The Atlantic Vineyard: A Pioneering Off-Grid Cornish Vineyard Cultivating Earth-Friendly Vines Near Newquay
The Atlantic Vineyard: Cornwall's Off-Grid Earth-Friendly Vineyard Near Newquay
Tucked into a hidden valley on the outskirts of Newquay, The Atlantic Vineyard is one of the most distinctive new vineyards in the United Kingdom. Run as a family venture on a 30-acre off-grid site, it grows exclusively Earth-Friendly Vines™ - a new generation of hybrid, disease-resistant varieties that flourish in Cornwall's cool, wet climate without the heavy chemical spraying that conventional UK viticulture demands.
A Family Venture Born from a Cornish Dream
The vineyard is the work of four family members - Liz, Tim, Caroline and James - whose shared dream was to establish an environmentally friendly, innovative and experimental English vineyard on the North Cornish coast. The area has always been special to the family, from childhood holidays to honeymooning out of a split-screen VW camper van in the 1980s.
When a 30-acre block of arable farmland and overgrown woodland came up for sale in 2021, the family leapt at the chance to put their ideas into practice. Almost a year of careful land preparation with local farmers followed - converting 7.5 acres of south-west facing potato and barley fields into vineyard ground. They then spent another year sourcing the new hybrid vines from specialist nurseries in Germany and Italy. In May 2022, the planting began.
Today, more than 6,000 vines are established on the slopes, and the family-run business has grown into a destination offering vineyard tours, wine tastings, weddings, hen and stag parties, corporate hospitality and a unique yoga and sound-healing retreat - all with sustainability at its core.
The Vineyard: 30 Acres of Regenerative Cornish Countryside
The vineyard occupies a stunning 30-acre site with sweeping views over the Cornish valleys towards the coast. While 7.5 acres are dedicated to vines, the wider estate includes:
- Three spring-fed ponds in the water-meadow field, attracting ducks, dragonflies and a wide range of wildlife.
- An ancient woodland area that has been restored into an accessible nature trail for visitors.
- Wildflower meadows that support pollinators and enhance the vineyard's biodiversity.
- A rustic tasting barn for indoor gatherings.
- A stretch-tent marquee overlooking the vines for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.
Since 2021, the family has carefully managed the ecology of the land to encourage wildlife, with regular sightings of deer, owls, rabbits and ducks across the vineyard.
Earth-Friendly Vines™ - The Vineyard's Signature Innovation
What truly sets The Atlantic Vineyard apart is its exclusive use of Earth-Friendly Vines™ - varieties sometimes referred to in the industry as PilzWiderstandsfähig, or PIWI, the German term for fungus-resistant vines.
Traditional cool-climate varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Bacchus, Seyval Blanc and Reichensteiner are highly susceptible to mildew, mould, rot and other fungal diseases in the UK's damp climate. To combat this, conventional UK vineyards typically spray systemic fungicides every 10 - 14 days, often preventatively, with chemicals that can leach into soil and waterways.
Earth-Friendly Vines™ are a different proposition. They are modern hybrid crossings of traditional European Vitis vinifera varieties with American wild vines. The result is a vine that retains the flavour and wine-making potential of classic European grapes but gains a natural, genetic resistance to fungal attack from its American parentage.
The 14 Varieties Planted at The Atlantic Vineyard
Imported from specialist suppliers in Europe and planted in 2022, the vineyard's varieties include:
- Divico
- Pinotin
- Solaris
- Muscaris
- Johanniter
- (plus nine additional hybrid crosses suited to cool-climate viticulture)
These varieties are early-ripening, hardy, and many have thicker grape skins, allowing the fruit to hang on the vine later into the autumn to achieve peak ripeness - an important quality for English wine production.
A Truly Off-Grid, Sustainable Operation
The Atlantic Vineyard is a wholly off-grid farm. Electricity is generated on-site through solar and wind power, water is drawn from a borehole, and a bespoke waste-treatment plant handles effluent. This, combined with the natural disease resistance of the vines themselves, allows the team to avoid systemic chemicals and pesticides almost entirely.
