Norfolk Vineyards
Published on
by Keys Holidays Cottages
Growing grapes is nothing new in Norfolk. It was the killer combination of Romans and monks who were responsible for the precursors to today’s successful vineyards. The Romans brought vines with them when they invaded in 43AD (showing that the Italians had their priorities sorted even 2000 years ago), and the tradition was carried on in the region’s monasteries.
In Norfolk we are lucky to have several excellent vineyards allowing us to enjoy quality local wine. Almost all of them encourage visitors, running tours and tastings, as well as a host of special events. In addition, ever June sees Norwich Wine week, which includes a three day wine festival in the city’s Chapelfield Gardens, as well as lots of restaurants, bars and retailers showcasing the county’s wines.
There has never been a better time to raise a glass to Norfolk wine. Cheers!
- Table of contents
- Chet Valley Vineyard
- Winbirri Vineyard
- Burn Valley Vineyard
- Flint Vineyard
- South Pickenham Estate Vineyard
- Babu's Vineyard
- Cobble Hill Winery
Chet Valley Vineyard
First planted in 2010, Chet Valley Vineyard, just south of Norwich, now has eight hectares (20 acres) under vine, with the ‘Champagne grapes’ of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier dominating, with other varieties such as Solaris, Pheonix, Regent and Seyval Blanc also featuring.
Two-thirds of the vineyard’s output is sparkling wine, all of it made by the Traditional Method (as used in Champagne). The ‘House of Hemmant’ range is rightly regarded as ‘Norfolk’s Champagne’, even if they are not allowed to call it that!
Chet Valley runs a regular programme of tours and tastings from April to October, with the opportunity to have lunch at the winery or enjoy a picnic amongst the vines. There is also a programme of themed food evenings across the summer.
Image: Chet Valley Vineyard
Find out moreWinbirri Vineyard
Founded in 2007 at Surlingham, just south of Norwich, Winbirri has risen to become one of the leading vineyards in Norfolk, and has built a reputation beyond the county’s borders, especially for its standout white wine.
Bacchus is the star at Winbirri, a status which was cemented when they carried off the ‘Best Value White Wine made from a Single Grape’ in the 2017 Decanter World Wine Awards. It’s not all about the Bacchus, though. The vineyard makes two white wines, three reds and three sparklers.
From May to August the vineyard runs ‘Norfolk Vineyard Tours and Tasting Experience Days’ hosted by winemaker Lee Dyer, consisting of a there hour experience visiting the vineyard, tasting the wines, and enjoying a cheese and charcuterie platter.
Image: Newman Associates PR
Find out moreBurn Valley Vineyard
Located on a family farm in North Creake in north Norfolk, the 12 acre Burn Valley Vineyard was planted in 2015, on south-facing slopes of free-draining flinty soil with a chalk base.
Red varieties Pinot Noir, Regent, Rondo and white grapes Bacchus, Chardonnay, Solaris, Seyval Blanc and Schönburger make up the mix. The vineyard makes white, rosé, red and sparkling wine, and has even made a dessert wine.
Burn Valley runs a programme of summer tasting events in a marquee next to its winery as well as one-off events such as steak nights and a summer jazz party in August.
Find out moreFlint Vineyard
Located in Earsham, close to the Suffolk border near Bungay, Flint Vineyard was established in 2016, and now has over 26,000 vines across six hectares, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir Précoce, Pinot Meunier Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Bacchus.
The vineyard is perhaps best known for its sparkling Charmat, made by the ‘tank’ method more familiar to those who enjoy Prosecco. There is a white and a rosé version.
Flint runs Discovery Tours of the vineyard (with optional lunch) and guided tastings. In addition, from May to September their once-a-month ‘Friday Nights at Camphill’ offers wine, local beers, street food and music.
Find out moreSouth Pickenham Estate Vineyard
Originally planted for private consumption by a previous owner of the estate, the two hectare South Pickenham Estate Vineyard near Swaffham is now a small commercial enterprise, producing around 3,000 bottles a year.
Among the wines on offer are a sparkling wine made from Seyval Blanc, Müller-Thurgau and Chardonnay, and a still rosé produced from Bacchus grapes.
The vineyard hosts a very small number of tours in August, which include a tour of the vineyard and a tasting event with nibbles.
Find out moreBabu's Vineyard
Planted in 2009, Babu’s Vineyard is a small, artisan vineyard and winery located in Weston Longville, to the northwest of Norwich. The vineyard has plantings of Solaris and Rondo, and produces a range of still wines, including a late harvest dessert wine and ‘The Rector’s red’, an oak-aged red wine named after the famous Parson Woodforde who lived in the Old Rectory next to the vineyard.
The vineyard offers tour and tasting events in July, August and September, with the option of staying for lunch or afternoon tea.
Image: Babu's Vineyard
Find out moreCobble Hill Winery
On the outskirts of popular north Norfolk village Burnham Market, the 3.6 hectare Cobble Hill Vineyard was first planted in 2016, with Pinot Noir, Bacchus and Chardonnay dominating. With the winery situated in a restored barn, Cobble Hill produces around 20,000 bottles a year.
The vineyard makes a number of white, rosé and sparkling wines, including an oak-aged pink fizz made from Pinot Noir.
Tours take place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through to October, and including glimpse into the vines, the winery, and of course a tasting of the wines, with a lunch platter included.
Find out more