Chafor Wine Estate

What's the vibe?

Chafor Wine Estate offers a relaxed, friendly, and family-run experience in rural Buckinghamshire. Established in 2009 and run by Tim and Sarah Chafor, it has become a well-known local fixture over the past 25 years, particularly during the summer months, when visitors gather to enjoy wine with friends and family in the vineyard setting. The atmosphere is informal and welcoming, with open views across the vines and a strong sense of place.

Chafor Wine Estate welcomes visitors throughout the summer season, both for organised tours and for more informal visits to enjoy wine in the vineyard.

Open Hours:

The estate is typically open to walk-in visitors most weekends during the summer months, generally from April to August, 11am–5pm. Outside of the main season, visits are by appointment only. Free entry and parking are available.



Tours & Tastings:

Public tour and tasting experiences are available to book during the summer season. Visitors can also choose to meet friends and family in the Wine Garden to enjoy wines by the glass without joining a tour. Group bookings are available for private, corporate, and celebratory occasions.

Food:

While there is no permanent restaurant, the estate operates an open-air bar during the summer, serving its own wines alongside local beer and spirits, soft drinks, snacks, and food boards. The vineyard also hosts food-led events such as “Pizza & Pinot” evenings and BBQ events.

Events:

Chafor Wine Estate hosts a variety of seasonal events, including open days with local market stalls, food events, and celebrations such as harvest festivals and Christmas wine sale weekends. The venue is also used for private functions, wedding receptions, birthdays, hen parties, community groups, and car clubs.

Accommodation:

The estate offers caravan and motorhome camping, certified by the Wild Trails Camping Club.

Family & Pets:

Chafor is family-friendly, with a nature trail that visitors are free to stroll. Dogs are very welcome and are a common sight during summer visits.

Chafor Wine Estate produces a range of English sparkling and still wines from its on-site winery, with production fully overseen by Tim Chafor. The estate bottles up to seven wine variants each year and produces up to 22,000 bottles annually from estate-grown fruit.

The current range includes sparkling wines (Vintage Cuvée, Vintage Rosé, Sparkling Bacchus), still whites (Bacchus and Chardonnay Reserve), a rosé, and the Red Stag red wine. Wines are available to purchase directly from the cellar door, online, and through selected local retailers.

The estate has received multiple awards and regional recognition over the years, contributing to its strong reputation within Buckinghamshire and the surrounding area. Sustainability measures include recyclable corks and foils, as well as solar panels installed on the winery roof to support energy use.

Chafor Wine Estate is located at High Hedges Vineyard, Preston Bissett Road, Gawcott, Buckinghamshire, MK18 4HT.

By Car:

The vineyard is approximately a six-minute drive from Buckingham town centre, with easy access from the A421. It is well positioned between Bicester and Silverstone, and within reach of the wider Buckinghamshire and Cotswolds countryside.

By Public Transport:

The nearest bus stop is “Post Office, Gawcott,” a short walk from the vineyard. The nearest train station is Bicester North (around 8 miles away), with onward travel by taxi or bus required.

Chafor Wine Estate is well placed for exploring north Buckinghamshire and the surrounding countryside.

Notable Restaurants:

The restaurant at Villiers Hotel, Buckingham – AA Rosette-awarded dining in a historic coaching inn.

Buckingham town centre also offers a range of independent pubs and restaurants.

Notable Hotels:

Villiers Hotel, Buckingham – A 400-year-old coaching inn with an award-winning restaurant.

Horwood House Hotel, Little Horwood – Country house hotel with leisure facilities.

Notable Attractions:

Silverstone Interactive Museum – Motorsport museum near the famous circuit.

Bicester Village – Luxury shopping destination within easy driving distance.