VINEYARDS IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND & SCOTLAND. THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT NOT FROST BITE.
Although I am a proud resident of the Wine Garden of England, Kent, I was born in The North East of England and maintain a keen interest in the area. When I started out creating the English Wine Blog, I had not expected to be writing about vineyards in the North of England, let alone Scotland.
Perhaps I was ignorant, but I had not appreciated just how many vineyards there are in the North of England. I’d expected this blog to focus on the South East of England, but I am gleeful to discover that it won’t!
This blog post pays homage to the wineries of the North of England and Scotland, giving you details on the types of wines grown in the region and what the future looks like for wineries up North.
Does Scotland have any vineyards?
In 2015, Christopher Trotter of Chateau Largo released the first ever Scottish wine made with grapes. It was branded rather harshly as “undrinkable” by press – but other press reports suggested that Mr Trotter was still quite proud of the ground breaking creation.
Fast forward to 2024 and what’s the current situation? Are there vineyards producing wine from grapes in Scotland?
Scotland is perhaps most well known for producing fruit wines (produced from berries) and leaf wines (often produced with elderflower). It is less well known for producing wine made from traditional grapes. The current climate of Scotland is not really conducive to producing wine with grapes.
Based on my research, I do not believe that there are any current vineyards in Scotland that are growing grapes and producing commercially sold wine with them. But this could change in the future.
Does the North of England have any vineyards?
The North of England does have a number of vineyards, and the number is growing. According to my research, there are 15 vineyards producing commercially viable wine in The North of England.
This includes:
- 4 wineries in Derbyshire
- 1 winery in Cheshire
- 1 winery in Leicestershire
- 2 wineries in Lincolnshire
- 3 wineries in Nottingham
- 3 wineries in North Yorkshire and 1 in East Yorkshire
Read on to find our guide to the best ones to visit in these different regions.
Climate Change and Vineyards in the North of England & Scotland
A recent study published by INRAE (an agricultural research institution) in France, titled “A Global Map of How Climate Change is Changing Wine Growing Regions,” sheds light on how global warming is reshaping viticulture across the world. The study suggests that traditional wine regions are experiencing warmer temperatures while cooler areas, previously deemed unsuitable for viticulture, are now emerging as potential wine-growing havens.
Whilst it does not explicitly mention England, it suggests that by the end of this century, wine will not longer be produced in areas like California, which will become too hot – instead Norway and Scandinavian countries to the North may be leading the production.
This shift bodes well for Northern England and Scotland, where slightly warmer temperatures are enabling the cultivation of a wider variety of grapes and enhancing the ripening process.
Which wine grapes grow in the North of England
The types of grapes that thrive in the cooler climate, and therefore could potentially grow in north of England are predominantly hybrid and early-ripening varieties. These include:
- Solaris: A disease-resistant white grape that has been successful in the North of England producing crisp, aromatic wines.
- Rondo: Known for its ability to mature quickly, this red grape variety is used to produce deeply colored, robust wines in Northern England.
- Siegerebbe: Another white grape, appreciated for its floral and spicy aromatics, suitable for colder climates.
These grape varieties are suited to the shorter growing seasons and can cope with the harsher conditions, resulting in wines that are unique in character and gaining recognition for their quality.
Find out more about unusual grapes that grow in England here.
Awards and Recognition for Vineyards in the North of England & Scotland
English and Scottish wines, have begun to make their mark on the international stage. Vineyards such as Ryedale Vineyards in Yorkshire have received accolades for their innovative approaches and exceptional wine quality. Ryedale, for example, won awards for both their still and sparkling wines at the UK Wine Awards, highlighting the potential of Northern vineyards.
Vineyards in the North of England: A Map
Vineyards in Cheshire
At time of writing, there is one vineyard in Cheshire.
VINES OF CHESHIRE
Vines of Cheshire is a family run restaurant near to Chester Zoo. According to information on the Wine GB site, this winery have around 6000 vines of Seyval Blanc, Cabaret Noir, Cabernet Cortis and Solaris.
The website is not yet live, so there is little information about The Vines of Cheshire. But in future, you may be able to visit this winery. Follow their Instagram account (below) for an update.
Vineyards in Derbyshire
At time of writing there are four vineyards in Derbyshire.
AMBER VALLEY VINEYARD
Amber Valley is an established winery in Derbyshire which offers tours and tastings. The cellar door shop is also open on a Saturday afternoon from 13:00 to 16:00.
Amber Valley can host you for private tours, or you can join one of the scheduled tours throughout the summer. These cost £20 and tend to be on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
In the summer, Amber Valley also hosts delightful supper clubs in the vines. Check back to their website for the latest details.
Amber Valley makes an intaeresting selection of wines – from the Amber Wine (orange wine) to Margot, a white wine made with Solaris grapes and oak aged.
HOPE VALLEY VINEYARD
Hope Valley is a vineyard found in the peak district. It is possible to visit, but by appointment only. Contact details are listed on the Wine GB website.
SEALWOOD VINEYARD
Sealwood Vineyard was established in the village of Linton in 2008 by a couple. The vineyard is open to public tours and tastings on Saturdays throughout the summer – book ahead. The cost is £25 per person and this includes a tasting of some of Sealwood’s award winning wines.
They produce an intriguing selection of wine made from their grapes which incude Ortega (one of my favourite grapes) and Solaris. Total bonus, you can also camp in the vineyard in the summer!
