Your Guide to Woodchester Valley Vineyard
Forget rolling hillsides dotted with sheep – the Cotswolds has another surprise in store. It turns out, this picturesque corner of England is making some seriously good wine! While the UK might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of vineyards, there’s a thriving wine scene here, and many are producing truly exceptional bottles. And the Cotswolds region is lucky enough to count Woodchester Valley Vineyard among its own. This hidden gem is a testament to the fact that great wine can be made in unexpected places, and they’re putting the Cotswolds on the map for wine enthusiasts.
Discovering Woodchester Valley Vineyard
If you’re a wine lover like me, or even just curious about English wines, this family-run vineyard is a must-visit. I’ve been lucky enough to visit a couple of times now, and I always leave feeling a little bit more relaxed and definitely well-informed about the world of winemaking!
Visiting Woodchester Valley
Rambling vines, golden Cotswold stone buildings, and views that will take your breath away. That’s the setting at Woodchester Valley, and they welcome visitors with open arms. You can book yourself onto one of their tours and tastings, which is what I’d highly recommend. They’ll walk you through the vineyards, explaining the whole journey of the grape, and then take you inside for a tutored wine tasting. It’s fascinating stuff, even if you’re not an expert.
My favorite part of the tour has to be the bit where they explain the magic behind sparkling wine production. All those bubbles! Who knew there was so much science involved?
The Wines – A Cotswold Delight
Woodchester Valley specializes in a range of still and sparkling white, rosé, and even a few reds (a rarity in England due to the cooler climate). You’ll be amazed by their award-winning wines, reflecting the unique flavors of this special corner of England. The cooler climate creates wines that are crisp and elegant.
Their signature sparkling wine, the ‘Blanc de Blancs’ is always my go-to. But their still wines are seriously delicious too. I remember trying a rosé last summer that was so pale and fresh – perfect for a picnic!
A passion for winemaking
What struck me most about Woodchester Valley is the passion everyone there has for what they do. It’s a family business, and you really get that sense of pride and care in every step of the winemaking process. They’re dedicated to sustainable practices, taking great care of those Cotswold hillsides.
So, if you’re planning a getaway to the Cotswolds, or even if you’re just a wine enthusiast looking to try something new, add Woodchester Valley Vineyard to your list. You won’t regret it!
Practical information
- Location: Woodchester Valley Vineyard is located near the town of Stroud in Gloucestershire.
- Website: Woodchester Valley | A Cotswold Vineyard and Winery – Here you can find all the info about booking tours, buying their wines online, and even check out their cool accommodation if you fancy staying on-site!
Let me know if you end up visiting – I’d love to hear what you think!
