Abberley Hills Vineyard - Award-Winning Wines in the Heart of Rural Worcestershire
Nestled on the south-facing slopes of the Abberley Hills in rural Worcestershire, Abberley Hills Vineyard is a small, family-run English winery that has quietly built a reputation for award-winning wines. Part of the wider Mill Orchards farm, the vineyard is owned and tended by the van Tongeren family, who planted their first experimental vines in 2008 and have since produced a portfolio of still and sparkling wines that have caught the attention of judges at the WineGB West regional competition.
Visitors are warmly welcomed to the vineyard between June and October for guided tours and tutored tastings in the on-site Wine Barn, hosted by members of the family. If you are planning a day out in the Worcestershire countryside and want to discover an English wine story that begins in an apple orchard, here is everything you need to know about Abberley Hills Vineyard.
The Story Behind the Vineyard
Abberley Hills Vineyard is part of a larger farm called Mill Orchards, which has been in the van Tongeren family since 1987. For decades the farm specialised in growing apples for the supermarket trade and producing apple juice - both for themselves and on contract for other growers. Their juice and apples have collected numerous prizes at the Malvern Autumn Show, a testament to the family's long experience with fruit growing and quality production.
In 2008 the family decided to plant a small block of vines in the corner of Mill Orchards to see how the vines would behave in their particular situation. It quickly became apparent that the south-facing slope of the Abberley Hills offered exactly the right conditions for growing quality grapes and producing quality wine. From those first experimental plantings, the vineyard has grown into a respected boutique producer that supplies both on-trade and retail customers across the West Midlands.
A Family Venture
The vineyard is very much a family affair. Peter van Tongeren is the vineyard owner who hosts the tour side of the visit, while Julia and Laura van Tongeren host the tasting in the Wine Barn. Private party bookings are also available and can be arranged by contacting Peter or Julia directly.
Location and Setting
The vineyard sits on the south-facing slopes of the Abberley Hills, near the village of Great Witley in Worcestershire. The site's elevation, aspect and rural microclimate combine to give it the kind of conditions that English and Welsh grape growers prize: well-drained slopes, plenty of sunshine during the ripening season, and shelter from the worst of the prevailing weather.
The full address is:
- Abberley Hills Vineyard
- Mill Orchards
- Stourport Road
- Great Witley
- Worcester
- Worcestershire
- WR6 6JP
The vineyard is also home to one of their newer blocks, which has been interplanted with wild flowers to encourage biodiversity and beneficial insects - a small but telling detail about the family's approach to vineyard management.
The Wines
Abberley Hills produces a small but distinctive range of wines from grapes grown on site. The varietal mix has been carefully chosen to suit the local climate, and the family works in partnership with Halfpenny Green Vineyard, who make and bottle the wine on their behalf.
Grape Varieties
The first planting in 2008 included three red varieties - Rondo, Regent and Pinot Noir - and one white variety, Phoenix. These early choices have shaped the current portfolio. The three red grapes are blended to produce the flagship red, while Phoenix now goes into the sparkling wine. A new white variety, Solaris, has more recently been planted, with small quantities first made available to taste in 2024.
Marley Red
A blend of Rondo, Regent and Pinot Noir grown on site. Tasting notes describe it as a light-bodied red with notes of blackcurrant and cherry and a subtle peppery finish. The wine has been a consistent performer in competition: the 2021 vintage was awarded a Bronze sticker at WineGB West, the 2022 vintage took Silver and was judged the highest-marked still red in the entire south-west region, and the 2023 vintage collected another Bronze.
Marley White
A medium-dry white wine made from a blend that includes Bacchus and Phoenix. It is described as having floral aromas on the nose, with citrus and elderflower flavours on the palate.
Abberley Hills Sparkling Brut
An elegant sparkling wine made in the traditional method. Tasting notes highlight notes of green apple and citrus, finishing with a light, toasty brioche character. The 2022 vintage was awarded a Silver medal at the 2024 WineGB West awards.
Solaris
An aromatic dry white wine with notes of pear and cut grass, followed by a subtle herbaceous finish. Solaris is a relatively modern German crossing that has performed well in cooler-climate English vineyards, and the Abberley Hills version is an early example of the family's experimentation with new varieties.
Marley Rosé
The Marley Rosé is the newest addition to the range, with first releases anticipated.
