A Guide to Exploring Somerset's Vineyards

The Diverse Terroir: Somerset's varied geology creates distinctive wine-growing conditions. The Mendip Hills' limestone-rich soils at sites like Aldwick (300-acre farm beneath the northern slopes) provide excellent drainage and mineral character. The Quantock Hills - England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - shelter vineyards like Oatley on south-east facing slopes with iron-rich red sandy loam, creating warm sites moderated by the Bristol Channel (3 miles away). The Yeo Valley's gentle slopes and sheltered position produce wines with elegance and freshness. Somerset's mild maritime climate, influenced by the Gulf Stream, allows for longer growing seasons than many English regions, producing wines with ripeness balanced by natural acidity.

The Artisan Approach: Somerset viticulture emphasizes quality over quantity, with small family-run vineyards practicing sustainable, low-intervention methods. Oatley has practiced eco-friendly husbandry for 30+ years, creating a tranquil wildlife haven - "the countryside as it used to be." Aldwick's hand-tended vines ensure attention to detail that allows grapes to express natural character. Wraxall, reborn under new ownership in 2021, hosts wellbeing retreats alongside wine tourism. This artisan spirit, combined with Somerset's famous hospitality, creates intimate, personal experiences where owners often lead tours themselves, sharing their passion directly with visitors.

The West Country Integration: Somerset wine tourism integrates seamlessly with the county's broader attractions - Wells Cathedral and medieval streets, Glastonbury Tor and mythology, Cheddar Gorge and caves, the Somerset Levels, Quantock Hills walks, and exceptional local food culture. Aldwick is just 20 minutes from Bristol's urban attractions and culture. Oatley sits near medieval villages and coastline. Somerset combines wine with West Country authenticity - a refreshing alternative to the more established (and busier) wine regions of southern England.

Essex vineyards are close to London, light on the theatrics, and quietly turning out some of England’s most convincing wines. These are some of the best:

Aldwick Estate (Redhill, near Bristol)
Somerset's largest vineyard (11 acres across two vineyards) on 300-acre family farm beneath Mendip Hills. Produces award-winning still and sparkling wines from six grape varieties including Pinot Noir, Seyval, Bacchus, Madeleine Angevine, Solaris, and Regent. Cellar door open Monday-Thursday 10am-5pm for wine sales. 90-minute guided tours run Sundays and Mondays April-October (12pm and 3pm, approximately £25, pre-booking essential). Tours start with sparkling wine and video, vineyard walk, conclude in tasting room sampling various vintages. Four bedrooms and two self-catering apartments available (from approximately £100/night). Wedding and events venue with two stone barns. Just 20 minutes from Bristol city center. Nearest station: Yatton or Bristol Temple Meads (taxi required).

Oatley Vineyard (near Cannington, Bridgwater)
Small artisan family-run vineyard (5 acres) nestled in Quantock Hills AONB foothills, established 1986. 30+ years of low-intervention eco-friendly husbandry creating tranquil wildlife haven. International award-winning crisp dry still white wines (20+ year track record) including signature Leonora. Free visiting and tasting year-round (call 01278 671340 or email for appointment). Wine by glass or bottle, vineyard walks. Various experience packages including DIY picnics among vines (bring your own or order from local Blackmore Farm Shop) - £30 includes 3 bottles wine. Tours for groups. Genuine uncommercial atmosphere down tree-tunneled lane - "the countryside as it used to be." Nearest station: Bridgwater (taxi required, approximately 6 miles).

Wraxall Vineyard (near Shepton Mallet)
One of UK's oldest vineyards (over 50 years) on beautiful south-facing hill surrounded by fertile soils and countryside. Purchased 2021 by Lexa and David leading vineyard into new era. The View@Wraxall restaurant and event space with spectacular views over 25 miles of Somerset. Regular events including Summer Sundays, Chef Series Supper Clubs, Pizza on the Vines, family-friendly events, wellbeing retreats. Wine tastings in restaurant with local cheese pairings. Nearest station: Castle Cary (taxi required).

