Brightwell Vineyard

Experience Brightwell Vineyard, where award-winning wines share the spotlight with 'Rush,' an English Brandy noted as one of the first of its kind.

https://www.brightwellvineyard.co.uk/

Brightwell Vineyard, Shillingford Road, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8LJ, England. Get directions

Nearest station: Cholsey (4.1 miles).

Public tours

Private tours

Tasting room

Dog friendly

Winery on site

Walking trail

Disabled access

Hosts weddings

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

What's the vibe

Brightwell Vineyard offers a welcoming and personal experience, ideal for those new to English wines, guided by knowledgeable owners in a natural, secluded setting by the River Thames. Visitors often find the tours informative and engaging, even for their canine companions.

Visiting information

Wine Sales: The vineyard shop is open for wine sales on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 PM to 6 PM. Sales at other times can be arranged by appointment at the vineyard house.Tours & Tastings: Vineyard tours and wine tastings are offered most weekends from May/June to September, and advance booking is essential. These typically include a guided walk through the vines and a tutored tasting of their wines.

Cafe/Restaurant: There is no on-site restaurant or cafe.

Special Events: Brightwell Vineyard hosts various events throughout the year, including the annual Thames Valley Food & Drink Festival held in August. A beautiful lakeside area adjacent to the River Thames is available for private hire from June to September, suitable for events like wedding receptions or parties.

Accommodation: No accommodation is available directly on-site.

Dogs/Children: Dogs are welcome and have been known to enjoy the vineyard tours.

The Wine

Brightwell Vineyard produces a diverse range of still and sparkling wines, including white, rosé, and red varieties, alongside an acclaimed English Brandy. Key grape varieties grown on their 16 acres include Bacchus, Chardonnay, Huxelrebe, Dornfelder, and Pinot Noir. The vineyard is particularly recognised for the quality of its red wines, notably Pinot Noir, which recently secured a silver medal in the International Wine Competition in 2024 and was noted as one of the top 5 UK red wines by the International Wine Challenge. Their wines have frequently garnered medals in regional, national, and international competitions, with past accolades including bronze awards at the Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2010. Even Buckingham Palace placed an order for their wines in 2010.

The wines are crafted in the vineyard's on-site winery using natural, minimum intervention methods, allowing the distinct flavours of each grape variety to express themselves.

Information regarding specific organic, regenerative, or certified sustainability practices for Brightwell Vineyard is not publicly available.

Getting here

By Car: Brightwell Vineyard is located about a 20-minute drive from Oxford, approximately one mile north of Wallingford on the road towards Shillingford.

By Public Transport: The nearest train station is Didcot Parkway. Frequent bus services connect Oxford, Reading, and Henley to Wallingford, from where a taxi would be required to reach the vineyard.

What's nearby

Discover local highlights close to Brightwell Vineyard:

Notable Restaurants:
- The Red Lion: A charming 16th-century thatched inn offering traditional pub fare in the heart of Brightwell-cum-Sotwell.
- Shellfish Cow Restaurant & Bar: Located in Wallingford, offering a diverse menu with a focus on seafood.
Notable Hotels:
- Shillingford Bridge Hotel: A riverside hotel offering scenic views and comfortable accommodation near Shillingford.
- The George Hotel: A historic 16th-century coaching inn situated in the centre of Wallingford.
Notable Attractions:
- Cholsey & Wallingford Railway: Experience nostalgic steam train rides on this heritage railway.
- Wallingford Castle Gardens & Meadows: Explore the tranquil grounds and ruins of Wallingford Castle.