Vineyards in Cambridge
Top vineyards in Cambridge
The Cambridge Winelands? Indeed, there are some excellent vineyards in Cambridge and on our doorstep. Who would have thought 20 years ago that the English wine industry would be booming? It certainly is! In 2020 there were 522 commercial vineyards and 164 wineries in England producing 15 million bottles. That is two and a half times more than five years ago.
In Cambridge, we have three vineyards and one winery right on our doorstep, and they are all open to the public! That makes Cambridge a perfect destination for wine lovers, but visiting these vineyards are just as enjoyable if you’re not a wine buff and just like a good glass of wine.
Gutter & Stars Wine
Cambridge’s first urban winery is the brainchild of wine writer Chris Wilson. This unique winery is housed in the basement of a Grade II listed mill less than a mile from Cambridge’s centre.
Chris is sourcing his grapes from the neighbouring county Essex, the Missing Gate Vineyard and started production in October 2020. This urban winery will only produce small batches, with about 2,000 in the first year, and that number will increase over the following years. Three to four wines in total, using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Bacchus, aiming at classic styles with a modern twist.
The first Gutter & Stars wine will be launched on Monday the 3rd of May. The ‘I Wanna Be Adored’ Bacchus 2020 has now been bottled and will be available for sale on their website and from the winery at Chesterton Mill.
They are throwing open the winery doors at Chesterton Mill (Willy Wonka style) on 3rd May between 10am and 4pm for customers to see where the wine is made, meet winemaker Chris and snap up the first bottles of Bacchus.
Chilford Hall
Situated amongst the stunning rolling chalk hills of the Cambridgeshire downs, the award-winning Chilford hall is one of the oldest established English vineyards.
Since its first planting in 1972, the vineyard has grown in size and now covers more than 20 acres, comprised of 9 different vine varieties, each chosen to perfectly match the estate’s climate and soil conditions.
All of the wines produced on the estate are made exclusively from the grapes grown and harvested here in any given year, using a slightly different blend and taste. This makes each wine a unique drinking experience from one vintage to the next. Chilford Hall produces high quality red, white, rosé and sparkling wines.
The vineyard is now a prime visitor attraction, producing more than 18,000 bottles of still and sparkling wine each year.
Saffron Grange
This family-run vineyard lies on the outskirts of the historic market town of Saffron Walden, once upon a time known for its Saffron production. The unique soil that enabled the crocus to flourish here is the key to growing the highest quality grapes that make the premium Saffron Grange English sparkling wines.
The rare soil formation at Saffron Grange perfectly combined with the unique climate in this pretty area of England creates excellent conditions to grow grapes. Their highly regarded sparkling wines can be found at many local top restaurants.
Elysian Vineyards and Winery
Just a stone’s throw away from the Cathedral city Ely in the fend, this boutique vineyard and winery has produced red, white and rose for a long time. They have recently added sparkling rosé to their range. Wines are not sold on-site, and visits are by prior arrangement only.
Wine Tastings
Are you a wine buff or keen to learn more about wine, or just like to have a fun experience? Join a wine tasting course. You’ll look at wine in a whole new way…as well as sniffing and tasting it!
While tasting top wines, you’ll learn how a region, climate, winemaking techniques and many other factors affect the final product in the bottle. These courses will set you in the right direction to find the wines you enjoy, pairing wines when you’re out for a meal, and you’ll be a right wine buff before you know it.
Check out our local specialists who are offering wine tastings online during the pandemic too.
Local Wine Merchants
Looking for a fine wine or keen to let your hair down at one of the Cambridge wine bars? Here are our picks of the best wine merchants in Cambridge.
Locations
our tip – join a Masterclass
check out or offering of tastings and Masterclasses
