Burnt House Vineyard: A Family-Run Suffolk Estate Championing Cool-Climate English Wines
Tucked into the rolling farmland of Little Finborough, a small village just outside Stowmarket in the heart of Suffolk, Burnt House Vineyard is a family-run vineyard with generations of farming heritage behind it. Set on a south-facing site, it produces both still and sparkling wines from classic cool-climate grapes, and operates as a destination in its own right, with a tasting room, vineyard kitchen, tours, picnics, and a year-round calendar of Feast Friday street food nights, farmers' markets and festive workshops.
Where Burnt House Vineyard Sits in the Suffolk Countryside
Burnt House Vineyard is located on Bildeston Road, Little Finborough, Suffolk IP14 2LA, just a ten-minute drive from Stowmarket. Follow Park Road through the village of Combs and it continues onto Bildeston Road; as you drive through the village landscape, the vineyard appears at the beginning of Little Finborough on the left-hand side. The What3Words reference is equity.windmills.ignoring, and the vineyard is easily accessible from Stowmarket, Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds.
Stowmarket station sits on the main Greater Anglia rail line and offers regular train services from London Liverpool Street, Norwich, Cambridge and Peterborough, with additional stops across Suffolk and East Anglia. From the station, it is a short taxi ride to the vineyard, making Burnt House one of the more accessible English vineyards for a day trip from London.
The Story Behind Burnt House: A Family Vineyard with Farming Roots
Burnt House is the wine-facing side of Scarff Farms t/a Burnt House, a family farming business whose registered office is at West End Farm, Mill Lane, Combs, Stowmarket, IP14 2NF. Generations of agricultural heritage underpin the project, and the vineyard was founded with a simple vision: to create wines that reflect the character of the Suffolk landscape while bringing people together to share meaningful moments.
That blend of farming know-how and modern viticulture runs through everything the estate does. The team combines traditional farming knowledge with contemporary vineyard and winemaking techniques, and every vine is carefully nurtured using sustainable practices so that the land, and the quality of every harvest, is protected for the future. The result is a small but tightly edited range of wines that the team describes as being "made for celebrating and creating lasting memories", bottles designed to be opened, shared and enjoyed rather than locked away.
The Grapes and the Wines
Burnt House's south-facing site provides the cool-climate varieties that thrive in East Anglian soils. Six grapes form the backbone of the range: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Bacchus, Pinot Gris and Pinot Précoce. The current lineup is built around four wines, each with a single-bottle and a case-of-six option.
Burnt House Pinot Meunier Rosé 2025 - £21.00
A vibrant and aromatic expression of Pinot Meunier from the warm 2025 vintage. The nose and palate burst with wild strawberry, raspberry, white peach and blood orange, finishing with bright red berry fruit and a subtle floral lift. Elegant, fruit-driven and silky, it is a rosé that showcases the finesse and aromatic charm of the variety. 12% ABV, 75cl, vegan, contains sulphites.
Burnt House Bacchus 2025 - £21.00
100% Bacchus, the signature English white grape, bursting with aromas of elderflower and green apple. The palate carries citrus and elderflower notes through a crisp, refreshing finish. The winemakers suggest pairing it with grilled fish and salad, a classic Bacchus match. 12% ABV, 75cl, vegan, contains sulphites.
Burnt House Précoce 2025 - £24.00 (New Vintage)
An earlier-ripening Pinot Noir, beautifully expressive and fruit-forward. Aromas of ripe red cherry, blackberry and plum unfold alongside delicate floral notes, while soft tannins and rounded fruit create a smooth, supple texture, with bright freshness bringing balance and lift to the finish. The winemaker recommends pairing with barbecued meats, roast pork, beetroot dishes, grilled vegetables and semi-soft cheeses, served slightly chilled at 13 to 15°C. 12% ABV, 75cl, vegan, contains sulphites.
Burnt House Brut 2022 - £35.00
Hand-picked from the single estate vineyard, this traditional-method English sparkling wine is delicate golden in colour with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose is bursting with citrus; on the palate, pear, peach, honey and toast notes combine with the structure that comes from bottle ageing on lees. A classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. 12% ABV, 75cl, vegan, contains sulphites.
Cases of Six
Each of the four wines is also available in a mixed case of six bottles at a 10% saving:
- Pinot Meunier Rosé 2025 - case of 6: £113.40 (regular price £126.00)
- Bacchus 2025 - case of 6: £113.40 (regular price £126.00)
- Précoce 2025 - case of 6: £129.60 (regular price £144.00)
- Brut 2022 - case of 6: £189.00 (regular price £210.00)
Cases can be ordered through the online shop, with free UK shipping on orders over £100 and vineyard pick-up or local delivery as alternatives. International shipping is not available.
Buy Direct: The Vineyard Shop
The Burnt House shop is the simplest way to get hold of the wines, and a digital gift card is also available in £25, £50, £100, £150 or custom-amount denominations, redeemable online and in the Tasting Room with no expiry date. The estate also welcomes trade enquiries; restaurants, retailers and distributors interested in stocking the range can email lizzie.young@burnthousevineyard.co.uk.
