Burn Valley Vineyard: A Family-Run English Wine Estate in the Heart of North Norfolk
Nestled in the gently rolling countryside of North Creake in north Norfolk, Burn Valley Vineyard is a twelve-acre, family-run English wine estate that has, in little more than a decade, established itself as one of the most exciting boutique producers on the East Anglian wine scene. With 17,000 vines planted on free-draining, flinty soils over a chalk base, and a roster of still, sparkling, vermouth and orange wines that have picked up awards at Wine GB East, the Independent English Wine Awards and the Glass of Bubbly Awards, Burn Valley is a destination for anyone who loves English wine and the Norfolk coast.
The Robinson Family Story
Burn Valley Vineyard is the realisation of an idea that began with John Robinson, who bought the farm at North Creake in 1989. John, a third-generation Norfolk farmer, had long nursed an ambition to plant vines on the chalk-and-flint land that surrounds the property, and it was his daughter Laura Robinson who took that idea and ran with it. Working alongside her father and her uncle Jeffrey, Laura planted the first 17,000 vines and established Burn Valley Vineyard in 2016, with the inaugural harvest following in 2018.
Today the estate is owned and run by Laura, with her chef partner Steve Newsome forming Burn Valley Catering, the team behind the vineyard's much-praised food offering. Heading up the winemaking is head winemaker Mathew Abbey, who learnt his trade in New Zealand and also looks after the estate's wholesale customers. Hamish McClellan is assistant winemaker and looks after the cellar door, bookings and tastings, while Chris handles export and general operations, and Matty and Lily work in both vineyard and winery.
The Terroir: Chalk, Flint and Sea Air
The vineyard sits just four miles from the North Norfolk coast, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its 12 acres are south-facing, capturing the maximum amount of the low Norfolk sun, and the soils are free-draining and flinty over a chalk base, a combination that has become a byword for premium English sparkling and still wines. These chalk-and-flint soils are closely associated with the classic grape-growing regions of northern France, and they impart a distinctive minerality and freshness to the finished wines.
The team works the vineyard without glyphosate, using mechanical methods to control weeds and encouraging a wide variety of wildlife among the rows. A self-guided walking tour of around 30 minutes' duration is available during opening hours, taking visitors on a 15-minute walk down the farm track from the winery and through the vines. Dogs are welcome on leads.
The Grape Varieties
Nine grape varieties are cultivated at Burn Valley, giving the winemaking team an unusually broad palette from which to craft the estate's range:
- Chardonnay, the backbone of the sparkling Blanc de Blanc programme.
- Pinot Noir, used for the traditional-method Sparkling Rosé and the still Marsh Rosé.
- Bacchus, the aromatic signature white variety of English viticulture.
- Solaris, an early-ripening, disease-resistant variety ideal for the English climate.
- Schönburger, an aromatic variety used for both still and late-harvest wines.
- Pinot Gris, barrel-fermented for a textured, ageworthy white.
- Seyval Blanc, the basis of the Marsh Sparkling.
- Rondo, a red hybrid used in blends.
- Regent, a red variety aged in oak for the deeper, savoury Regent.
The Wines
The Burn Valley winemaking ethos is one of minimal-intervention winemaking from boutique volumes of grapes. The team picks at optimal ripeness, ferments with a mix of wild and cultured yeasts (selecting from the Laffort range and only adding nutrients during fermentation when needed), and layers texture and complexity through the considered use of Hungarian, French and American oak, malolactic fermentation on certain whites (notably Solaris and Chardonnay), and batonnage lees stirring on Pinot Gris.
White Wines
The white wine range showcases the aromatic qualities that English winemaking has become celebrated for:
- Bacchus 2023 (£19.00) - Elderflower, gooseberry and green herbaceous aromas with citrus fruits, green apple and lime on the palate. A light, dry and crisp Bacchus, perfect with seafood and lighter dishes. Bronze medal, Wine GB East awards. Buy Bacchus 2023.
- Bacchus Fumé 2023 (£22.00) - A richer, more textural expression of Bacchus with ripe citrus, creamy, savoury and lightly smoky elements from oak ageing. Gold Medal, IEWA awards 2026. Buy Bacchus Fumé 2023.
- Solaris 2023 (£17.00) - Citrus and floral aromas with stone fruits on the palate; a light, fresh, fruity style. Silver Medal, Wine GB East awards. Buy Solaris 2023.
- Solaris 2022 (£22.00) - Reaching its optimum drinking window but with three to four more years of cellaring potential; fermented in stainless steel and aged on lees for nine months with batonnage. Rich, complex and ideal with hearty fish and white meats. Buy Solaris 2022.
- Pinot Gris 2024 (£25.00) - The second vintage of Pinot Gris, fermented in barrel and aged for nine months (just 12 barrels produced). Soft texture and acidity balanced with ripe stone fruits and oak notes. Buy Pinot Gris 2024.