Award-Winning Wines
Abberley Hills Vineyard is proud to call itself a "Grower of Award-Winning Wines," and the trophy shelf backs up the claim. Recognition includes:
- 2021 Marley Red - Bronze Award, WineGB West
- 2022 Marley Red - Silver Award, plus Best Red and Best Still Wine, WineGB West
- 2022 Abberley Hills Sparkling Brut - Silver Award, WineGB West
- 2023 Marley Red - Bronze Award, WineGB West
Being members of WineGB, the family enters the regional wine-tasting competition held in the south-west of England each year. It is a chance to compare their wines against others and to have them judged blind against criteria laid down by Sommeliers and Masters of Wine, which serves as a useful benchmark for any small producer.
Tours and Tastings
The vineyard's visitor offering is centred on its Guided Tour and Tasting, which runs on selected Fridays and Saturdays from late June through to early October. Spaces are limited to a maximum of 12 people per session, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
How the Visit Works
The visit is split into two parts.
The Tour
Guests are met by vineyard owner Peter van Tongeren, who takes them on a walking tour of part of the vineyard. Along the way he explains how the vines are grown in the local climate, how the family aims to keep the vines as healthy as possible, and the varieties being cultivated on site.
The Tasting
After the tour, guests take a short walk to the on-site Wine Barn where they meet Julia and Laura van Tongeren. Laura leads an informative tasting of the family's five wines, with a selection of canapés served alongside to complement each wine.
The Five Wines Tasted
- 1 × red wine - Marley Red
- 2 × white wines - Marley White and Solaris
- 1 × Marley Rosé
- 1 × Abberley Hills Sparkling Brut
Price and Booking
- Cost: £28.00 per person
- Group size: maximum 12 people
- Payment on the day: card payment only for wine purchases
- Booking: via BookWhen
Upcoming Tour Dates
The 2026 season is open for bookings. Remaining dates include:
- Friday 7th August 2026 - 5pm
- Saturday 8th August 2026 - 1pm
- Friday 21st August 2026 - 5pm
- Saturday 22nd August 2026 - 1pm
- Friday 4th September 2026 - 5pm
- Saturday 5th September 2026 - 1pm
- Friday 18th September 2026 - 5pm
- Saturday 19th September 2026 - 1pm
- Friday 2nd October 2026 - 5pm
- Saturday 3rd October 2026 - 1pm
Tickets can be reserved through BookWhen.
Private Bookings
The vineyard also welcomes private party bookings, which can be arranged directly with Peter or Julia van Tongeren by emailing info@abberleyhillsvineyard.co.uk. These are ideal for special occasions, corporate hospitality or small group celebrations looking for a relaxed and personal wine experience in the Worcestershire countryside.
Where to Buy Abberley Hills Wines
Abberley Hills wines are available to purchase at the end of every tour and tasting session (card payment only). For those who can't make a visit, the following local stockists carry the range:
- Great Witley Post Office
- Abberley Stores
- Colliers Arms farm shop
- Bells Farm Shop
- Broomfields Farm Shop
The vineyard does not currently operate an online shop, so the best way to pick up a bottle is either at the cellar door during a tour or from one of these local retailers.
Why Visit Abberley Hills Vineyard
There are several reasons the vineyard stands out:
- Small-scale, family-run production. Tours are hosted by the family that actually grows the grapes and oversees the winemaking partnership with Halfpenny Green.
- Award-winning wines. Multiple medals at WineGB West, including a regional trophy for Best Still Wine.
- Beautiful rural setting. The south-facing slopes of the Abberley Hills provide a peaceful backdrop for an afternoon or evening out.
- Intimate tasting experience. Sessions are capped at 12 people, so the tasting feels personal rather than crowded.
- An evolving portfolio. With a new rosé in the pipeline and recent Solaris plantings, the range continues to grow.
Plan Your Visit
Getting There
Abberley Hills Vineyard is located at Mill Orchards, Stourport Road, Great Witley, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR6 6JP. The site is rural, so travelling by car is recommended. Visitors are advised to plan their route before setting off.
Contact Details
- Email: info@abberleyhillsvineyard.co.uk or peter@petermillorchards.co.uk
- Phone: 01299 896412
- Address: Mill Orchards, Stourport Road, Great Witley, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR6 6JP
Reviews
Visitor feedback for Abberley Hills Vineyard can be found on its TripAdvisor page.
Final Word
Abberley Hills Vineyard is a quietly impressive addition to England's growing wine map. With roots in apple growing, a careful approach to grape variety selection, an award-winning portfolio and a warm, family-led visitor experience, it offers an authentic taste of rural Worcestershire winemaking. Whether visitors come for the tour, the tasting or simply to pick up a bottle of the acclaimed Marley Red or the elegant Sparkling Brut, the vineyard makes a rewarding destination in its own right.