Oenotourism (pronounced eno-tourism). Don’t worry, I also didn’t have a clue what that meant until a few minutes ago. Apparently, it’s the new buzzword in travel and it simply means ‘tourism whose purpose is or includes the tasting, consumption or purchase of wine’. Sounds like my kind of holiday.

For any of us wine lovers with a penchant for a good bottle, it’s always been about those famous regions in places like France, New Zealand, California, Australia and South Africa.

But did you know that right here in England we’re producing a few excellent vintages of our very own? In fact, according to Virgin Wines, ‘..now, thanks to scientific developments, new grape varieties and a shift in British climate, wine production is not only viable, but it’s flourishing. Our sparkling wine has been making a particular name for itself in recent years receiving global recognition and awards, giving Champagne a run for its money!’…pretty impressive stuff right?

Which brings me back to my new favourite word ‘Oenotourism’. You see, I can’t think of a better way to spend a weekend away than huddled in a cosy cottage with plenty of walks, hearty pub lunches, and a good deal of wine tasting thrown in.

And if that’s the sort of break that excites you too, you’ll love this! We’ve paired a selection of terrific local wine farms in Devon and Cornwall with a handful of equally terrific self-catering cottages for you to stay in as you taste your way across the South West’s best vineyards. Cheers!

Polgoon Vineyard

Penzance, Cornwall

Producers of several award-winning artisan Cornish wines, ciders and juices this family-run vineyard and orchard lies on the rural outskirts of Penzance in west Cornwall. The overarching ethos behind all they produce is one of sustainability, so you’ll be able to enjoy their delicious wines knowing that they’ve been made in a way that’s kind to the environment by using only the best locally sourced ingredients.

What they offer:
Sparkling wine tours (October and November)
Guided winter tours (October to February)
Self-guided tours (from March 2023)

Where to stay: Sullivans Loft in Newlyn (less than 2 miles)

Visit them online

Lily Farm Vineyard

Budleigh Salterton, Devon

With its warm temperate climate, it’s unsurprising that Devon’s valleys yield some very good wine indeed, and the small family run, award-winning boutique vineyard at Lily Farm is no stranger to world-class viticulture.

Producers since 2005 each vintage possesses its own unique character and all are suitable for vegetarians and vegans; and if that weren’t enough of a reason to visit their vineyard, they happen to also be situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so you’ll have some lovely walks to enjoy after your tasting.

What they offer:
Guided tour of the vineyard and a tasting of four of their award winning still and sparkling wines. (From May to September 2023)

Where to stay: Poplar Cottage in Budleigh Salterton (about 1.5 miles)

Visit them online

Alder Vineyard

Okehampton, Devon

Reliable sources from right here within our LC team say that this is one of the loveliest places they’ve visited, and some of the best wines they’ve tasted.

Resting on the edge of Dartmoor, Alder Estate is home to some 5000 vines from which is produced 3 delicious and delicate wines; white, rose and sparkling. The atmosphere is personal and casual so expect to feel thoroughly welcomed. If you’re peckish or you’d like to linger for lunch after your tasting, their kitchen serves up delectable bites like cheese and charcuterie platters, homemade open sandwiches and winter warmers.

What they offer:
Vineyard tour and wine tasting
Private group vineyard tours
Winery tour, tasting, and 2 course Christmas lunch (1st to 24th December 2022)

Where to stay: Roadford Lake Lodges in Lifton (about 5 miles)

Visit them online

Trevibban Mill Vineyard and Orchards

near Padstow, Cornwall

Tucked away down a campion-lined Cornish lane, Trevibban Mill, is a family-run working vineyard, winery just a stone’s throw from the picturesque harbour town, Padstow.

Established in 2008 the vineyard is situated on a working arable farm and produces high quality sparkling and still wine including their WineGB Award-winning Black Ewe Pinot Noir Rosé, Constantine, Black Ram Red, Pinot Noir and Rosé Sparkling – yum!

What they offer:
Wine Tasting (please pre-book 12-3.30pm Wednesday-Sunday)
Grand Walking Tour
Approx. 3-hour tour, includes lunch & wine tutored tasting (April to end Sept)
Guided Tours
Approx. 1 – 1.5 hours, 5 wine/cider tutored tasting ( Wed, Thurs, Sat from Feb to end October)

Where to stay: 10 The Whitehouse in Watergate Bay (about 8 miles)

Visit them online

Huxbear Vineyard

Teign Valley, Devon

Huxbear Vineyard was established in 2007 and has since been producing fabulous Boutique English wine from their acres of vineyards in the beautiful Teign Valley of Devon.

Their passion for sustainability means that their entire winery is off grid with minimum intervention vine growing and wine making practises. Look forward sampling to sampling their delectable Pinot Noir Rose Sparkling, Chardonnay (or Dancing Bear) and their award-winning Artio Bacchus.

What they offer:
Walking tours around the vineyard with a free wine tasting after. Tours also available by arrangement for those with limited mobility (closed from 1st November for winter)

Where to stay: South View Lodges near Exeter (about 8 miles)

 

Blog by Larah Walker | Content Executive for Luxury Coastal

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