- Schönburger Late Harvest 2025 (£25.00) - A first for Burn Valley, with 92 g/L residual sugar balancing vibrant lychee, ginger and rose petal aromas. Tropical fruit notes lead to a sweet, long finish. Buy Schönburger Late Harvest 2025.
Rosé Wines
- Marsh Rosé 2025 (£19.00) - 100% Pinot Noir, left on skins in the press for two hours to make a lighter, more elegant style. Strawberries and cream aromas, raspberry on the palate, dry with mouth-watering acidity. Buy Marsh Rosé 2025.
Red Wines
- Regent 2022 - Aged in oak for 12 months, with savoury, earthy aromas, white pepper spice notes and red berry fruits on the palate. Grippier tannins give length and body. Fruity and spicy.
- Marsh Red 2023 - A blend of Rondo and Regent, fermented on skins for two weeks with a few days' soaking, then aged in stainless steel. Soft, fruity and ideal for a summer barbecue; can be served lightly chilled.
Sparkling Wines
Burn Valley's sparkling wines are crafted in the traditional method and have been among the estate's most decorated bottles:
- Blanc de Blanc 2020 (£35.00) - 100% Chardonnay with 48 months on lees. Beautifully bright with a pale yellow appearance and fine bubble structure. Aromas of ripe apple and citrus leading to a well-balanced, soft finish. Silver Medal, Wine GB East awards 2026. Buy Blanc de Blanc 2020.
- Marsh Sparkling 2022 (£27.00) - Burn Valley's first Seyval Blanc sparkling, made in traditional method with 24 months on lees after secondary fermentation. Extra Brut style and fruit-driven. Buy Marsh Sparkling 2022.
- Sparkling Rosé 2021 (£30.00) - 100% Pinot Noir with 24 months on lees. Hand-picked grapes, with notes of raspberry and strawberry on the nose and palate. Silver Medal, Glass of Bubbly Awards and Bronze Medal, Wine GB East awards. Buy Sparkling Rosé 2021.
Orange Wine & Vermouths
- Orange Wine (£25.00) - A 50/50 blend of Schönburger and Pinot Gris, with a striking orange hue and an aromatic profile of guava, pineapple, subtle apple and oxidative nuances. Dry and textural with phenolic grip, almond notes and savoury complexity. Just 500 bottles produced. Bronze Medal, IEWA awards 2026. Buy Orange Wine.
- Extra Dry White Vermouth (£20.00) - A boutique vermouth from the estate. Buy Extra Dry White Vermouth.
- Red Vermouth (£20.00) - A companion aperitif to the white vermouth. Buy Red Vermouth.
All wines can be purchased directly from the Burn Valley online shop, with many bottles currently offered on a summer sale.
Visit the Cellar Door and Wine Bar
The Burn Valley Cellar Door is the perfect starting point for any visit, set among the vines on Beacon Hill Road. Casual wine tastings at the cellar door cost just £10 per person and run Saturday in winter and Tuesday to Saturday in summer. The cellar door is open Monday to Saturday, 11am-4pm, and stocks the full Burn Valley range along with a self-guided walking tour of the vineyard (approximately 30 minutes round-trip).
New for 2026 is the Burn Valley Wine Bar, open Friday from 12pm-4pm, Saturday from 12pm-8pm and selected Sundays on public holidays. The wine bar serves the estate's wines alongside homemade vermouth cocktails and local craft beers, plus snacks such as bread, olives, cheese and charcuterie.
Address and Contact
Burn Valley Vineyard
Beacon Hill Road, North Creake
King's Lynn, NR21 9LN
Email: enquiries@burnvalleyvineyard.co.uk
The team can be reached directly by phone:
- Laura Robinson - Vineyard & Catering: 07803 925064
- Mathew Abbey - Winery & Wholesale: 07368 827132
- Hamish McClellan - Cellar Door, Bookings & Tastings: 07786 039309
The nearest stations are King's Lynn (35 minutes), Sheringham (50 minutes) and Norwich (1 hour) by car. Local taxi firms include Tinys (Fakenham), Burnham Market Taxis, Ben's Cars (Dersingham), Here and There (Docking) and MyBus (King's Lynn, 15-seater).
Guided Tastings and Private Tours
For visitors who want a deeper insight into the Burn Valley story, three structured experiences are offered:
- Guided Tasting with Platter (£40 per person) - A two-hour tasting running Thursdays and Saturdays from 12pm-2pm, April to October (and Saturdays only, November to March). Includes the Burn Valley platter featuring Sunday Charcuterie and Mrs Temples Cheese, antipasti, homemade focaccia and seasonal pestos and chutneys. See upcoming dates.
- Private Tour and Premium Tasting (£100 per person) - A three-hour, small-group experience (max 4 people) every Friday from 5 June to 21 August, starting at 11am with a private tour of the vineyard followed by a premium tasting of six wines with platter lunch. Likely to include a tank or barrel sample of a new wine. Book a private tour.