Fenny Castle Vineyard (near Wells)
Family-run vineyard offering Saturday tours at 4pm April-October (2 hours, approximately £25). Insight into every aspect of grape growing from varieties to vine development and winemaking. Concludes with tasting of award-winning wines, available for purchase from cellar door shop. Nearest station: Castle Cary (taxi required).

Other producers: Combe Hay Vineyard (near Bath), Dunleavy Vineyards (Yeo Valley, multi-award winning rosé and sparkling), Secret Valley Vineyard (Quantocks with glamping), and several smaller estates contributing to Somerset's growing wine reputation.

What can you expect from wine tasting in Somerset?

Tastings differ between vineyards and tasting flights can change, though Somerset vineyards often pour wines made from Seyval Blanc, Rondo or Regent, alongside more familiar grapes - giving tastings a slightly old-school feel.

How many vineyards in a day? Realistically 1-2 vineyards. Somerset vineyards are scattered across the county - Aldwick (Mendips) to Oatley (Quantocks) is approximately 1 hour's drive. Tours at Aldwick run 90 minutes, Fenny Castle 2 hours. Allow time for Wells exploring, Cheddar Gorge visiting, or Quantock Hills walking between vineyard stops.

Vineyard locations:

• Mendip Hills area: Aldwick Estate (near Bristol/Bath), Wraxall (near Shepton Mallet), Fenny Castle (near Wells)
• Quantock Hills area: Oatley (near Cannington/Bridgwater)
• Between clusters: Approximately 45-60 minutes by car

Booking: Aldwick accepts walk-ins Monday-Thursday for cellar door sales but tours require pre-booking (Sundays/Mondays April-October). Oatley operates by appointment year-round - call 01278 671340 or email. Fenny Castle tours Saturdays 4pm April-October require booking. Summer months book quickly - reserve well ahead.

Best times to visit:

• Spring (April-May): Vineyards reopen for tours, countryside blooms, Wells Saturday market lively. Good weather before summer crowds. Aldwick and Fenny Castle tours begin April.
• Summer (May-September): Peak season with full tour schedules, Summer Sundays at Wraxall, outdoor vineyard picnics at Oatley. Warm weather perfect for Quantock Hills walks and Cheddar Gorge exploring. Book ahead.
• Autumn (September-October): Harvest time - hand-picking at vineyards. Beautiful autumn colors across Mendips and Quantocks. Fenny Castle tours continue through October. Glastonbury Festival not on (late June when it runs).
• Winter (November-March): Aldwick cellar door remains open Monday-Thursday. Oatley available by appointment. Most tour schedules reduced. Check opening times carefully. Wells Christmas Market atmospheric. Quieter season good for cozy pub lunches and cathedral exploring.

Vineyard Accommodation:

• Aldwick Estate - Four bedrooms and two self-catering apartments with vineyard views (from approximately £100/night)
• Secret Valley Glamping - Wigwams, tipis, yurts, lodges (some with hot tubs) near Oatley in Quantock Hills AONB (4 miles from Oatley)

Wells (Best central base):
England's smallest city with magnificent medieval cathedral, Bishop's Palace, atmospheric streets. Central position for both Mendip vineyards (20-30 minutes) and Quantock vineyards (40 minutes). Lively Saturday market. No direct train (nearest: Castle Cary 12 miles, then bus/taxi, or Bristol/Bath then bus). Range of hotels, B&Bs, historic coaching inns. Excellent restaurants and independent shops. Perfect for combining wine with history, architecture, and West Country character.

Bath (For culture & spa heritage):
World Heritage City with Roman Baths, Georgian architecture, excellent restaurants. Direct trains from London Paddington (approximately 1.5 hours). Just 30 minutes from Aldwick and Combe Hay. Wide range of accommodation from budget to luxury spa hotels. Best for combining wine with world-class culture and Roman heritage.

