What would Valentines be without a cheeky glass of wine with your darling? Enjoy a stay in the South and West with your beau and get all loved up at a bespoke local vineyard.
Whether you enjoy red, white or rose, a glass of wine perfectly complements a romantic day together while you’re away on holiday. We’re lucky to have a wonderful warm climate in the South and West which we certainly enjoy in the summer. But all year round the weather is great for growing local produce, especially grape vines.
Most vineyards in the South and West close over the winter and reopen again in March so if you’re keen for the all-out vineyard experience of a tour amongst the vines and a taster of the grapes at their best, you may want to visit later on in the year or check opening times with the vineyard beforehand. But if you’re around, it would be a shame to miss out on trying some wine from the area. To make the most of your stay, pick up an extra special bottle of vino to enjoy over dinner in your self catering cottage. A local bottle of wine brings a taste of the south and west to your meal and supports the people who live and work at the vineyard too.
All over the South and West there are wonderful vineyards offering everything from wine tasting to grand tours. These are some of our recommendations for places, one from each county, to pick up a special bottle of bubbly to celebrate valentines in style with your love.
Camel Valley (Bodmin, Cornwall)
On the sun drenched slopes of the Camel River is Camel Valley’s vineyard. One of the largest vineyard’s in Cornwall, there’s plenty of wines to try here. A focus on sparkling white wines means a delectable bottle of 2013 Camel Valley ‘Cornwall’ Brut will not disappoint your taste buds. There’s a bottle to suit every budget and occasion. You can also order a bottle of fizz online, ready to be thoroughly enjoyed along with the hot tub at your holiday cottage.
Sharpham Cheese and Wine (Totnes, Devon)
There is no better combination in life than wine and cheese. Other than maybe your partner and yourself, right? Using terroir grapes, Sharpham create an amazing array of award-winning wines on their site. With cheeses made just next door, you’re in for a fantastic foodie night in. Plus with a cafe open from March 2017, this may be a stop you have to make every time you visit Devon.
P.s you may remember, we featured them in our 2016 brochure for their love of the area and the stunning setting of the estate.
Oatley Vineyard (Cannington, Somerset)
Crisp, dry white wines made in the heart of Somerset. Oatley Vineyard is a beautiful place to spend a romantic afternoon together. Winning a number of international awards, Oatley wines are the perfect addition to your home cooked meal in your holiday let. So dim the lights, get the fire warming and snuggle up together for a cosy Valentines night in.
Furleigh Estate (Bridport, Dorset)
A large vineyard near Bridport, Furleigh offers incredibly luxurious wines for every occasion. They are offering tours in February but be quick as bookings fill up fast. Enjoy a wander through the vines before taste testing each wine to choose one (or three) to take home and sip on throughout the rest of your relaxing couples break away.
Hattingley Valley (Alresford, Hampshire)
Hattingley Valley is a lovely vineyard to visit with your valentine. With a specialism in sparkling wines, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a bottle to celebrate with after your visit. You can order a bottle from the online, but why not stop by and catch a glimpse of the vines? Being able to see where your vino came from will certainly make it taste better.
