Warden Abbey Vineyard

A truly unique English vineyard where the legacy of medieval monastic winemaking thrives today, lovingly nurtured by a dedicated community.

https://www.wardenvineyard.org.uk

Bedford Road, Old Warden, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 9LS. Get directions

Nearest station: Biggleswade (5.2 miles).

Public tours

Private tours

Self-guided tours

Tasting room

Dog friendly

Online shop

Walking trail

Award-winning

Organic or sustainable

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

What's the vibe

Warden Abbey Vineyard is a unique, community-run vineyard set within the historic grounds of a former Cistercian Abbey. Run entirely by passionate volunteers, it offers a welcoming and engaging experience, fostering a connection to both winemaking and local heritage.

Visiting information

Warden Abbey Vineyard is not regularly open to the public for casual visits.

Access: The vineyard is open on specific event days only for tours, tastings, and sales. All visits require pre-booking through their website.
On-site facilities: There is no restaurant or café on site, but visitors are welcome to bring picnics to enjoy on event days.
Events: The vineyard hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including open days, vineyard tours, and occasional themed picnics like "Flying and Teddy Bears Picnics" which coincide with air displays at the nearby Shuttleworth Aerodrome.
Accommodation: There is no accommodation directly on site.
Dogs/Children: Well-behaved dogs on leads are generally welcome on event days, and the environment is considered family-friendly.

The Wine

Warden Abbey Vineyard produces award-winning still white wines and sparkling wines. Their range includes still white wines made from a blend of grapes, and sparkling wines produced using the traditional method. Key grape varieties grown include Bacchus, Reichensteiner, and Müller Thurgau.

Their wines have received significant recognition. The 2015 Bacchus was awarded a Bronze medal at both the Decanter World Wine Awards and the UK Wine Awards in 2017, notably being served at a royal lunch for HM the Queen. More recently, their 2019 Sparkling Brut received a Bronze medal at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards and was selected as one of the top 100 UK wines at the 2023 Vineyard & Winery Show. The vineyard operates its own winery on site, where they craft their wines.

As a not-for-profit community project managed by Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (Beds RCC), Warden Abbey Vineyard focuses on providing social, health, and educational benefits to the local community. While not explicitly organic or regenerative, its volunteer-led, community-focused approach contributes to a sustainable and historically sensitive operation.

Getting here

Warden Abbey Vineyard is located in Old Warden, Bedfordshire, SG18 9DY.

By Car
The vineyard is situated between the villages of Old Warden and Cardington, with easy access from major roads like the A1 and M1. Parking is available on site.

By Public Transport
The nearest train stations are Biggleswade and Sandy. From Biggleswade station, the vineyard is approximately a 10-15 minute taxi ride. There is no practical walking route from the stations.

What's nearby

Other Vineyards:
- Danescroft Vineyard, Willington (approx. 10 miles north)
Notable Restaurants:
- The Hare & Hounds (Old Warden)
- The Shuttleworth Restaurant (Old Warden)
Notable Hotels:
- The Garden Suite at Shuttleworth (Old Warden)
Notable Attractions:
- Shuttleworth Collection (Old Warden) - A world-renowned collection of historic aircraft and vehicles.
- Swiss Garden (Old Warden) - An exquisite Regency-era garden offering tranquil walks.