THE ENGLISH WINE PROJECT
The English Wine Project (Reinshaw Hall Wines) was created by Kieron Atkinson who previously served in the British Army, before turning his hand to wine making.
They offer tours and tastings throughout the summer for £25 per person – private tours can also be arranged.
The wine made by The English Wine Project is sold under the banner of Reinshaw Hall Wineries and it is an exciting range indeed. Check out the Pet Nat (natural wine) and the Hall Walled Garden Rose (the palest of pale rose wines.)
The English Wine Project has an active Instagram account, so you can follow for updates on tours and events, as well as the latest wine releases.
Vineyards in Leicestershire
At time of writing, there is one vineyard in Leicester shire.
ROTHLEY WINE
Rothley Wine won a prestigious Gold award at the Wines of GB awards in 2023 for it’s King Richard White wine.
They have three really cool options to visit the vineyard in the summer – a guided tour with tutored wine tasting £25, a Tête-à-tête (a romantic wine tasting for two £50), or an awesome sounding Wine Safari (group trip with wine tasting, which can include food £35 per person).
Rothley Wine makes a range of white, rose and sparkling wines. They also produce fruit wines.
Vineyards in Lincolnshire
Here are two vineyards in Lincolnshire producing wine for commercial purposes. One of which, Shire Farm, can be visited.
MONUMENT HOUSE VINEYARD
A small vineyard in Somerby which grows Pinot Noir grapes – more info not available currently.
SHIRE FARM
Shire Farm is a biodynamic farm in Lincolnshire responsible for growing ingredients for skin care products, but also grows wine grapes! They offer tours and tastings of their sparkling wine.
WELLS VINEYARD
Wells vineyard has been growing vines for a few years, but wine has not yet been produced – watch this space.
Vineyards in Nottinghamshire
At time of writing there are three vineyards in Nottinghamshire producing wine commercially.
EGLANTINE VINEYARD
Eglantine Vineyard is owned by Tony and Veronica Skuria, who have decades of experience growing and producing wine. They produce a plethora of interesting wines – including a dessert wine, a fizzy cherry wine (delicious) and a more traditional dry white English sparkling wine.
The winery is sadly not open to the public, but you can normally visit to buy wine in the shop on a Saturday (but call ahead.)
More information about Eglantine is found here.
HANWELL WINE ESTATE
The story of Hanwell Vineyard is fascinating. It was planted in 2012 by Helenka, who is the daughter of the owners of Eglantine Vineyard. So, it’s a second generation family vineyard! Although the grapes are grown at Hanwell, the wine is made in Eglantine.
Thankfully, Hanwell Vineyard is open to the public for tours, tastings (£25 per person) and sometimes events. They also accept volunteers during Harvest Season.
If you’re looking for somewhere overnight to stay, Hanwell Vineyard also has a campsite. I bet this is blissful in the summer months. If you do visit, be sure to try Hanwell’s “Romance” Rose – a light, still rose wine.
WOMACKS VINEYARD
Womacks Vineyard is a micro-winery, producing Bacchus grapes on two small plots in the village of Sookholme. They also produce farm products and have self-catered accommodation – delightful.
More information available on the Womack’s Facebook account.
Vineyards in Yorkshire
There are currently four vineyards in Yorkshire that you can visit. Of all the wine making counties in England, Yorkshire is top of my list to visit soon.
DUNESFORD VINEYARD
Dunesford is a boutique winery in the North of Yorkshire, in fact it is one of the most (if not the most) Northerly vineyard in England. They make wine from Pinto Gris, Solaris and many more grapes. The aptly named “Queen of the North” is a class cuvee, and one of their better known wines.
It looks to be an absolute delight for visitors, offering a bar with tasting platters, or a range of tours & tastings. First up, is a still wine tasting for £28, alternatively they offer a sparkling wine experience £38 or go all out with a grand tasting (£95 per person.) Dunesford also has a thriving events calendar, follow their social media for more information.
LAUREL VINES
Laurel Vines is a small family run vineyard in Yorkshire. They are proud to be a low carbon and low environmental impact winery in Driffield, with ten plus years of harvesting grapes.
For visitors, Laurel Vines has so many fun and innovative events – on Wednesdays, you can take part in “Herd it on the grapevine”, a frolic of an event which involves a tour of a neighbouring farm, a picnic and an all important vineyard tour and tasting. On Thursdays and Saturdays they also offer a picnic in the vines. Finally, on Saturdays the wine bar is open – buy a £6 ticket and get a glass of wine included.
RYEDALE VINEYARD
Ryedale Vineyard is a family run winery, which has won many awards, both for it’s wine and as a tourist attraction. Alongside Dunesford winery, Ryedale also frequently is referred to as the “northernmost vineyard in England.”
Ryedale offers tours and tastings for £18 per person in summer months. If you want to go all out, you can also stay at Ryedale Vineyard in one of their two luxurious rooms.
YORKSHIRE HEART VINEYARD
Yorkshire Heart Vineyard, is just that, offering heart in Yorkshire – one bottle at a time. A family run winery, offering visitors a delightful cafe (Tues to Sunday), vineyard tours (£30 per person) and really fun events too. Plus, they have a campsite with camping or glamping options. I am bookmarking this for a camping trip in the summer for sure!
When it comes to the wine, Yorkshire Heart offers a wide range. They produce sparkling wine, including a fizzy red (I am so partial to a fizzy red I cannot wait to try this!) And, still wines, including Ortega and a Solaris Orange.
Where to next?
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