The Vineyard Kitchen & Tasting Room
The social heart of Burnt House is its Vineyard Kitchen & Tasting Room, a relaxed, country-modern space overlooking the vines where visitors can drop in for a glass, a flight or a long lunch. The kitchen focuses on simple, flavour-driven food designed to pair with the wines: seasonal small plates, carefully selected charcuterie, a rotating selection of artisan cheeses, and other locally sourced produce that highlights the best ingredients from the surrounding region. From sharing boards to light bites, dishes are designed to complement the wines and create an unhurried vineyard dining experience.
Self-Guided Wine Flights
For visitors who want to compare styles and vintages at their own pace, the Tasting Room offers self-guided wine flights. Each flight allows you to explore a selection of Burnt House wines while learning about the grape varieties, vineyard practices and winemaking philosophy behind every bottle. No booking is required for flights, making them ideal for newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
Opening Hours
The Tasting Room is open Friday 12:00 to 20:00, Saturday 12:00 to 20:00 and Sunday 12:00 to 17:00. The kitchen closes one hour earlier each day (Friday and Saturday 12:00 to 19:00, Sunday 12:00 to 16:00). Walk-ins are welcome, though availability may vary during busy periods. Opening hours are subject to change. Table reservations can be made online or by emailing info@burnthousevineyard.co.uk.
Tours and Tastings at the Vineyard
Burnt House offers two bookable experiences, each one a different way to get to know the wines and the place.
Tour & Tasting from £25 per person
The flagship Tour & Tasting runs April to September and lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Your visit begins with a guided walk through the vineyard, where the team explains how the grapes are grown and the vines cared for across the seasons. You will hear the history of Burnt House, the family farming heritage behind it, and how the still and sparkling wines are made. The tour finishes with a tasting of three Burnt House wines in the Tasting Room overlooking the vines. After the tasting, you are welcome to stay on and enjoy the vineyard views.
Tour times are:
- Saturdays: 12:00 and 16:00
- Every other Sunday: 12:00
You can also add an antipasti selection board to your booking: locally sourced cheeses, charcuterie and antipasti, served alongside a glass of Burnt House wine. The deli board is served at approximately 13:30 for the 12:00 tour and 18:00 for the 16:00 tour. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with notice in the booking form.
The tours run in all weather conditions unless it is considered unsafe; in that case tickets are transferred to an alternative date. As Burnt House is a working vineyard and farm, some areas may be muddy or uneven, so suitable footwear and clothing are recommended. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Picnic In The Vines from £80 per basket for two
For a more leisurely pace, the Picnic In The Vines experience is a 2-hour afternoon among the rows. Picnic baskets are designed for two and are collected from the Tasting Room between 13:00 and 14:00, where the team will guide you to your own peaceful spot within the vineyard. Each basket includes a bottle of Burnt House wine curated by the team and a generous spread of artisan produce sourced from East Anglia and beyond:
- Sunday Charcuterie mixed antipasti board
- St Jude's cheese
- Rustic baguette
- Loaded hummus
- Parmesan cheese & sweet basil biscuits and Miller's Toast crackers
- Tiptree honey for cheese
- Spiced smoked mixed nuts
- Perelló olives
- Mixed antipasti selection
- Grapes
- Savoursmiths Desert Salt crisps
- Single Origin Sea Salt Dark Chocolate brownie
- Strawberries
- Clotted cream
Menus may vary slightly with seasonal availability, and the team is happy to cater for dietary requirements with advance notice. When booking online, select one participant for each picnic basket serving two. In bad weather, picnics can be enjoyed in the Tasting Room or under the covered terrace. For larger groups, email info@burnthousevineyard.co.uk.
Private Hire, Corporate Events and Weddings
Beyond day visits, Burnt House is set up to host private and corporate events. The estate offers exclusive private hire of the vineyard and wine estate for milestone birthdays, weddings, celebrations of life and family reunions, with bespoke event planning, indoor and outdoor spaces (the Tasting Room and open vineyard areas) and the option to add tours, tastings and wine pairings. The events team can be contacted at events@burnthousevineyard.co.uk.
For corporate clients, Burnt House specialises in corporate wine tasting experiences, team-building days, client entertainment and relaxed networking events, with guided vineyard tours and wine tastings led by the team and a flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space.
For weddings, two distinct settings are available. The Marquee in the Vineyard sits among the rolling hills of the vineyard, with views across the vines and natural rustic charm. For more intimate celebrations, the Tasting Room, set to the side of the vineyard with views of the vines, creates a quieter, candlelit setting for ceremonies and receptions with loved ones. Wedding enquiries are handled by the events team at events@burnthousevineyard.co.uk.
Events at Burnt House: Feast Fridays, Farmers' Markets and Festive Highlights
Burnt House runs a packed public events calendar that brings local food producers, artisans and street food traders into the vineyard throughout the year. Tickets for individual events are available online, with free general admission for the markets and small booking fees for the timed Feast Friday street food nights.
