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The Wharie Experience
An intimate experience with a passionate winemaker and one of England's few orange wines.
South Sway Lane, New Forest, SO41 6DP
Directions
Nearest station: Sway (1.2 miles).
Approx walking time: 28 minutes.
Featured
Public tours
Private tours
Tasting room
Dog friendly
Online shop
Winery on site
Disabled accessPublic transport
Award-winningWhile we update listings frequently, we suggest confirming important details with the vineyard to avoid any surprises.
Vinebound Verdict
Guillaume runs both vineyard and winery at this homely New Forest estate, and the tour is as intimate as it gets. The two-hectare patch may be modest, but even seasoned wine lovers will come away with fresh perspective on English winemaking.
You’ll sample a wide range, from lesser used varietals to one of England’s few orange wines. The 2022 Bacchus Orange spent 18 days on the skins then aged a year in a 500 litre barrel and ripples with floral, citrus, and sweet spice aromas that linger on the palate. Supporting a small, creative winemaker is a noble thing, but learning from a passionate oenologist while sipping from one of only 630 bottles and nibbling at carefully paired local cheeses? That’s quite another.
Vinebound joined the vineyard tour with cheese and wine pairing in May 2025 (£40).
What's the vibe?
The Wharie Experience is an intimate and engaging vineyard where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of winemaking. Guests consistently praise the highly personal and interactive tours led by Guillaume, the passionate oenologist, who offers extensive explanations of the winemaking process and pairs wines with local cheeses for tasting. This hidden gem offers a truly immersive and educational experience.
Visiting information
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Visitors to The Wharie Experience are welcomed for private tours and tastings, which must be booked in advance by contacting the vineyard via email or telephone. Tours typically last between one to two hours and are personally supervised by the vineyard's oenologist.Booking: Tours and tastings are by prior arrangement only.Facilities: The vineyard features a shop and offers wine tasting.
Accessibility: Disabled access is available.
Accessibility: Disabled access is available.
The Wine
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The Wharie Experience is a versatile producer, crafting a range of still and sparkling wines, alongside ciders, beers, and meads. Their wine portfolio includes white, red, rosé, and distinctive orange wines.
The vineyard has quickly garnered recognition for its quality. In 2022, The Wharie Experience was awarded the prestigious Still Trophy at the Independent English Wine Awards (IEWA) for their Pinot Gris 2020. The same year, their Orange Bacchus also secured a Gold Medal at the IEWA, highlighting the quality and innovation of their offerings.
The vineyard's owner, a Swiss oenologist, expresses a commitment to cultivating the vines extensively while limiting external inputs, indicating a focus on low-intervention viticulture. All products are made on-site in their own winery.
The vineyard has quickly garnered recognition for its quality. In 2022, The Wharie Experience was awarded the prestigious Still Trophy at the Independent English Wine Awards (IEWA) for their Pinot Gris 2020. The same year, their Orange Bacchus also secured a Gold Medal at the IEWA, highlighting the quality and innovation of their offerings.
The vineyard's owner, a Swiss oenologist, expresses a commitment to cultivating the vines extensively while limiting external inputs, indicating a focus on low-intervention viticulture. All products are made on-site in their own winery.
Getting here
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The Wharie Experience is located at The Wharie, South Sway Lane, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 6DP.
By Car
The vineyard is situated in the New Forest National Park and is accessible by car.
By Public Transport
The nearest train station is Sway. From Sway station, a taxi journey to the vineyard is approximately 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, Lymington Town station is also nearby and offers taxi services.
By Car
The vineyard is situated in the New Forest National Park and is accessible by car.
By Public Transport
The nearest train station is Sway. From Sway station, a taxi journey to the vineyard is approximately 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, Lymington Town station is also nearby and offers taxi services.
What's nearby
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The Wharie Experience is nestled in the picturesque New Forest National Park, offering a wealth of attractions, dining, and accommodation options nearby.
Other Vineyards
Setley Ridge Vineyard
A family-run vineyard near Brockenhurst that grows its own grapes and bottles wine on-site. They have a farm shop offering wine tastings and host tours during the summer months.
Notable Restaurants
The Elderflower
Located on Quay Street in Lymington, The Elderflower is known for its modern British cuisine with a French influence, focusing on locally sourced, sustainable produce.
Stanwell House
This boutique hotel in Lymington offers a restaurant, "The Garden at Stanwell House", which provides a relaxed dining experience with an emphasis on local produce in a stylish setting.
Notable Hotels
Stanwell House Boutique Hotel
A beautifully refurbished Georgian hotel in the heart of Lymington, offering comfort and luxury as an ideal base for exploring the New Forest.
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa
A luxurious five-star country house hotel located near New Milton, offering an exceptional spa, award-winning restaurant, and set within beautiful grounds.
Notable Attractions
Beaulieu
A major New Forest attraction featuring the National Motor Museum, Palace House, and historic Beaulieu Abbey, offering a full day out.
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway
Explore 200 acres of stunning woodland gardens, famous for their rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias, with a narrow-gauge steam railway winding through the landscape.
Other Vineyards
Setley Ridge Vineyard
A family-run vineyard near Brockenhurst that grows its own grapes and bottles wine on-site. They have a farm shop offering wine tastings and host tours during the summer months.
Notable Restaurants
The Elderflower
Located on Quay Street in Lymington, The Elderflower is known for its modern British cuisine with a French influence, focusing on locally sourced, sustainable produce.
Stanwell House
This boutique hotel in Lymington offers a restaurant, "The Garden at Stanwell House", which provides a relaxed dining experience with an emphasis on local produce in a stylish setting.
Notable Hotels
Stanwell House Boutique Hotel
A beautifully refurbished Georgian hotel in the heart of Lymington, offering comfort and luxury as an ideal base for exploring the New Forest.
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa
A luxurious five-star country house hotel located near New Milton, offering an exceptional spa, award-winning restaurant, and set within beautiful grounds.
Notable Attractions
Beaulieu
A major New Forest attraction featuring the National Motor Museum, Palace House, and historic Beaulieu Abbey, offering a full day out.
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway
Explore 200 acres of stunning woodland gardens, famous for their rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias, with a narrow-gauge steam railway winding through the landscape.
