Dunesforde Vineyard

You can visit Dunesforde Vineyard year-round to purchase wine from the Cellar Door, enjoy wines by the glass at the Cellar Bar and Terrace during the warmer months, or pre-book a tour and tasting experience during the main visitor season.

Cellar Door:

The Cellar Door is open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, year-round, for wine purchases to take away.

Cellar Bar & Terrace:

The Cellar Bar and Terrace are open seasonally from April to October, typically from 12pm to 6pm or 8pm depending on the day. Availability varies, so checking the website in advance is recommended.

Tours & Tastings:

Pre-booked tours and tastings run from April to October at 12pm and 3pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Booking in advance is essential, and spaces are limited.

The vineyard is closed on Sundays.

Food & Drink:

During the season, the Cellar Bar and Terrace serve Dunesforde wines by the glass or bottle, alongside cheese boards and sharing platters.

Special Events:

Dunesforde Vineyard hosts a programme of ticketed events throughout the year, including cheese and wine evenings, live music, and food-focused events. The venue is also available for private hire for celebrations and corporate gatherings.

Accommodation:

There is no accommodation on site.

Dogs:

Dogs are welcome around the vineyard and terrace areas. If attending a tour, visitors are advised to mention dogs at the time of booking. Water bowls are available.

Children:

Children aged 11 and over are permitted on tours. Under-18s do not participate in wine tastings.

Wheelchair access:

Level access is available to the ground floor, main entrances, and outdoor terrace. Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available on the ground and first floors. Upper floors are accessible by stairs only.

Dunesforde Vineyard was established in 2016 and is planted with approximately 6,000–6,500 vines across four acres in the Vale of York, making it one of the UK’s most northerly commercial vineyards. Grape varieties include Bacchus, Solaris, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir Précoce, selected for their suitability to cool northern conditions.

The range includes still white wines, a still red, and traditional-method sparkling wines, including white and rosé styles. Notable bottlings include the Still Pinot Gris and the Queen of the North Classic Cuvée.

Since releasing its first wines in 2019, Dunesforde has received significant recognition. Highlights include the Still Pinot Gris 2022 winning UK’s Best Single Varietal White Wine (Tom Day Trophy) at the WineGB Awards 2024, alongside a Gold Medal and regional trophy. The Queen of the North Classic Cuvée 2020 has received multiple national medals, including at WineGB and the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Winemaking is carried out in collaboration with partner wineries, including Halfpenny Green Wine Estate. While the vineyard works closely with its local environment, no formal organic or regenerative certifications are currently stated. Plans are in place to develop an on-site winery in the future.

Dunesforde Vineyard is located at Howe Field Road, Upper Dunsforth, North Yorkshire, YO26 9RU.

By car:

The vineyard is around six miles from the A1(M), accessed via rural country lanes.

By public transport:

The nearest train stations are York and Harrogate. From either, a taxi journey of approximately 25–35 minutes is required.

Here are some places to explore around Dunesforde Vineyard:

Other vineyards

• Yorkshire Heart Vineyard & Brewery (Nun Monkton) – Vineyard and brewery offering tours and tastings.

Restaurants

• The Yorke Arms, Ramsgill – Michelin-starred restaurant known to list Dunesforde wines.
• The Crown Hotel, Boroughbridge – Historic hotel with a seasonal restaurant.

Hotels

• Aldwark Manor Estate – Country house hotel and spa near Boroughbridge.
• The Crown Hotel, Boroughbridge – Central hotel with refurbished rooms.

Attractions

• Aldborough Roman Site – Roman remains and mosaics.
• Newby Hall – Stately home with gardens and parkland.