Upcoming Farmers' Markets
- Sunday 9 August 2026, 10:00 to 15:00 - Farmers Market
- Sunday 6 September 2026, 10:00 to 15:00 - Farmers Market
The monthly Farmers' Markets are a celebration of the best local food, drink and seasonal produce, with a thoughtfully curated set of stalls offering fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, meat, fish, preserves, flowers, spirits and more. The Tasting Room is open throughout, so you can stay on for a glass of wine after browsing the stalls. Applications are open for 2026 stallholders.
Feast Friday Street Food Nights
Every Friday during the warmer months, Burnt House hosts a different regional street food trader on the vineyard. Each evening runs 17:00 to 22:00 with timed table bookings and a vineyard bar pouring wine, local beer, cider and soft drinks. Confirmed 2026 dates include:
- Friday 14 August 2026 - Flip Brgr - burgers, bold toppings, comfort-food indulgence.
- Friday 28 August 2026 - TON Pizzeria - wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas made fresh on site.
- Sunday 30 August 2026 - Sunday Social - a relaxed day among the vines.
- Friday 11 September 2026 - Pinney's of Orford - Suffolk-coast seafood, oysters and traditionally smoked fish.
- Friday 25 September 2026 - Savannah Smoke Grill - Caribbean fire, jerk chicken, BBQ wings and Cajun parmesan corn.
- Friday 9 October 2026 - Peck - Suffolk-reared buttermilk fried chicken, the final PECK visit of 2026.
- Friday 23 October 2026 - 1942 Streetfood - South Asian street food inspired by homestyle recipes, with halal, vegetarian and vegan options.
- Friday 6 November 2026 - The Raclette Truck - Alpine raclette cheese melted over potatoes, deli meats and pickles.
- Friday 20 November 2026 - Wok Wraps - Chinese-fusion wraps, salt & pepper chicken boxes, gyozas and spring rolls, the Feast Fridays 2026 finale.
Festive Wreath Workshops with Flores UK
Across four afternoons in late November and early December, the vineyard hosts Cheryl from Flores UK for a hands-on Christmas wreath-making workshop. Each session includes all materials and a glass of Burnt House Sparkling Brut. Tickets are £60 per person:
- Saturday 28 November 2026, 14:00 to 17:00 - Festive Wreath Workshop
- Sunday 29 November 2026, 14:00 to 17:00 - Festive Wreath Workshop
- Friday 4 December 2026, 17:00 to 20:00 - Festive Wreath Workshop
- Saturday 5 December 2026, 14:00 to 17:00 - Festive Wreath Workshop
Christmas Market Weekend
The year's headline event is a three-day Christmas Market set among the vines, with twinkling lights, atmospheric stalls and a warm Tasting Room. Stallholders are drawn from local craftspeople, artisans and food & drink producers. Free general admission:
- Friday 11 December 2026, 16:00 to 20:00 - Christmas Market - Friday
- Saturday 12 December 2026, 10:00 to 20:00 - Christmas Market - Saturday
- Sunday 13 December 2026, 10:00 to 16:00 - Christmas Market - Sunday
Visiting Burnt House: Practical Information
How to Book
Tours, picnics, table reservations and events are all booked online. For larger groups, private hire, weddings or corporate packages, the events team can be reached at events@burnthousevineyard.co.uk; for trade and wholesale enquiries, lizzie.young@burnthousevineyard.co.uk.
Family and Dogs
Burnt House welcomes visitors of all ages. The vineyard is both family-friendly and dog-friendly, making it an easy option for a relaxed day out in the Suffolk countryside.
Getting There
The vineyard is a 10-minute drive from Stowmarket, with easy access from Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and the wider Suffolk area. By rail, regular Greater Anglia services from London Liverpool Street, Norwich, Cambridge and Peterborough stop at Stowmarket, with a short final taxi ride to the vineyard.
Contact
- Address: Burnt House Vineyard, Bildeston Road, Little Finborough, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 2LA
- Telephone: 01449 553213
- Email: info@burnthousevineyard.co.uk
- What3Words: equity.windmills.ignoring
- Facebook: @burnthousevineyard
- Instagram: @burnthousevineyard
Why Burnt House Belongs on Any Suffolk Wine Lover's List
Burnt House Vineyard is, in many ways, a perfect example of the new generation of English wine estates: small enough to feel personal, ambitious enough to deliver a tight, well-made range of wines, and outward-looking enough to build a destination around the vineyard rather than just a place to sell bottles. The wines are accessible and food-friendly: a Bacchus to pair with grilled fish, a Pinot Meunier rosé for long afternoons, an earlier-ripening Pinot Précoce for autumn suppers, and a traditional-method Brut for proper celebrations. The experiences are deliberately varied: a Saturday tour and tasting, a two-hour picnic in the vines, a Feast Friday evening with regional street food, a Christmas wreath workshop, or a full weekend browsing the festive market.
Add in the working-farm honesty of a family vineyard, the sustainability commitments that run through every block, and the convenience of a Suffolk location that is easy to reach from London, and Burnt House delivers exactly the kind of relaxed, well-considered English wine experience that visitors keep coming back to. Whether you arrive with a notebook for tasting notes, a basket for a picnic, or simply a free afternoon to walk among the vines with a glass of something cold, the team at Burnt House is ready to welcome you.