Saffron Grange Vineyard

When	Days	Hours
Thursday	Thu	10:00–16:00
Friday (Sundowners evening)	Fri	10:00–21:00
Saturday	Sat	10:00–16:00
Sunday (Winedown Sundays)	Sun	11:00–16:00

Cellar Door Shop & Tasting Room open to walk-ins Thu/Sat 10am–4pm and Sun 11am–4pm year-round; extended Friday hours (10am–9pm) May–August for weekly "Sundowners" food-truck evenings (5–9pm, no booking needed). Closed Mon–Wed. Hours are published monthly so may shift slightly outside summer - check before visiting off-season. Guided Vineyard Tours run on select dates and must be booked separately.

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

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.

Bookings: Vineyard tours and tastings require advance booking via the website. Payment is due at the time of booking; tickets are non-refundable, though bookings may be postponed with a minimum of two weeks' notice. Walk-ins are welcome at the Cellar Door shop and café.

Tours and Tastings: Guided vineyard tours run on select Thursdays and Saturdays, with winter tours available on select dates. Each tour lasts approximately 1.5–2 hours and includes an informal sparkling wine tasting. Cheese and charcuterie boards are available to enjoy alongside the wines. Tours are priced from £25 per person and must be booked in advance - places are limited and sell out quickly.

Private Hire: Private tours and tastings are available for larger or exclusive groups. Standard tours accommodate a maximum of 12 people, with groups limited to 6; private arrangements can be made by enquiry.

Dining: While there is no full restaurant, the on-site café serves teas, coffees, cakes and light refreshments. Cheese, charcuterie and seafood plates are available to accompany tastings.

Shop: The Cellar Door shop stocks wines by the bottle or case, alongside locally sourced gifts. Wines are also available to buy online.

Events: Saffron Grange hosts a regular programme including Sundowners on Friday evenings (food trucks and drinks), Winedown Sundays, and the family-friendly Mammoth Day Out. See the experiences page for upcoming dates.

Accessibility: The shop and bar area are accessible via a ramp. Accessible parking, disabled toilets and quiet areas are available. The vineyard tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to uneven and inclined terrain. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome across the vineyard. Children are not permitted on guided tours and tastings (babes in arms excepted), though family-friendly events such as Sundowners are open to all ages.

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.

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.

Book train tickets in advance via Trainline.

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)