The vineyard is currently undergoing organic conversion and accreditation with the Soil Association, the UK's leading organic certification body. Building long-term soil health and a flourishing, natural ecosystem are central to the vineyard's mission, with reduced tractor usage helping to limit soil compaction around the vines.
As the family puts it: “good wine is made in the vineyard”.
Wines from the Atlantic Vineyard
The vineyard's aim is to craft a complete range of organic English wines from the grapes grown on the slopes - reds, whites, sparkling, rosé and a non-alcoholic alternative - all described as “Cornish wine from our Cornish vineyard”.
The wines are still in development: “It is going to be a couple of years before our vines are ready to produce a commercial harvest,” the team explains. While the estate waits for its first proper crop, it is partnering with selected European vineyards already growing the same PIWI varieties, bringing a small number of bottles back to Cornwall for visitors to taste.
The Hand-Poured Mulled Wine Candle
While you cannot yet buy Atlantic Vineyard wine, you can take a piece of the first harvest home. The estate's Hand Poured Mulled Wine Candle is a limited-edition artisan product made at the vineyard. Each candle is poured in small batches using soy wax and recycled wine bottles, and contains real grapes and vine leaves from the vineyard's very first harvest, preserved in the wax. No two are alike.
Candle Details
- Price: £25.00
- Scent: Mulled wine, warm winter spices and festive sweetness
- Availability: Limited edition - dispatched in time for Christmas
- Where to buy: The Atlantic Vineyard online store
Vineyard Tours and Wine Tastings
The Atlantic Vineyard is open for tours and tastings by appointment only. Walks are currently limited to groups of 10 or more - the team should be contacted to book a smaller private experience.
What Your Tour Includes
- A guided walk around the Cornish vineyard led by the founders
- An introduction to the vineyard's sustainable, regenerative viticulture
- A tasting of three wines (with a non-alcoholic alternative available)
- A small selection of snacks to accompany the tasting
- Stunning coastal views over the Cornish valleys
Pricing
- Adults: £25.00 per person (includes wine tasting)
- Under 18s: £12.50 (no alcohol)
- Under 16s: Free
- Dogs: Welcome on leads
Bookings can be made by email at hello@theatlanticvineyard.co.uk, or through the vineyard's tour booking page.
Unwind in the Vines - Yoga & Sound Healing Retreat
One of the vineyard's flagship experiences is the Unwind in the Vines Yoga & Sound Healing Retreat - a full-day programme set in the 30-acre off-grid sanctuary with ocean views.
What to Expect
- Guided yoga session with Kirsty from Seed Yoga
- Forest bathing and foraging in the woodlands
- Nourishing plant-based vegetarian lunch
- Creative foraged flower-arranging and floral-crown workshop
- Transformative sound-healing session with Kate from Healing Sounds
- Vineyard walk and wine tasting (with a non-alcoholic option) to close the day
Sample Day Schedule
- 9:30am - Arrival
- 10:00 - 11:30am - Morning Yoga
- 12:00 - 1:00pm - Woodland bathing and foraging
- 1:00 - 1:30pm - Lunch
- 1:30 - 2:30pm - Creative time
- 2:30 - 4:00pm - Sound Healing & Deep Relaxation
- 4:00 - 5:00pm - Wine tasting & fizz
Weddings at The Atlantic Vineyard
The vineyard is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of Cornwall's most charming DIY wedding venues. Located just minutes from Newquay, it offers couples full exclusive use of the 30-acre site.
Why Couples Choose the Vineyard
- Exclusive venue hire: The entire site is yours for the day.
- DIY freedom: Choose your own caterers, decor, entertainment and styling.
- Breathtaking backdrops: Vines, woodland, ponds and a rustic barn - all within walking distance of one another.
- Marquee weddings: A stretch-tent marquee overlooks the vines for ceremonies and receptions.
- Outdoor ceremonies: Woodland and vineyard ceremony spaces are popular for couples wanting a nature-led setting.
