In the ever-evolving world of winemaking, small vineyards can offer unique and surprising experiences. These family-run operations, with limited acreage and production, face their own set of challenges. However, their passion, dedication, and personal touch create an intimate and authentic atmosphere. In this blog, we invite you to explore the enchanting world of small vineyards in the UK. We'll delve into the reasons why visiting these hidden gems is a delightful surprise and how supporting them contributes to local businesses and communities.
The Personal Touch and Authenticity
Compared to their larger counterparts, small vineyards might not be as polished, but they offer a more intimate and personal experience. You can often engage directly with the owner or winemaker, who willingly share their knowledge, expertise, and stories behind their wines.
In all fairness, sometimes the simplicity of their facilities may add to the charm, as it highlights their commitment to craftsmanship and the unique character of their wines. By visiting these vineyards, you become part of their journey and gain a deeper appreciation for their labour of love.
Visiting local vineyards may lead you to discover some unique local gems, or, at the very least, you can learn something new and support your local business.
Let me give you a short list to start. Below are a few small vineyards in the UK that offer unique and unforgettable experiences. We loved our visits to them.
Wildwood Vineyard - Located in Woodlands, Hampshire
visit their website https://www.wildwoodvineyard.co.uk
or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wildwood_vineyard.
Wildwood Vineyard captures the essence of ‘a start-up’ in the vineyard industry. It is relatively new and established as a passion project. We visited this vineyard on one of our dry runs for the wine-tasting tours. It was a bit hard to find it, but we were delighted once we got there. The scenery was fantastic, and the wine itself was great. Paul, the owner, is very committed to sustainability and minimal intervention viticulture, resulting in wines that reflect the region's natural beauty and showcase his dedication to quality. We learned a lot, and it was great meeting the owner and hearing things first-hand.
Brissenden - Situated in Bethersden, Kent,
visit their website https://brissendenvineyard.com
or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brissendenvineyard
Brissenden is a family-run vineyard that takes pride in producing exceptional wines. It isn't open daily to the public, so we made an appointment with Clare, the owner. Clare talked passionately about their wines and the hard work it takes to get them going. We loved that she was very down to earth and was keen that the community enjoyed this vineyard. She often hires space in the vineyard to families either for picnics or camping.
Godstone Vineyards - Nestled in Godstone, Surrey
visit their website https://www.godstonevineyards.com
or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/godstonevineyards
Godstone Vineyards has a long family history, going back to the 1980s. It is currently re-inventing itself. It provides a warm and welcoming setting to enjoy their wines. When we got there, Jonathan, one of the owners, was very proud as their sparkling wine just won a significant award, putting them firmly on the map of great local wine-makers. Their vineyard is tiny but has tones of charm and character.
Herbert Hall - Situated in Marden, Kent
visit their website http://www.herberthall.co.uk
or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/herberthallwinery
Herbert Hall is another small vineyard in Kent, known for producing excellent English sparkling wines. When we visited, we could tell that wine here was created with love; they focus significantly on traditional methods. Nick and Kirsty love their work, and their wines showcase the quality and craftsmanship of this family-run establishment.
Everfyht Vineyard - nestled in the scenic countryside of Sussex,
visit their website http://www.herberthall.co.uk
or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/everflyht
Everfyht is our latest discovery. The vineyard offers a charming and authentic wine experience. The location is stunning. The owners, Mark and Sarah, are dedicated to crafting exceptional wines. They pay attention to every detail of the customer experience. Their passion and commitment shine through in every bottle. We loved it so much that we signed up as members.
Supporting Local Businesses and Communities
Supporting small vineyards means more than enjoying exquisite wines; it also supports local businesses and communities. Many of these vineyards prioritise working with local suppliers, contributing to the local economy, and fostering a sense of community. By visiting, purchasing their wines, and spreading the word, you become an integral part of their success story, helping them thrive and preserve their authentic traditions.
So, indulge in their wines, engage with the passionate individuals behind the vineyards, and let yourself be impressed and surprised.
And, of course, if you want to do some #englishwine tasting, English Wine Escapes offer fantastic tours, including bespoke tours to cater to your specific interests. Explore our wine tours.
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