Amber Valley Wines

A pioneering Derbyshire vineyard where ancient winemaking traditions produce one of England's few orange wines.

https://www.ambervalleyvineyards.co.uk/

Back Lane, Wessington, DE55 6DL Get directions

Nearest station: Alfreton (4.3 miles).

Public tours

Private tours

Self-guided tours

Tasting room

Dog friendly

Child friendly

Online shop

Winery on site

Walking trail

Disabled access

Award-winning

Hosts weddings

Organic or sustainable

While we update listings frequently, we suggest confirming important details with the vineyard to avoid any surprises.

What's the vibe

Amber Valley Wines offers a tranquil escape, inviting visitors to reconnect with nature amidst the gentle grandeur of Derbyshire's Amber Valley. It provides a relaxed, idyllic environment perfect for those seeking a peaceful vineyard experience.

Visiting information

Cellar Door: The Cellar Door shop and bar is generally open most Saturday afternoons from 1pm to 4pm, allowing visitors to pop in for wine sales and drinks. It is advisable to check their website or contact them beforehand to confirm opening times.Tours & Tastings: Guided tours explore the vineyard year and winemaking process, often followed by tastings in the orchard or the Cellar Door tasting rooms. Tours typically last around 1.5 hours. These are not drop-in; scheduled tour dates are available and require pre-booking, with options for private and corporate tours.
Food: While there isn't a full restaurant, guests can pre-order delicious picnic or cream tea boxes to enjoy in the orchard, paired with their wines, particularly when booking a tour.
Events: Amber Valley Wines hosts a variety of special events, including monthly Summer Farmers Markets and Artisan Markets, as well as occasional "Fizz n' Chip Friday's" and Wassailing events.
Accommodation: The vineyard offers two holiday cottages for rent in the nearby town of Belper, located approximately 8 miles away.
Children & Dogs: The vineyard and orchard area are generally welcoming to children and dogs, especially for self-guided walks and picnics.

The Wine

Amber Valley Wines produces a diverse range of award-winning English wines, reflecting the unique terroir of Derbyshire. Their portfolio includes both sparkling and still wines, alongside more unique offerings. They produce crisp, dry still white wines and a vibrant dry rosé, Elsa Pink 2023, crafted from varieties like Pinot Noir Précoce, Phoenix, and Rondo. Their sparkling wines include the Lindway Brook Vintage Cuvée Brut 2018 and the Lindway Brook Pink 2019. Uniquely, they also produce "Amber Wine," an orange wine made in the Amber Valley. Additionally, they craft cider from apples grown in their heritage apple orchard.

The vineyard has received international acclaim for its wines. At the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2025, their Elsa Pink 2023 was awarded a Silver Medal with 90 points, and their first red wine, Amara (a Pinot Noir Précoce from 2024), received a commendation. Previously, their Lindway Brook Vintage Cuvée Brut 2018 earned a Bronze Medal at the IWC 2021.

Amber Valley Wines is committed to sustainable and environmentally conscious practices, adopting regenerative viticulture. They focus on working in harmony with nature, growing organically, and eschewing chemical herbicides and pesticides to foster healthy, living soils and enhance biodiversity. The vineyard is also working towards becoming a net-zero carbon business. An ambitious agroforestry orchard project is underway, integrating heritage orcharding, viticulture, and wildflower conservation to create a resilient and ecologically rich landscape.

While they grow their own grapes, Amber Valley Wines collaborates with external winemakers, such as Three Choirs, to bring their fruit to life, indicating a focus on grape quality and expert processing.

Getting here

By Car:

The Cellar Door is located at Back Lane, Wessington, Alfreton DE55 6DL.

By Public Transport:

Public transport options to the vineyard are limited. Visitors are advised to check local bus services or arrange for a taxi from nearby towns such as Alfreton or Belper.

What's nearby

The Amber Valley region, nestled on the edge of the Peak District, offers a variety of attractions, dining, and accommodation options.

Notable Restaurants:
The Barrel Inn: A traditional Derbyshire country inn dating back to 1597, known for its panoramic "five counties view" and locally sourced food.
Nourish at No.: A popular shabby chic café-bistro located in the bustling market town of Belper.

Notable Hotels:
Makeney Hall Hotel: A Victorian manor blending classic elegance with modern comforts, offering various accommodation types.
The Lion Hotel: Located in Belper, providing a convenient base for exploring the area.

Notable Attractions:
Crich Tramway Village: A lovingly restored period village featuring the National Tramway Museum, offering tram rides through the Derbyshire countryside.
Heage Windmill: The only working stone-towered, multi-sailed windmill in England, offering insights into its 18th-century history.