via the Camel Trail which passes right next to the vineyards.
If you’re in Devon and fancy trying some Devon wine, Sharpham vineyards are close to the quaint town of Totnes on the River Dart, then of course Dartmouth is close by and the coastal resorts of Torbay. The South-West coast path as well as Dartmoor national park provide excellent walking trails.
For more inspiration and information to help plan a trip to England’s South-West visit here
Attractions in Somerset:
For Somerset, there is Exmoor national Park and the well-known landmarks of Glastonbury, Cheddar Gorge and Wells Cathedral. For more Visit Somerset ideas see here
Things to do in Gloucestershire:
If you’re planning to visit some Gloucestershire vineyards, there are a huge variety of places to visit and things to do, ranging from visiting its elegant market and spa towns to exploring the beauty of the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean, with its stunning rolling hills and quaint villages.
Try the Visit Gloucestershire website for inspiration!
Enjoying a day on the Camel Trail, view over to Rock
The beautiful River Dart at Stoke Gabriel, South Devon
Impressive Gloucester Cathedral
Read about our wine tasting and tour at beautiful Sandridge Barton Estate - the new home of Sharpham Wine - in the Dart Valley, South Devon. This is a fabulous new English wine tourism destination - discover what you can enjoy at Sandridge Barton and in this lovely part of Devon….