Cornwall is fast gaining a reputation as one of the leading wine producing regions in England, and is even beginning to compete with France. Whether you’re looking for a Champagne style fizz, a fruity rosé or even a decent red, you’ll find it here in our guide to Cornwall’s best wine ‘What wines should I drink in Cornwall?’
Many of these splendid wines are produced just a stone’s throw from Kilden Mor, so if you want to understand a little more about Cornish terroir, or just sup wines in gorgeous surroundings, these vineyards all offer some sort of wine tasting experience.
Here is our guide to the very best tasting spots in north Cornwall.
Camel Valley
The most established and best known of Cornwall’s vineyards, Camel Valley has been producing wine since 1989. Initially a sheep and cattle farm, husband and wife team Bob and Annie Lindo decided to try their hand at growing grapes. Since then they’ve exceeded expectations, winning countless awards – even beating Bollinger at the 2009 World Sparkling Wine Championships!
Situated on the sun kissed slopes of the Camel valley estuary, the vineyard now offers regular tours of the farm and wine tastings on the terrace. You can even cycle here from Padstow along the 18km long Camel trail.
Guided Tours of the winery currently take place at 2.30 pm, Monday-Friday, from April to September. Booking is essential.
Trevibban Mill Vineyard
Deep in the wooded valley of St Issey near Padstow, this vineyard is home to 11,000 vines and a stylish contemporary restaurant. Its owners bought the land in 2007 intending to grow pistachios and pomegranates but were soon bitten by the wine making bug. They now produce a dizzying number of grapes including Bacchus, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Reichensteiner, Rondo and Solari.
For visitors there are four options, including drinks at the bar, a guided tour of the vineyards and winery and a grand walking tour which is followed by lunch with plenty of wine. Most options require prior booking, so check the website for times and dates.
Knightor Winery
Knightor, or ‘Creghtyer’ as it was known in the 14th century, translates as ‘wrinkled land’. The location is rich in history and was once home to a grand house. Today it’s the site of a ground-breaking boutique winery and events venue. Small batches of high quality grapes are brought here from vineyards across Cornwall and made into either single or varietal wines in small exclusive runs.
Tours of Knightor are just as special, with guests discovering how their wines and vermouth are produced. There are also regular foodie events and feasts throughout the year which require advanced booking, so visit the website for details and opening times. Alternatively you can just drop in for an impromptu wine tasting at the bar.
Cornish Wine Tours
If you’re looking for someone to take care of the details (and do the driving), you’re in luck. Padstow resident Kate McBurnie runs half and full day winery tours, taking in the locations mentioned above.
Cornish Wine Tours won New Business of the Year at the South West Tourism Awards in 2019, so you know you’ll be in expert hands. Visit their website for more details.
Alternatively contact contact Pete at The Elite Duchy Touring company who will organise a tailored Wine Tasting tour for you. If you mention Kilden Mor Pete will also give you a discount. An exclusive way to explore Cornwall.