The vineyard backdrop changes through the seasons - from fresh spring greens to late-summer golden tones - making it ideal for timeless photography. Weddings enquiries can be sent to hello@theatlanticvineyard.co.uk.
Hen and Stag Parties with a Twist
The vineyard's Hen & Stag party offering combines the best of wine, wellness and the Cornish outdoors.
Sample Packages
- “Glam & Grapes” Hen Party - three-hour exclusive hire, welcome drink, 30-minute vineyard tour, tasting of four wines, grazing table of local cheeses, meats and canapés, and a flower-crown making activity. From £50pp.
- “Beer & Banter” Stag Party - three-hour exclusive hire, local beer welcome drink, 30-minute tour, tasting of four wines, rustic BBQ or gourmet burger buffet, and indoor/outdoor games. From £50pp.
Optional Add-Ons
- Private yoga sessions in the vines
- Sound bath and meditation
- Forest bathing with toasted marshmallows around the fire pit
- Cocktail masterclass
- Canvas painting in the vines
- Picnic amongst the vines
- Pottery, silent disco and on-site glamping
Corporate Events & Private Hire
For businesses looking to host retreats, client entertainment, product launches, leadership retreats or staff away days, The Atlantic Vineyard offers full or half-day exclusive venue hire. The team can tailor everything - arrival refreshments, breakout sessions, wine tastings, team-building activities, and catering from trusted local suppliers.
Team-Building Highlights
- Wine-blending challenges
- Seasonal grape-picking experiences (when in season)
- Vineyard scavenger hunts
- Outdoor games and picnic-style gatherings
- Wine quiz and aroma challenge
The vineyard is conveniently located 10 minutes from Newquay and Newquay Airport - ideal for London-based teams looking to escape the city for the day.
Getting to The Atlantic Vineyard
The vineyard sits just outside Newquay in the hamlet of Colan, with the postcode TR8 4XE.
By Car or Taxi
From the A392, turn off at Mountjoy following signs to Bosoughan/Colan, take the left at the T-junction, continue past Colan Church, and the vineyard entrance is roughly half a mile further on the left. From the A3059, follow signs to Colan for around 1.2 miles and the entrance is on the right. There is plenty of free parking in the gravel car park just inside the gates.
By Bus
There is a bus stop at the turning for Bosoughan/Colan on the A392 (Stop ID: cordamgw), from which the vineyard is a 1.7-mile walk (around 35 minutes).
By Bike
National Cycle Network Route 32 - part of the Cornish Way - runs right past the vineyard. See Sustrans for cycle maps.
What 3 Words
validated.wiggly.feelers - see the Google Maps location.
Visitor Information
The vineyard is a fully licensed establishment with both a premise and personal licence held. Key visitor notes:
- The site is cashless - card payment is required.
- Sturdy footwear (trainers or boots) is recommended - the vineyard is on a hillside and can be steep in places.
- Wheelchair access is limited due to terrain; visitors with limited mobility are asked to call ahead on 077535 874 34.
- The site runs a Challenge 21 policy and may ask for ID.
- Alcohol will not be served to anyone who appears intoxicated, and visitors are reminded not to drink and drive.
- Bring a waterproof jacket and warm clothes - Cornish weather is unpredictable.
Contact The Atlantic Vineyard
The team can be reached for bookings and enquiries at:
- Email: hello@theatlanticvineyard.co.uk
- Phone: 077535 874 34
- Address: The Atlantic Vineyard, Colan, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4XE
The vineyard is also active on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Why The Atlantic Vineyard Stands Out
In a British wine scene often defined by Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for sparkling, The Atlantic Vineyard has deliberately taken a different path. By committing entirely to Earth-Friendly Vines™, by running the estate off-grid, and by building biodiversity into every corner of the 30-acre site, the family is showing what a small, regenerative English vineyard can look like when it puts sustainability first.
Combined with thoughtful visitor experiences - from yoga retreats to DIY weddings and tasting flights overlooking the Cornish valleys - The Atlantic Vineyard is well on its way to becoming one of the most distinctive wine destinations in the South West.