When you think of Herefordshire, cider is probably the first drink that springs to mind. But vineyards are quietly thriving here too, with rolling hills and fertile soils producing crisp whites, delicate rosés, some decent reds and sparkling wines that rival some of the best in England.
White House Cottages is an easy base for visiting Herefordshire’s vineyards. We’ve even partnered with Evolution Vineyard to offer guided and self-guided tours, by foot or by e-bike, with the option of adding a picnic hamper for a long, lazy afternoon among the vines.
Why Vines Thrive in Herefordshire
Herefordshire has always been kind to fruit. The same valleys that shelter our cider orchards also give vines a chance to ripen slowly, protecting them from the worst of the winds. The clay-loam soils here hold warmth and moisture in a way that suits slow, steady ripening, and the south-facing slopes catch the light when it matters most.
Being this far north means winemaking flirts with risk – late frosts are never far away. But that’s part of the character! The cooler climate stretches out the ripening, giving the wines their freshness and those subtle, layered flavours that local bottles are known for.
What you’ll taste
Herefordshire’s vineyards mostly produce small-batch wines, grown from cool-climate grapes that suit English soil. Bacchus is bright and fragrant, often with elderflower and summer hedgerow notes. Pinot Noir Précoce leans into soft red berries, while Reichensteiner and Madeleine Angevine make lighter whites with floral aromas and a crisp finish.
Many vineyards also produce traditional method sparkling wines that are bright and citrusy, with a clean edge. But don’t take our word for it – go and taste them for yourself!
Herefordshire Vineyards Near the Cottages
A short drive (or a pleasant cycle) will take you to several nearby vineyards. Some are big and polished, others small, personal and unhurried.
- Wythall Estate, Ross-on-Wye – A 16th-century manor house with four acres of vines, known for its award-winning wines. wythallestate.co.uk
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- Frome Valley Vineyard, Paunton – Set in a bend of the River Frome, this family-run vineyard calls its setting a “benevolent microclimate.” The soils and sheltered slopes produce crisp whites and sparkling wines, alongside cider and even brandy. Frome Valley Vineyard
- Coddington Vineyard, near Ledbury – A small, family plot, with just a handful of wines to try. Tastings look across the orchards and include a self-guided tour with three wines and nibbles. Coddington Vineyard
- Two Beacons Vineyard – Hand-harvested wines grown on the Herefordshire side of the Malverns. Their tasting room in Great Malvern hosts vertical tastings, giving you a chance to compare different vintages side by side. Two Beacons Vineyard
- Black Mountain Vineyard – Small organic producer between Hereford and Hay-on-Wye, making low-intervention wines (including pét-nat), grown and bottled on site. Black Mountain Vineyard
- Foxbury Fields – A sunlit pocket beneath the Malverns, specialising in Bacchus and Ortega. Family-run, small scale and nicely unhurried. Foxbury Fields
- Three Choirs Vineyard, Newent – Just 7 miles from White House Cottages, over the border in Gloucestershire, this is one of England’s oldest and most established vineyards. Trails wind through the vines, tastings run regularly, and the brasserie is as much of a draw as the wine itself. Three Choirs Vineyard
- Evolution Wines – Almost on the doorstep of White House Cottages is one of Britain’s oldest winemaking spots, with roots going back to 1276. Today, Evolution Wines produces small-batch vintages under the 1276 label. Their Bacchus and Chardonnay were crowned #1 in the 2024 British Wine blind tasting and are well worth sampling. With the vineyard just a 40-minute stroll away, it makes an easy afternoon adventure. Evolutionwinery.com
Take Our Vineyard Tour with Evolution
The beauty of this vineyard tour is that it starts at your door! Head out from White House Cottages, either by foot or on one of our e-bikes, passing through three miles of quiet lanes and hedgerows until you reach Evolution Vineyard in Ledbury.
You’ll wander the vines with Laurence and hear how the hillside shapes each vintage, before tasting Evolution’s 1276 wines – elderflower-bright Bacchus, soft berry Pinot Noir Précoce, and crisp Chardonnay. If you’d like to make an occasion of it, add a picnic hamper with local cheeses, chocolates, and fresh fruit from Ariana at Berries Unlocked. And if you’re curious about the history, heritage and nature of the area, we can arrange a guide for you too.
It’s a day that brings together countryside, vines, and the best of what’s grown and made here in Herefordshire.
- Evolution Self-Guided Walking Tour – £15 per person
- Evolution Self-Guided E Bike Cycle Tour – £35 per person
- Organised Guided Walking Tour – £45 per person
- Organised Guided E Bike Cycle Tour – £50 per person
To book, just get in touch with us before or during your stay.
