Saffron Grange Vineyard Ltd

Raise a glass on land where woolly mammoths once roamed, whose ancient chalk soils now produce exquisite sparkling wines.

https://www.saffrongrange.com

Saffron Grange, Rowley Hill Farm, Little Walden, Essex, CB10 1UZ. Get directions

Nearest station: Great Chesterford (4.2 miles).

Public tours

Private tours

Self-guided tours

Tasting room

Dog friendly

Online shop

Winery on site

Walking trail

Disabled access

Award-winning

Open year-round

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

What's the vibe

Saffron Grange Vineyard offers a charming and relaxed escape, set on gentle, south-facing chalk slopes with stunning panoramic views of the Essex countryside. This family-run vineyard is dedicated to crafting premium quality English sparkling wines and provides an informal yet educational experience for visitors.

Visiting information

Bookings: Vineyard tours and tastings run throughout the year and require advanced booking via their website. Payment for tours is due at the time of booking and tickets are non-refundable, though bookings can be postponed with a minimum of two weeks' notice.
Opening Hours: The vineyard is open year-round from Wednesday to Saturday, with additional Sunday openings during the warmer months from May to September.Tours: Regular guided tours are available on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with specific Spring/Summer (April-October) and Winter (November-March) schedules. Special Thursday evening Sunset Tours are offered on select dates in July.

Dining: While there isn't a full restaurant, on-site light refreshments are available. Visitors can opt for delicious cheese, charcuterie, or seafood plates to complement their wine tasting experience. After tastings, guests are welcome to relax in the on-site cafe.

Events: Saffron Grange hosts regular Supper Clubs with local chefs and other special events throughout the year. During the summer, "Sundowners at Saffron Grange" provides an open invitation on Friday evenings to enjoy food from rotating food trucks and drinks.

Accessibility: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome across the vineyard. Children are welcome at family-friendly events like "Sundowners" but must be supervised; however, they are generally not permitted on guided tours and tastings, with the exception of babes in arms.

The Wine

Saffron Grange Vineyard specialises in producing premium English sparkling wines using the traditional method, a technique also known as the 'Champagne method'. They cultivate classic grape varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, alongside Seyval Blanc. Their portfolio features a range of sparkling wines, including Classic Cuvée, Pinot Noir Brut Rosé, Seyval Blanc Reserve, and Blanc de Noirs.

The vineyard has garnered numerous accolades since its opening in 2019, consistently receiving medals from prestigious competitions such as the Decanter World Wine Awards, the International Wine Challenge, WineGB Awards, and the Independent English Wine Awards. Notable successes include a Silver medal for their Classic Cuvée 2016 at the Decanter World Wine Awards, a Silver for their Classic Cuvée 2017 at the WineGB Awards, and a high Silver (93 points) for their Pinot Noir Brut Rosé 2018 at the International Wine Challenge.

Saffron Grange is deeply committed to sustainable viticulture, aiming to balance their winemaking activities with the natural ecosystem. They actively promote biodiversity within the vineyard, employing methods such as using ladybirds for pest control instead of chemicals, planting trees for environmental benefits, and fostering a thriving wildlife meadow. The vineyard also incorporates composting using pruning wood and grape pomace to enhance soil health.

The vineyard operates its own winery on site, a self-contained production facility where they craft their wines from grape to bottle.

Getting here

By Car: Saffron Grange Vineyard is located at Rowley Hill Farm, Little Walden, Essex, CB10 1UZ. Detailed driving directions are available from both Cambridge (North) and the South (including Saffron Walden), guiding visitors to look for the white picket fence and Saffron Grange sign at Rowley Hill Farm.

By Public Transport: The vineyard is approximately 1.5 miles from Saffron Walden town centre, which is about a 30-minute walk. The nearest train station, Audley End, is 5.0 miles away. A taxi would be required from Audley End station to reach the vineyard.

What's nearby

Saffron Grange is situated in a region rich with attractions, dining, and other vineyards.

Other Vineyards:

Toppesfield Vineyard

Giffords Hall Vineyard

Notable Restaurants:

The Cricketers Clavering: A well-regarded inn offering dining, about a 10-minute drive from the nearby Audley End House. (website)

The Eight Bells Saffron Walden: A historic pub in Saffron Walden known for its hearty meals and local brews. (website)

Notable Hotels:

Premier Inn Saffron Walden: A convenient and comfortable option for visitors to the area. (website)

Down Hall Hotel & Spa: A luxurious country house hotel and spa, notable for its association with the Great British Bake Off. (website)

Notable Attractions:

Audley End House and Gardens: A magnificent Jacobean mansion managed by English Heritage, featuring lavish interiors and extensive gardens designed by Capability Brown. (website)

Saffron Hall: An award-winning concert hall known for hosting outstanding musical talent from around the globe. (website)