9 Vineyards in Somerset to go wine tasting
Somerset, is famously at the very core of the English cider-making scene, producing some of the finest and oldest ciders in the world. But did you know the county produces some great wines? From the rolling hills of the Mendips to coastal breeze-kissed terrains, the mild climate and rich fertile soils create a unique terroir for vineyards in Somerset, and subsequently, excellent bottles of plonk.
Being something of a wine enthusiast myself, I’ve put together a list of eight great Somerset vineyards that offer tours and wine tasting (often seasonally or by appointment). If you do pay them a visit, let me know how you get on!
Wraxall Vineyard
Just south of Shepton Mallet, set on a beautiful south-facing hill, Wraxall Vineyard is surrounded by verdant countryside and rich fertile soils. At 50 years old in 2024, the family-run vineyard is one of the oldest in the UK (although rumour has it the Romans also like to cultivate wine here). Lexa and David purchased Wraxall Vineyard in February 2021, and are leading the vineyard into a new era, with regular events, talks workshops and wellbeing retreats. Look out for ‘Pizza on the vines’, Mother’s Day afternoon tea, Easter wreath-making, family Easter Trails, a diverse group of interesting speakers, musical evenings to accompany your wine and more!
Wine tasting takes place in the rather lovely restaurant and event space, The View@Wraxall, which has spectacular views over 25 miles of Somerset countryside.
To learn more about the vineyard, grab yourself a place on one of their tours. Wander through the vines to take in the spectacular views across the Somerset levels.
A Vineyard Tour typically takes about 30 minutes and costs £10 per person. Book a table at The View@Wraxall and add on a Vineyard Tour. You can also add a guided wine tasting for £15pp.
Minerva, Corston Vineyard Estate, Bath
Centuries ago, the Romans cultivated vines in and around these very fields, now Eddie Sauvao and his wife, resident farmer Emily, are reviving the historical roots of this land.
Unwavering in their dedication to sustainable, community-focused practices in every facet of the Minerva winemaking process, they have spent a decade working towards crafting high-quality English sparkling wine using the Champagne traditional method (whose climate and soil structure is very similar), resulting in award-winning, extremely delicious wine.
The distinct flavour profile is attributed to the Mendip Hills’ unique geology and geothermal heating that happens when rainwater falls on Carboniferous Limestone. Sample it for yourself in the vineyard-gazing tasting tent, accompanied by music paired perfectly to enhance each sip.
Fenny Castle
Fenny Castle Vineyard is a family-run Somerset vineyard, renowned for its a delightful selection of wines crafted from their own grapes.
Tours have been running here for 10 years and take place at 4pm on Saturdays between April and October. Over the course of two hours, visitors are given an insight into every aspect of grape growing, from the different grape varieties, to vine development and the art of wine-making.
Round off the experience with a wine tasting of the award-winning wines, all available for purchase by the bottle or case from the cellar door shop.
Oatley Vineyard
Located between the Quantock Hills and the Somerset coast, the terroir, old vines and West Country soil at the small, family-run Oatley vineyard in the Somerset countryside, proffer dry white wines that have been winning international awards for 25 years.
Summer wine tasting experiences are available from the end of April and include private and self-guided tastings.
For the DIY tasting, wine enthusiasts are met and shown to a private spot in the vineyard. Table (with rain cover if necessary), chairs, deckchairs and rugs are provided. Your box will contain chilled bottles of wine and tasting notes. You’re also are welcome to wander round the vineyard and explore.
Guided tastings of crisp, dry white wines include a guided walk around the vines with one of the owners. Hear about their move to sustainable viticulture and imminent handover to the next generation.
Aldwick Estate
Nestled within the Mendip Hills, Aldwick Estate is a family-run vineyard producing acclaimed English still and sparkling wines. With 11 acres of grape vines, it holds the title of Somerset’s largest vineyard.
The first vines were planted in 2008 and there are now six varieties of grapes, including Pinot Noir, Seyval, Bacchus, Madeline Angevine, Solaris and Regent. With meticulous hand-tending year-round, the dedicated team ensures quality from vine to bottle.
Delve into the heart of Aldwick’s winemaking with a 90-minute guided vineyard tour. Led by an experienced guide, you’ll venture into the vineyards, to gain an insight into English viticulture, before ending up in the tasting room to sample various vintages and learn more about each of the wines.
Tours are available every Sunday and Monday from April to October, 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
Dunleavy Vineyard
Dunleavy Vineyard produces multi-award winning English rosé and sparkling wines from their Pinot noir and Seyval blanc grapes in the Yeo Valley, Somerset.
Ingrid Bates planted Dunleavy Vineyard back in 2008 and since 2012 has been creating wines using sustainable agricultural practices and the latest viticultural techniques. In Autumn 2021 the vineyard ran a successful crowdfund campaign to buy a field on the outskirts of Bristol to grow more grapes without chemicals, and help meet increasing demand for their wine.
Owner and manager Ingrid, leads 90-minute tours which offer an informal look around the Wrington site and conclude in a wine tasting session in the open air. Tour-goers get a 10% discount on wines bought or ordered on the day. Cost £15 per person.
Smith & Evans, Langport
Guy Smith and Laura Evans searched the country for four years to find the perfect site to produce their sparkling wine, eventually settling on Higher Plot, with its limestone soil, that is similar to some of the world’s most renowned vineyard sites.
In 2008, they planted Burgundian Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier vines on the south facing lower slopes, and their first Smith & Evans still and sparkling wine harvest was in 2010.
Since then, they’ve won international acclaim for their wines and have also started making gin and cider.
If you’d like to sample the wines at source, the vineyard is open between April and September on Saturdays between 10am to 5pm for self-guided tours. Simply turn up and collect your vineyard information sheet for a wander through the vines and and a chance to try wines. gin and cider in their tasting room. The cost including tasting is £5 per person.
Perch Hill Vineyard
Perch Hill Vineyard, a family-run winery based on the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills, spans over a hectare of land. Established in 2013 with an initial planting of 1000 vines, it expanded with an additional 2000 vines in 2014. Primarily cultivated with Chardonnay grapes prized for their exceptional acidity, the vineyard also has a smaller number of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier vines. Currently, trials are underway for the cultivation of Sauvignon Blanc, Regent, and Ortega varieties.
The vineyard opens for wine tasting and vineyard tours.
The Vineyard at Mowbarton
Centuries ago, Glastonbury monks cultivated grapes on these same hillsides, benefiting from long hours of summer sunlight, frost-free conditions, and gentle Bristol Channel breezes. These natural elements combine to yield a classic cool-climate sparkling wine.
Mowbarton Vineyard’s grapes – Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay – are all grown on the south-facing slopes of the Isle of Wedmore, with stunning views of Glastonbury Tor.
Contact Mowbarton Vineyard to arrange a visit. Or consider a stay in their Shepherd’s hut for two or barn (sleeps nine).
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