- Casual Cellar Door Tasting (£10 per person) - Available throughout the week without booking.
Year-Round Events Calendar
Beyond the regular tastings, Burn Valley runs an active programme of seasonal events throughout the year.
Upcoming Highlights
- Burn Valley Summer Party - Saturday 8 August 2026 - The biggest party of the year, with live music from Hot Crumbs and Jess Kidd, food from Smash & Dash, and Burn Valley wines served in the sun from 4pm to 11pm. Tickets from £8 to £25. Buy tickets.
- Burn Valley Secret Supper - Friday 14 August 2026 - Six-course tasting menu paired with Burn Valley wines (optional £40 wine flight). £75-£115 per person. View event.
- Steak Night at Burn Valley - Saturday 15 August 2026 - Aged sirloin and ribeye flame-grilled on a Norfolk charcoal-fired Bertha oven, served with hand-cut chips, king oyster mushrooms, watercress salad, béarnaise and peppercorn sauces. From £45 to £80 per person. View event.
- Oktoberfest 2026 - Sunday 27 September 2026 - Bavarian food, music and beer with a few BV wines; music from 1pm-4pm. Tickets from £7 to £15. Buy tickets.
Other Events from the Calendar
Recent and upcoming ticketed events include the Fizz & Oyster Festival (Sunday 24 May 2026, free entry, with sparkling wines by the glass and bottle and music from James Brooks), the 10 Year Anniversary Wine Tasting (Saturday 20 June 2026, with library wines including BV Cuvee 18, Marsh Sparkling 22, Blanc de Blanc 20 & 21 and Sparkling Rosé 19 & 21), and the Easter Weekend wine and food event with the Burn Valley platter served on Good Friday and Easter Monday and seafood and BBQ menus on the days in between. The Sunday Roast lunches and winter marquee tastings run throughout the cooler months.
Burn Valley Wine Club
The Burn Valley Wine Club costs £260 per year and includes:
- Two cases of six Burn Valley wines per year
- Two complimentary tasting tours
- Exclusive invites to harvest and other vineyard activities
- 10% off all other wine purchases
- Two tickets to the annual Summer Party
Where to Buy Burn Valley Wines
In addition to buying directly from the online shop or at the cellar door, Burn Valley wines are stocked at pubs, delis, farm shops and restaurants across Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, London, Surrey, Essex and Hertfordshire. Regional stockists include Andy's General Store, Arthur Howell Deli, Bakers & Larners, Burnham Tea Rooms, Blakeney Cottage Company, The Crown at Wells-next-the-Sea, Drove Orchard, Glaven Bistro, HV Graves Shop, Heydon Village Tea Rooms, Jolly Farmers, Kings Head Letheringsett, Little Massingham Manor, Leith House, No Twenty9, Norfolk Deli, Norfolk Lavender, North Norfolk Cellars, Peter Graham Wines, Picnic Fayre, Rose and Crown Snettisham, Roys of Wroxham, Taste Buds, TFW Fine Wines, The Coach Dersingham, Norfolk Bottle Shop, Thornham Deli, Willow Tree Deli, White Horse Brancaster and White Horse Holme. Norwich stockists include Benedicts, Jarrolds, Melville & Sons and The Wallow.
Wholesale enquiries should be directed to sales@burnvalleyvineyard.co.uk. McCarthy's and Crush Foods are among the regional wholesalers and suppliers.
Gift Cards
For those who can't decide on a wine, an experience or a particular vintage, Burn Valley also offers eGift Cards in denominations of £25, £50, £80, £100 and £150 (or any custom amount up to £200), with the option to add a personalised message.
Awards and Recognition
Burn Valley's wines have collected awards across several competitions, including:
- Bacchus 2023 - Bronze Medal, Wine GB East awards
- Bacchus Fumé 2023 - Gold Medal, Independent English Wine Awards 2026
- Blanc de Blanc 2020 - Silver Medal, Wine GB East awards 2026
- Orange Wine - Bronze Medal, Independent English Wine Awards 2026
- Sparkling Rosé 2021 - Silver Medal, Glass of Bubbly Awards; Bronze Medal, Wine GB East awards
- Solaris 2023 - Silver Medal, Wine GB East awards
Plan Your Visit
Whether you're after a quick £10 casual tasting at the cellar door, a full £100 private vineyard and winery tour with premium tasting and platter lunch, or tickets to one of the seasonal supper clubs, music nights and harvest celebrations, Burn Valley offers one of the most complete English wine tourism experiences in East Anglia. The estate is just 35 minutes from King's Lynn, 50 minutes from Sheringham and an hour from Norwich by car, and the surrounding North Norfolk coast offers some of the country's most celebrated walking, food and natural landscapes to combine with a visit.