The closest and newest is Hanley Vineyard on the edge of the Teme Valley, just over the border at Hanley Childe in Worcestershire. Over 3000 vines have been planted by hand and the owners are keen to support the local community and the land by staying small and sustainable. More information at www.hanleyvineyard.com
Astley Vineyard is also just over the border in the small hamlet of Astley, just outside Stourport on Severn, Worcestershire in the beautiful Severn Valley. The vineyard is one of the oldest in the UK, established in 1971 by the Bache family and is now run as a sustainable family business by the Haywoods. The 5 acre vineyard produces between 5 and 10 thousand bottles of predominantly white wine a year. Visits to the vineyard need to be pre booked and 2024 dates will be released in March. www.astleyvineyard.co.uk
Wroxeter and Hencote Vineyards are both located in Shropshire, close to Shrewsbury. Wroxeter was established in 1991 with the first wine produced in 1992, although the Romans had grown vines at Wroxeter 2000 years ago. The vineyard is close to the Roman City of Uriconium (English Heritage www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wroxeter-roman-city) and produces both red and white award winning wines. Various tours can be booked between March and October. www.wroxetervineyard.co.uk
Hencote is the new kid on the block, having been founded in 2009 as a hobby before being expanded with the planting of 23000 vines in 2015. Today it is a thriving estate with an onsite wine shop and award winning restaurant. Tours can be booked for Thursdays to Sundays which include a wine tasting of the Hencote wines. www.hencote.com
Kerryvale VIneyard on the Shropshire/Wales border was founded in 2010 when the land was found to be perfect for vines, leading to the planting of 6000 vines of 4 different varieties. There is a small cafe and shop, open Wednesday to Sunday so you don’t have to book a tour to visit the vineyard! www.kerryvalevineyard.co.uk
There is so much to do at Halfpenny Green Vineyard, located between Bridgnorth and Wolverhampton, in South Staffordshire! Visitors can explore the craft village and wild zoo as well as visit the winery. The first vines were planted in 1983 on just half an acre, today the vineyard covers almost 30 acres, making it one of the largest in the UK. 16 different varieties mean the estate can produce 50 - 60000 bottles of wine of several different styles per year despite the variable British weather. There is also an onsite restaurant and deli shop and tours of the vineyard can be booked throughout the year. www.halfpennygreen.co.uk
Finally a mention for Ludlow Vineyard which nestles on the lower slopes of Brown Clee, in the village of Clee St Margaret. Due to it’s remote location the vineyard isn’t open to the public but their white and rose wines can be bought at Ludlow Farm Shop, Brimfield and often at one of the Local to Ludlow Markets or the Ludlow Food Festival events.