Bristol (Urban base near vineyards):
Vibrant city with Brunel heritage, excellent food scene, harbor culture. Direct trains from London Paddington (approximately 1.5-2 hours). Just 20 minutes from Aldwick. Huge range of accommodation. Good for combining wine tourism with urban attractions, though less characterful as countryside base.

Bridgwater (For Quantock vineyards):
Historic market town near Oatley (6 miles). Direct trains from London Paddington via Taunton (approximately 2.5 hours total) or Bristol. Range of hotels and B&Bs. Good base for Quantock Hills exploring and western Somerset vineyards.

Glastonbury (Mystical base):
Famous for Glastonbury Tor, Abbey ruins, alternative culture, mythology. Approximately 30-40 minutes from Mendip vineyards. No train (nearest: Castle Cary). Hotels, B&Bs, and characterful accommodation. Unique atmosphere combining wine with Arthurian legend and New Age culture.

By Train:

• From London Paddington to Bath Spa: Direct trains, approximately 1.5 hours
• From London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads: Direct trains, approximately 1.5-2 hours
• From London Paddington to Bridgwater: Via Bristol or Taunton, approximately 2-2.5 hours total
• From London Paddington to Castle Cary: Direct trains, approximately 2 hours (for Wells area - 12 miles then bus/taxi)
• From Bristol to Bath: Frequent trains, approximately 15 minutes
• From Exeter to Bridgwater/Taunton: Frequent trains, approximately 1 hour

By Car:

• From London: Approximately 2-2.5 hours (120-140 miles) via M3/M4 to Bath/Bristol or M3/M5 to Wells/Bridgwater
• From Bristol: Approximately 20-40 minutes to Mendip vineyards (10-20 miles)
• From Bath: Approximately 30-45 minutes to Mendip vineyards (15-20 miles)
• From Exeter: Approximately 1 hour to Quantock vineyards (45 miles)
• Car strongly recommended for visiting multiple vineyards as they're scattered across Somerset with very limited public transport connections.

Getting to Vineyards:

• Aldwick: Off A38 approximately 12 miles southwest of Bristol. Taxi from Bristol Temple Meads or Yatton station (approximately 25 minutes).
• Oatley: Down narrow lane north of A39 between Nether Stowey and Cannington. Taxi from Bridgwater station (approximately 6 miles).
• Wraxall: Near Shepton Mallet. Taxi from Castle Cary station (approximately 20 minutes).
• Between vineyard clusters: Approximately 45-60 minutes by car with no practical public transport. Car or pre-booked taxis essential for multi-vineyard touring.

Wells & Cathedral:

• Wells Cathedral - Magnificent medieval cathedral with famous scissor arches
• Bishop's Palace - Medieval palace with moat and gardens
• Vicar's Close - Oldest continuously inhabited street in Europe
• Wells Saturday Market - Lively weekly market

Mendip Hills & Caves:

• Cheddar Gorge - Britain's largest gorge with caves and cliff walks
• Wookey Hole Caves - Ancient caves and attractions
• Mendip Hills AONB - Walking, cycling, spectacular views
• Cheddar cheese heritage - visit cheddar-makers

Quantock Hills AONB:

• England's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (designated 1956)
• Walking trails with coastal and moorland views
• Red deer and diverse wildlife
• Medieval villages - Nether Stowey (Coleridge Cottage)

Glastonbury:

• Glastonbury Abbey - Ruined abbey with Arthurian legends
• Glastonbury Tor - Iconic hill with tower, panoramic views
• Alternative shops, healing centers, mythology
• Glastonbury Festival site (late June when festival runs)

Food & Drink:

• Somerset cider - county famous for traditional cider-making
• Cheddar cheese - visit producers in Cheddar village
• Bath's excellent restaurant scene
• Bristol's diverse food culture and harbor restaurants
• Somerset Levels produce - eels, withy crafts, local farms
• Gastropubs showcasing West Country ingredients