Wiltshire

Wiltshire sits at the heart of the Wessex wine region, offering visitors a captivating blend of rolling countryside and thriving English wine production. With 27 vineyards across the county and 36.3 hectares under vine, Wiltshire has established itself as a meaningful contributor to England's burgeoning wine industry. Seven of these vineyards warmly welcome visitors through their doors, providing excellent opportunities to explore the county's wine heritage.

The oldest vines in Wiltshire date back to 1989, testament to the county's long-standing commitment to viticulture. Today, Wiltshire vineyards cultivate an impressive diversity of grape varieties that reflect both traditional and innovative approaches to English winemaking. Chardonnay leads the way as the flagship variety, producing elegant still and sparkling wines that rival the finest from other English wine regions.

Visitors to Wiltshire wineries can expect to encounter an exciting range of styles. The aromatic Bacchus grape flourishes in Wiltshire's chalky soils, delivering crisp white wines with characteristic English freshness. Seyval Blanc continues to prove its reliability for quality English wine production, while Precoce adds diversity to the county's portfolio of white wines. For those interested in rosé and red wines, Pinot Noir and Rondo varieties offer compelling options grown across Wiltshire's vineyard sites.

Meunier, a staple grape of the Champagne region, finds a happy home in certain Wiltshire vineyards where it contributes to complex sparkling wine blends. The more unusual Orion variety also appears in Wiltshire plantings, demonstrating the county's willingness to experiment with emerging English wine grapes.

Planning a visit to Wiltshire vineyards rewards wine enthusiasts with intimate tastings, informative tours, and the chance to purchase award-winning English wines direct from the producer. The county's proximity to other Wessex wine destinations makes it ideal for combining vineyard visits with exploration of Wiltshire's historic towns, prehistoric sites, and beautiful countryside. Whether you seek crisp Bacchus, elegant Chardonnay, or distinctive English sparkling wine, Wiltshire delivers an authentic English wine experience rooted in over three decades of winemaking tradition.