7 Best Wine Experiences in Herefordshire
Delicious wine experiences, from winery sleepovers to tastings & tours
English Wine Week (21-29 June) shines a light on England’s wonderful wines and its innovative producers. Herefordshire’s cider-making credentials are legendary but our cup (or should that be glass?!) overflows with fabulous wine producers too. To celebrate English Wine Week, here’s a round-up of Herefordshire’s best wine experiences.
Farm-to-Flute E-bike tours at White Heron Estate
White Heron Estate (Near Kington in North Herefordshire) have just launched e-bike tours! Hop in the saddle and cruise through stunning vineyards, blackcurrant plantations (they supply Ribena!) and apple orchards. You’ll get a unique behind-the-scenes look at this 4th-generation family farm and its sustainable growing practices as well as the chance to enjoy tastings of their home-grown produce, including award-winning British Cassis liqueur, White Heron Estate Sparkling Wine, apple juice and cider. Tours run from April to October, with options for private or group bookings. For a complete experience, consider adding an off-grid al fresco dining option, or extend your stay at one of their luxury self-catering accommodation options.
In the area: Visit The Riverside at Aymestry, our Business of the Year 2024, for delicious, hyper local and sustainable grub
Winery Sleepover at Wythall Estate
Wythall Estate, near the market town of Ross-on-Wye, makes award-winning wines such as the Siegerrebe Wythall Estate white. Sleeping over at the vineyard makes for a very special experience, especially when combined with a guided tour of the winery and a tutored tasting. The sixteenth-century Manor House is set in gorgeous gardens with a freshwater lake and wooded grounds surrounding the vines. There are two self-contained cottages in the west wing, sleeping two and four respectively, with dogs welcome at both. Those not staying are invited to join vineyard tours and tastings which take place on Saturdays throughout the year.
In the area: visit Ross Wines, a small family shop (with a vast selection of wines) in the pretty market town of Ross-on-Wye.
Stay at Coddington Vineyard with a wine tasting tour and lunch
Coddington Vineyard, just four miles from Ledbury, is a family affair. Peter and Sharon Maiden produce a boutique selection of wines and rent out two self- catering properties. Guests can choose from the Grade II-listed Hop Cottage which sleeps four, and Vine Lodge, situated on the edge of the vineyard, which sleeps two.
Everyone is welcome to book a vineyard tour as well as tasting experiences and the chance to enjoy a light lunch in the delightful gardens too.
Coddington’s collection of single variety wines, along with a variety of local produce, can be purchased from their shop in the old apple press house. Their award-winning Bacchus and sparkling Pinot Gris are particularly popular.
In the area: pop to Ledbury to peruse the selections on offer at Hay Wines and The Wine Shed
Take a Wine Tour at Foxbury Fields
Foxbury Fields Vineyard, at the foot of the Malvern Hills, produces small batch Bacchus and Ortega wines from grapes grown in their own unique micro-climate. Owners Heather Williamson and Richard Baker open up the vineyard for tours and tastings during English Wine Week, giving guests the chance to try their classic vintage English Bacchus and their delightfully perfumed Ortega at the winery.
In the area: Call in at Ceci Paolo in Ledbury to pick up delicious local cheeses, crackers and chutneys to accompany your wine.
Tours, Tastings & Vineyard Shopping at Frome Valley
Standing on the banks of the River Frome at Paunton on the Herefordshire/ Worcestershire border, Frome Valley Vineyard is surrounded by orchards, hop yards and rolling meadows. The team here make still and sparkling wines including Pinot Noir, Bacchus, Reichensteiner, Madeleine Angevine, Schonurger and Rondo – these varieties are well suited to the conditions as they benefit from a long growing season and slow ripening.
The on-site shop sells their wines, cider and brandy and they are open to visitors for tours and tastings, taking guests from the model vineyard to the main vineyard usually led by Jeanie or Ian Falconer, the owners.
In the area: Visit Legges of Bromyard or the food hall at The Hop Pocket to discover local bread, cheese and pates.
A Sparkling Welcome at Black Mountain Vineyard
Black Mountain Vineyard is set in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside and produces three distinct sparkling wines all grown and bottled on site – a sparkling white, a sparkling rose and a Col Fondo. Mark and Laura Smith planted the vineyard in 2009 with a wealth of knowledge from working harvests in France, studying viticulture and oenology and working with a local organic producer. They’re very happy to book tours by prior arrangement and delight in showing visitors around.
In the area: Half an hour’s drive away is Monkland Dairy, which offers cheese tours and sells a fantastic array of regional varieties which are made on site.
Discover An Ancient Vineyard
For over 30 years, Ledbury based Haygrove has been growing berries, cherries and organics. For the first time this Summer, they now invite you to explore their truly historic vineyard. Planted in 2007, this site boasts documented vine cultivation dating back to 1276!
Wander through ancient fields and discover the secrets behind their multi-award-winning Pinot Noir grapes, which thrive in a unique, south-facing natural amphitheatre. Choose from guided or self-guided tours (with the option to add a picnic and wine flights) and experience the remarkable winemaking heritage at this family-run business.
In the area: Nearby, The Nest at Little Verzons Farm is a treasure trove of local delights, renowned it's stunning scotch eggs.
Wait, there’s more…!
To discover more food and drinks producers across the county, be sure to check out our directory, where you can find local producers of wine, cider, perry and more.
