Brightwell Vineyard

When	Days	Hours
Weekends, year-round	Sat, Sun	12:00–18:00

Wine sales Sat-Sun 12-6pm year-round (no Friday opening found on site, unlike previously recorded). Other days/times available from the vineyard house by appointment. Vineyard tours and tastings run most weekends in summer.

Opening hours can change for private events - it's always worth checking the vineyard's website before you visit.

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.

Wine Sales: Sales at other times can be arranged by appointment.

Tours & Tastings: Vineyard tours and wine tastings are offered, and advance booking is essential. Two options are available: the Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting (1 hour, from £15 per person) includes a guided walk through the vines followed by a tasting of three wines; the Winemaker's Tour (2 hours, from £25 per person) offers a more in-depth experience with a tasting of five wines covering white, rosé, red and sparkling. Group tours can be booked for up to 34 people. Gift vouchers for both tours are available in the online shop.

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. A beautiful lakeside area adjacent to the River Thames is available for private hire, suitable for events like wedding receptions or parties. The vineyard's sister company, Brightwell Marquees, can assist with wider hiring needs.

Accommodation: No accommodation is available directly on-site.

Dogs/Children: Dogs are welcome to enjoy the vineyard tours.

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.

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.

Book train tickets in advance via Trainline.

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.