Smith And Evans Wines

When	Days	Hours
Saturdays, Easter to September	Sat	10:00–16:00

Open to visitors Saturdays only, Easter to end of September, 10am-4pm -- self-guided vineyard walk plus tasting room (GBP8 for two wines). Also open at Christmas. Closed the rest of the week and outside this season, though visits at other times may be possible by prior appointment (best to phone ahead). Private guided group tours (6-14 people, GBP20pp) run separately Apr-Sep by arrangement. Previous entry wrongly showed daily Mon-Sun 10am-4pm year-round.

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

What's the vibe?

Smith and Evans Wines offers a charming vineyard experience with stunning views over the Somerset Levels. Visitors can expect engaging tours led by the knowledgeable owner, Guy, in a friendly atmosphere, often accompanied by the vineyard dog, Bert.

Tours:
Self-Guided Tours: No prior booking is required. Visitors can collect an information sheet for a stroll through the vines, followed by a tasting of three wines (and gin). The cost is £7.00 per person.

Pre-Booked Group Tours: Guided tours are available for groups of 6 to 14 people. These tours, led by owner Guy, include a walk through the vines and a tutored tasting of three wines. The cost is £20.00 per person. To arrange a group tour, please get in touch through the vineyard's website.

Accessibility:
Well-behaved dogs and children are welcome at the vineyard.

Retrospective Tasting: A special tutored retrospective tasting, covering vintages from 2010 to 2023, is available from £30 per person and includes tasters of local cheeses, charcuterie and bread. Details and booking are available on the tours and tastings page.

Events: Smith and Evans hosts a small programme of seasonal events including a pre-harvest picnic, a pruning workshop with pruners' lunch, and the retrospective tasting. Check the website for dates and availability.

Smith and Evans Wines specialises in producing English sparkling and still wines, primarily from Burgundian grape varieties including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier.

Their wines have garnered significant recognition. The 2023 Chardonnay proudly won a Gold Medal at the prestigious WineGB Awards. Their 2016 Sparkling was featured in Elle Magazine as one of the "Top Fourteen most Luxurious English Sparkling Wines," and it also received 90 points in Tom & Tim Atkins' English Wine report. Additionally, the 2015 vintage was awarded 90/100 at the Decanter World Wine Awards. The vineyard's earlier vintages have also secured multiple awards at the International Wine Challenge, including Bronze for the 2014 and 2010 vintages, and Silver for the 2013 and 2011 vintages.

The vineyard adopts a natural approach to viticulture, using no chemicals and promoting biodiversity within its rows, with sheep often grazing amongst the vines. The Higher Plot Farm, where the vineyard is located, is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). While the grapes are grown and harvested at the vineyard, the wine production processes, including pressing, bottling, and storage, take place off-site at Furleigh Estate.

Address: Higher Plot Farm, Aller Road, Langport, Somerset, TA10 0QL.

By Car: The vineyard is easily accessible by car, situated at Higher Plot Farm on Aller Road, near Langport in Somerset.

By Public Transport: The nearest train stations are Castle Cary (approximately 30-40 minutes by car) or Yeovil Pen Mill (approximately 25-30 minutes by car) from the vineyard. Taxis would be required for the onward journey from these stations.

Book train tickets in advance via Trainline.

Notable Restaurants:
Holm – Located in South Petherton, this acclaimed restaurant holds a Michelin Green Star and is celebrated for its seasonal, locally sourced menu.

The Lime Kiln Inn – A traditional 17th-century country pub and restaurant offering picturesque views over the Somerset Levels, serving pub classics with locally sourced produce.

Notable Hotels:
Langport Arms Hotel – Situated in Langport town centre, this hotel provides comfortable accommodation with a restaurant and bar.

The Old Pound Inn – A charming country inn in Aller, offering a garden, bar, and highly-rated food and hospitality.

Notable Attractions:
Burrow Mump – An iconic hill topped with medieval church ruins, offering panoramic views of the Somerset Levels, often compared to Glastonbury Tor.

Muchelney Abbey – A fascinating English Heritage site showcasing the remains of a Benedictine monastery with a history dating back to Saxon times.