Astley Vineyard

Where some of England's oldest vines, listed on the Global Old Vine Registry, cultivate Kerner, one of the UK's rarest commercially grown varieties, offering a distinct taste of England's vinous history.

https://astleyvineyard.co.uk/

Astley Vineyard, Crundles Lane, Astley, Stourport on Severn, Worcestershire, DY13 0RU Get directions

Nearest station: Hartlebury (5.9 miles).

Public tours

Private tours

Self-guided tours

Tasting room

Child friendly

Online shop

Winery on site

Walking trail

Disabled access

Award-winning

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

What's the vibe

Astley Vineyard offers a peaceful and inviting experience, set amidst beautiful scenery in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside. It's a charming, family-run establishment where the passion for winemaking is evident, focusing on quality over quantity.

Visiting information

Shop Hours: The cellar door shop is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:30 am until 4:00 pm. Appointments outside these hours are also welcome.Tours & Tastings: Vineyard tours are available by pre-booking only and typically run from May 1st to October 31st. Tours are intimate, relaxed, and informative, lasting approximately two and a half hours, and often book up quickly. Self-guided "Walk & Wine" tours are also offered Friday to Sunday.

On-site Amenities: While there is no full restaurant, guests can enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace or in the Wine Garden after a tour.

Accommodation: Astley Vineyard offers two cosy shepherd huts nestled among the vines for an unforgettable escape, with stays including two places on a vineyard tour.

Children & Dogs: Children are welcome at the vineyard. However, dogs cannot be accommodated on tours to preserve wildlife.

Accessibility: Access to the vineyard is via an uneven, sloped path through a wooded valley, so sturdy shoes are advised. Transportation via a 4x4 vehicle can be arranged upon request for those with walking difficulties.

The Wine

Astley Vineyard primarily produces still white wines from a unique selection of grape varieties, including Madeleine Angevine, Siegerrebe, and Bacchus. Their pride is Kerner, an uncommon vinifera cross of Riesling and Trollinger, making Astley the only UK vineyard to commercially grow this variety. They also produce a sparkling Kerner and occasionally a Late Harvest wine, along with small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

The vineyard boasts its own modern winery, built in 2018, ensuring complete control over the winemaking process and allowing for experimentation. This allows for a "grape to glass" journey of only 200 metres.

Astley Vineyard has garnered numerous accolades for its wines. In 2018, their Vintage Sparkling Kerner 2014 was awarded a Gold Medal at the Independent English Wine Awards (IEWA), alongside silver and bronze medals for their Bacchus 2016 and Old Vine Kerner 2015. More recently, they secured a Silver Medal for their Madeleine 2022 at the Wine GB West Awards in 2023. Their wines have also been recommended by notable figures like Rick Stein and featured in publications such as The Telegraph and Decanter Magazine.

The vineyard is deeply committed to environmental stewardship. They manage the estate using organic principles as far as possible, minimising the use of harmful chemicals and promoting natural methods to enhance soil and plant health. This includes dedicating one-third of their vineyard to wildflowers, enhancing biodiversity, and implementing initiatives like leaving deadwood for habitat and maintaining hedgerows. They have also invested in sustainability through solar panel installation and battery storage, reducing their energy costs significantly, and received the "Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Business of the Year" award in 2024 from Visit Worcestershire.

Getting here

By Car: Astley Vineyard is located 10 miles north of Worcester, easily found with brown tourism signs on the B4196 between Astley and Shrawley.

By Public Transport: The nearest railway stations are Droitwich Spa and Worcester, from which visitors typically take a taxi. A taxi ride from Droitwich Spa generally takes around 15-20 minutes, while from Worcester Foregate Street, it's approximately 20-25 minutes. Although infrequent, a bus service runs through Astley, so visitors should check local schedules.

What's nearby

Restaurants:
- The New Inn (Shrawley): A country pub offering local charm and dining.
- Broomfields of Holt: A rural farm shop and cafe perfect for a casual meal or local produce.
Hotels:
- Cottage In The Wood (Malvern): A notable hotel offering comfortable stays with scenic views.
- Nest at Winnall: Luxury rural cottages for a tranquil retreat.
Attractions:
- Malvern Hills: A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering stunning landscapes and walking trails.
- Severn Valley Railway: A heritage railway offering steam train journeys through picturesque countryside.