In just a few decades, Cornish wine has gone from being a little known novelty to winning international prizes and being granted Protected Designated Origin status. The county now has many major vineyards producing everything from crisp Sauvignon Blanc to sparkling Brut and delicate rosé.
With more sun than much of the rest of the UK, Cornish wine growers already have a natural advantage. But the real secret of their success is a combination of careful vineyard positioning, rich, fertile soil and plenty of good old fashioned care and attention.
So what are the wines you should be on the lookout for?
Sparkling White
Champagne style wine has long been a successful English product and Cornwall is now leading the way.
Camel Valley Brut is a lot like its French counterpart but with a fruity taste that is all Cornwall’s. Prepare for ‘English hedgerow scents and a touch of honey on the palate.’
Polgoon Vineyard’s Seyval Blanc is another sparkling white with a hint of fruit – this time green pear, which goes perfectly with freshly caught Cornish sea food.
From the Bosue Vineyard near the Lost Gardens of Heligan, this sparkling white has a floral fizz that will remind you of summer all year around.
White Wine
You’ll discover many acclaimed and award winning whites in Cornwall, thanks to our growers’ dedication to grapes that are ideal for the climate.
From Polgoon, try the Seyval Blanc and Ortega White. A gold medallist at the Taste of the West Awards in 2018 and commended at the International Wine Challenge, it makes a great accompaniment to cheese and smoked meats.
Camel Valley’s Atlantic Dry is a blend of Pinot blanc and Bacchus grapes giving it a crisp, citrus flavour that goes well with fish and has reportedly been served at 10 Downing Street.
Lovers of Chardonnay shouldn’t miss Trevibban Mill Constantine Dry. Aged in French oak barrels this blend has a honeyed aroma and smoky notes providing a full body that is unusual in Cornish wine.
Rosé
Cornwall is home to some of the UK’s most consistently excellent and surprisingly subtle rosés.
Camel Valley’s Pinot Noir Rosé Brut (sparkling) is a multiple international award winner. Enjoy flora and strawberry aromas on the nose and a delicate berry flavour
Another multiple award winner is Bosue vineyard’s Sparkling Rosé. This deep-hued wine is made from a combination of Rondo and Regent grapes making for a crisp, fruity experience.
Red
There aren’t many quality English reds out there, but in a good year Cornwall’s vineyards can yield some excellent results.
Try the Pinot Noir from the always adventurous Knightor Winery for a light, fruity red, which has strawberry and cherry flavours with spice on the nose.
Blending Pinot Noir with Rondo and Regent grapes, Looe Valley’s Locrenton Red was highly commended by the South West Vineyards Association in 2018 and is packed with blackcurrant, cherry and plum flavours.
If you fancy wine tasting check out where to go to taste some of Cornwall’s finest wines.
