Wraxall Vineyard sits on a south facing slope in Somerset, overlooking the beautiful Vale of Avalon. Established in nineteen seventy four, this historic estate benefits from a unique microclimate that helps grow high quality grapes. It is one of the oldest vineyards in the region, known for producing still and sparkling wines that reflect the local limestone soils.
What You Can Do
Visitors can book guided tours of the beautiful Somerset site, walking through the rows of Pinot Noir and Bacchus vines. The estate features a modern tasting space called The View, where hosts guide guests through flights of their current releases. You can sit on the terrace during warmer months and look out over the rolling hills while enjoying a glass of wine.
What They Offer
The estate offers a range of wines, including a crisp dry white and a classic cuvee sparkling wine. While there is no overnight accommodation directly on the estate, they host regular events, seasonal workshops, and yoga sessions in their pavilion. The architecture is clean and modern, designed to blend into the surrounding agricultural landscape.
Activities
Beyond the vine rows, guests can explore walking trails that lead into the nearby Mendip Hills. The historic town of Glastonbury and the city of Wells are just a short drive away, offering cultural sights and historic architecture. The vineyard also hosts seasonal harvest events where volunteers can experience the grape picking process firsthand.
Food to Eat
The View serves seasonal platters featuring local Somerset cheeses, cured meats, and fresh bread. The food philosophy focuses on simple, high quality ingredients sourced from nearby farms. These platters are carefully curated to pair with the high acidity and fresh profiles of the estate wines.
Why Visit
Wraxall Vineyard provides a quiet and authentic look into English winemaking. It combines a long history with a fresh, contemporary approach to hospitality, making it an excellent stop for anyone exploring the West Country.
The peaceful atmosphere and the stunning views from the tasting room make this a memorable stop. The staff are highly knowledgeable and welcome questions about the growing process. While the lack of onsite accommodation means you have to plan your journey home, the quality of the wines and the quiet setting make it worth the trip.