Cornwall is one of the top English wine regions, vying with the likes of Kent, Sussex and Surrey. And the great news is that many of our most celebrated local vineyards are in beautiful spots, and open to visitors! We’ve rounded up the top four Cornish vineyards to visit; why not put wine tours and tastings on the itinerary for your next trip or day off?
Fancy hosting your own Cornish wine tasting? Check out our current selection of Cornish wines for sale online here.
Knightor Winery
Neighbouring the Eden Project near St Austell, Knightor is a vineyard and event venue where there’s always a good excuse to visit. This award-winning wine producer also owns vineyards at Seaton in South East Cornwall and Portscatho on the Roseland Peninsular, and sources fruit from other local growers. These small parcels of high-quality grapes are made into a fabulous range of still and sparkling wines. Our favourites are Trevannion White and Carpe Diem Rose – two brilliant expressions of English winemaking at its best.
Guided vineyard tours at Knightor are interesting, fun and informative. Guests are given an insight into the small-batch techniques which allow the expert winemakers to work with their greatest variable – the British climate.
A popular Sunday Lunch is served at Knightor Winery every week, and there are regular themed feast nights throughout the year.
Location: Trethurgy, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 8YQ. Visit the website here.
Polgoon Vineyard & Orchard
In West Cornwall on the outskirts of Penzance, Polgoon has established itself as critically acclaimed producer of modern, food-friendly Cornish wines and ciders.
The sunny, south-facing slopes soak up the summer warmth, and a mineral quality finds its way into the wines as a result of the granite-based soils. Some also detect a hint of salinity from the sea air, and notes of elderflower from the surrounding fields - characteristics which make Polgoon wines great matches for Cornish seafood.
A visit for a tour and tasting is a great way to discover more about growing grapes in the Cornish climate, and what makes Cornish wines so special. Guided tours take place throughout the year, and self-guided tours are also possible between March – September. During the spring and summer, platters of local cheeses, charcuterie and pizzas are served outdoors at The Vine House Kitchen.
Location: Polgoon Vineyard & Orchard, Rosehill, Penzance. Visit the website here.
Camel Valley
Conveniently located just off the Camel Trail, an 18-mile-long cycle path which follows the route of a disused railway line, Camel Valley is probably Cornwall’s best-known vineyard. The Lindo family have won multiple international awards for their still and sparkling wines since the vineyard was established on these riverside slopes in 1989 – they’ve even triumphed over Champagne in some competitions.
The view from the terrace is spectacular – especially when enjoyed with a glass of fizz in hand. Guided tours take place daily, finishing with a wine flight of four of Camel Valley’s most iconic wines.
Location: Camel Valley is located on the River Camel at Nanstallon, between Bodmin and Wadebridge. Visit the website here.
Trevibban Mill
Trevibban Mill near Padstow produces a highly regarded selection of white, sparkling, rose and red wines. Looked out for Constantine, which won the WineGB West Award for Best Oaked White Wine in 2022.
Slate soils imbue these wines with distinctive purity and mineral notes, and the ‘mixed farm’ approach combining wildflower meadows, orchards, beehives and grazing land makes for a pleasant environment for vines and visitors. All the land at Trevibban Mill is farmed as naturally as possible to encourage bees, birds and wildlife.
A striking, contemporary cellar-door houses the wine-making facilities, a bar and an event space – all within striking distance of North Coast delights including Padstow, Rock and Port Isaac. Various types of tours and tastings take place from early spring to autumn, and light lunches are served in the tasting room and on the balcony, overlooked the lovingly-tended vines.
Location: Trevibban Mill Vineyard, Dark Lane, Nr Padstow, Wadebridge PL27 7SE. Visit the website here.
