Top Falmouth Wine Tours: Taste Cornwall’s Best Vineyards
Cornwall, that bit of England that juts out into the Atlantic, isn’t just about stunning coastlines and cream teas; it’s almost got some rather amazing vineyards popping up, and Falmouth makes such a wonderful base for exploring them. That is, imagine swapping that traditional clotted cream for a glass of locally produced sparkling wine – you might find it is truly a bit of treat! So, if you like the sound of combining scenic beauty with a taste for the grape, join along to check out some of the best wine tours Falmouth has to offer. Explore the best vineyards.
1. Camel Valley Vineyard: A Cornish Classic
Let’s kick things off with a real gem, Camel Valley Vineyard; you see, it’s located a little outside Falmouth, so it’s not right on the doorstep, yet a journey there is very much worth it. It is almost one of Cornwall’s oldest and most celebrated vineyards, and they have seriously scooped up awards for their wines – sparkling, still, that is what have you. You get to wander through the vines, which, in a way, provides a visual treat and they often run guided tours. Anyway, they will tell you the family history, how the vineyard grew from a field of barely into an award winning machine.
They show you how they produce everything – sparkling rose, Pinot noir – whatever you can think of; in some respects, this adds another depth to your appreciation once you get around to tasting them. Camel Valley offers several tasting options, from a quick sample flight to more extensive, educational experiences. Their knowledgeable staff always tend to be super helpful. Basically, they want you to soak up the information and also enjoy the wines. Discover unique local flavors.
Oh, and when you’re done sampling all of the flavours, there’s a little shop where you could be buying a bottle or two to take back home, as a souvenir… or just because you happen to have particularly enjoyed it!
2. Polgoon Vineyard & Orchard: Cider and Wine Delight
Next on our list is Polgoon Vineyard & Orchard. Frankly, these guys offer that little something different because, unlike some, they’re not just about the wine. Rather, they also grow apples for cider, which adds another flavour to the mix. Actually, their location near Penzance gives that unique microclimate, seemingly ideal for growing both grapes and apples. It tends to give them character of its own when producing their product. The tours here cover everything from planting to pressing, to pouring, so to speak. You’re likely going to find it super informative if you happen to be interested in all the little bits that make the drinks what they are. Wander through their vibrant orchards.
What’s cool about Polgoon is really their commitment to sustainability; it’s almost they are focused on producing wines and ciders in that environmentally friendly way. Then, as you can appreciate, they’ve got tasting sessions where you could sample a range of wines and ciders. This might be helpful in widening your experiences. You will find they stock Rose, Bacchus, or even their limited-edition sparkling cider which, as a matter of fact, tends to be super popular with visitors. If you can get your hands on a bottle, it is usually well worth it. Learn about eco-friendly practices.
3. Knightor Winery: A Taste of History
So, let’s move on to Knightor Winery; that is set in a pretty awesome location near St Austell. Anyway, it combines a vineyard with, well, an events venue! The location is awesome. The buildings are restored granite farm buildings, which creates that rather rustic, charming environment. Discover the granite buildings. Tours usually walk around the vineyard; they may touch on the whole process, from growing to fermenting and ageing the wine in those barrels. After that, tastings offer an array of their Cornish wines; Knightor have won that a bit award-wise. Still, sparkling and rose: it covers all tastes.
They run regular events that tend to involve food pairings. Keep that in mind; because this may provide more in value than a standard tasting experience. Their focus tends to be on showcasing not just the wines but rather how these wines complement Cornish cuisine. I mean, you have to love it. Food plus drink? That’s usually my thing. Basically, Knightor does a great job of combining history, stunning surroundings and also excellent wines.Pair your wine with local delicacies.
4. Trevibban Mill Vineyard & Orchards: A Cornish Foodie Haven
Next up, there’s Trevibban Mill Vineyard & Orchards. Well, this is such a super cool place to head. Located near Padstow, that area which, as a matter of fact, is beautiful in and of itself. Yet, this destination brings something special. The tour covers their vineyard, obviously, plus their orchard and even their stillroom; they actually cover all the bases! Tastings often take you across a range of their wines, ciders and juices. Therefore, that could appeal even to those who don’t usually reach for wines.
The venue has the restaurant which tends to win those awards that, by the way, serves up dishes using a lot of the ingredients that they, too, produce there on site; very cool, literally the opposite of ‘farm to table’, more so it is ‘field to fork’. It also offers picturesque views of the countryside – the surrounding landscape. So, it will feel like you have ventured off for some foodie paradise – something that goes well alongside a glass, or perhaps two, of gorgeous local wine. It will create unforgettable memories. It is just fantastic. Find wines, ciders, and juices.
5. Bosue Vineyard: Boutique Charm
Very last on our roundup, it’s Bosue Vineyard! That is an adorable, boutique, almost family-run vineyard based near St Austell. Actually, it focuses on producing smaller quantities of awesome quality Cornish wines. Enjoy the charm of family-run operations.
Given the tours can sometimes be run by the owners; they share such an infectious passion for their craft! Tastings sometimes allow them to show their select varieties of wine, generally speaking which shows those unique characteristics of Cornish viticulture. Arguably, Bosue provides you with a unique intimate wine experience, ideal for those who enjoy supporting that smaller business. Why it is so important to support local business?
Exploring Falmouth’s surrounding vineyards offers such a delightful way of experiencing Cornwall’s stunning countryside whilst sampling some fantastic local wines and ciders; each vineyard offers something unique, from family stories and rustic charm, to award-winning blends, to that dedication that just sings about sustainable agriculture. And for the best, I guess there is only one solution. Take a tour!