Welland Valley Vineyard

What's the vibe?

Welland Valley Vineyard is often described as one of the East Midlands' best-kept secrets, set on stunning land. Visitors can expect a welcoming atmosphere, with owners known for their friendliness, making it a place you'll want to linger.

Tours & Tastings: Visits are generally by appointment only, and it is highly recommended to book in advance, especially for tours. Group visits are available for up to 20 people and can be arranged during the day, evening, or weekends. The best time to visit and observe the vines is typically June, July, and August.

Accessibility: The site itself is wheelchair accessible, however, the ground within the vineyard can be uneven, so accessing the vines might be difficult for wheelchair users.Facilities: The vineyard has a chemical toilet. There is no restaurant or cafe on site.

Children & Dogs: Small groups suitable for family outings are welcome, and dogs are also permitted.

Accommodation: There is no accommodation on site.

Welland Valley Vineyard, established in 1991, produces a diverse range of still and sparkling wines, alongside award-winning still ciders. The vineyard grows a wide variety of French and German vine varieties, with a particular emphasis on crafting quality, bottle-fermented sparkling wines in the English style, as well as light, fruity reds and rosés. They also make still ciders, "Roundhead" and "King Richard III," from a small orchard of traditional cider apples.

The vineyard’s wines and ciders have received notable recognition. In recent years, their Medium Dry Roundhead cider earned a Gold Medal and was awarded Best Bottled Cider. The vineyard was also honored as Best Small Producer in the Wine GB Annual Competition for the Midlands and North in 2022. Their sparkling rosé won a Silver Medal and was named Best Sparkling in the Wine GB Midlands & North English wine competition in August (a recent award, likely 2021 or 2022). Additionally, their Steeplechase traditional method Brut Sparkling 2021, Bacchus 2023 dry white, and Phoenix 2023 dry white have all received Silver Medals. Earlier awards include Silver Medals for Steeplechase 2010, Bacchus 2013, and Naseby 2013, with Farndon Dale 2013 receiving a Bronze Medal.

While not certified organic, Welland Valley Vineyard is committed to sustainable practices. Most of the work is carried out by hand to minimize environmental impact and heavy machinery use. They actively work to reduce the use of non-natural products, recycle, and reuse packaging, and are trialing disease-resistant vine varieties. The vineyard operates its own well-equipped winery on site, where grapes are pressed, vinified, and bottled.

By Car: The vineyard is located at Marston Lane, East Farndon, Northamptonshire, LE16 9TX, approximately two miles southwest of Market Harborough. The closest postcode for satellite navigation is LE16 9SL. If you inform the vineyard of your visit, they may place signs to guide you.

By Public Transport: The nearest train station is Market Harborough. From Market Harborough station, a taxi ride to the vineyard would take approximately 5-10 minutes.

• Notable Restaurants:
  
  
  • Farndon Fields Farm Shop - A well-regarded local farm shop in Market Harborough that stocks Welland Valley Vineyard wines and likely offers dining options.
  • The Noel at Whitwell - Praised for its food and recent transformation, located a short drive from Market Harborough.
• Notable Hotels:
  
  
  • The Three Swans Hotel - A historic 16th-century coaching inn situated in the centre of Market Harborough.
  • Premier Inn Market Harborough - Located conveniently near Market Harborough, offering free on-site parking.
• Notable Attractions:
  
  
  • Foxton Locks - An impressive flight of ten canal locks on the Grand Union Canal, offering scenic walks and a canal museum.
  • Harborough Museum - Explore the local history of Market Harborough, including the internationally important Hallaton Treasure.