Calancombe Estate Vineyard & Winery: Award-Winning English Wines in South Devon
Discover Calancombe Estate: A Family-Run Vineyard in the South Devon Valley
Nestled in a breathtaking South Devon valley between Dartmoor and the coast, Calancombe Estate is one of the largest and most ambitious family-run vineyards in the county. Spanning some 23 acres of south-facing slopes with free-draining soil and a unique microclimate, the estate has been transformed since 2012 into a fully-fledged winery, distillery, orchard and on-site restaurant. Visitors can taste its award-winning English wines and cyders at the cellar door, join a guided vineyard tour, linger over a long lunch overlooking the vines, or simply order the full collection online to be delivered across the UK.
The estate's story began in 2012 when Caroline and Lance Whitehead bought Calancombe Estate, a property with origins that can be traced back to the 16th century. The first harvest came in 2017, and since then the team has hand-picked, pressed, fermented, aged, bottled and labelled every drop of wine, cyder and cassis on site. The on-site restaurant, distillery and Kitchen Garden complete the picture, making this a true farm-to-glass Devon destination.
Location and How to Find Calancombe
Calancombe Estate sits just off the B3196, near Modbury, roughly two miles south of the A38 in South Devon. The full address is Calancombe Estate, Nr Modbury, South Devon, PL21 0TU. Because the final mile to the Estate is narrow, the team asks visitors to approach from the east via PL21 0HR and depart west towards Modbury. The lane is shared with horse-riders, cyclists and runners, so drivers are asked to slow right down. A what3words address is available for easier navigation.
The Estate by Numbers
The vineyard is one of the biggest in Devon, with a diverse mix of grape varieties, fruit orchards and a working Kitchen Garden:
- 5,800 Pinot Noir vines (planted 2012)
- 3,400 Bacchus vines (planted 2012 - 16)
- 1,000 Pinot Gris vines (planted 2012 - 16)
- 7,000 Madeleine Angevine vines (planted 2012 - 16)
- 2,000 Pinot Noir Précoce vines (planted 2012 - 16)
- 1,000 Chardonnay vines (planted 2012 - 16)
- 2,250 Ortega vines (planted 2012 - 16)
- 1,000 cider apple trees
- 23 acres in total - one of the largest Devon vineyards
- 2017 - the year of the first harvest
Sustainability at the Heart of the Estate
From the outset, the founders deliberately avoided creating a monoculture. Alongside the vines, the estate has planted more than 1,000 apple trees, damson and mirabelle trees, and close to 3,000 blackcurrant bushes. A dedicated vegetable and flower garden supplies the restaurant, while beehives help pollinate the orchards. All grape and blackcurrant skins are composted and returned to the vegetable beds, and the apple 'cake' left after pressing is fed to local pigs. Solar panels on the winery roof power the daytime operation, and water is drawn from springs deep beneath the building. Founder Lance Whitehead is also a shareholder in Climeworks, reflecting an ongoing commitment to climate action.
The Wines of Calancombe Estate
Calancombe's winemaking philosophy is rooted in showcasing Devon-grown fruit in both still and sparkling styles. All wines are made in a modern, purpose-built winery on the estate using the latest equipment, with a strong emphasis on traditional method sparkling wines. Six bottles for the price of five is available across the range.
Still White Wines
- Bacchus 2023 - often called the Sauvignon Blanc of England; gentle aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry and elderflower with a clean, crisp palate. ABV 11.5%. From £21.00.
- Ortega 2022 - a single 0.75 ha plot (2,000 vines), partly fermented in oak. Peach, grapefruit and spice on the nose, with melon, peach, vanilla and oak on the palate. ABV 11.5%. From £21.00.
- Vintage Reserve 2020 (Madeleine Angevine) - aromatic with ripe citrus, stone fruit and blackcurrant, rounded by peach, apricot and roasted hazelnut. ABV 11.5%. Wine GB Silver and Food Drink Devon Gold. From £18.00.
- Vintage Reserve 2022 - lightly aromatic with honeysuckle, lychee and peach; rich and balanced with good length. ABV 11.5%. From £18.00.
- Pinot Gris 2023 - delicate lemon tint, hints of ripe gooseberry, almond, butter, pear and honeysuckle, with a slight spritz and a savoury nutty finish. ABV 11.1%. Silver at the Global Pinot Gris Masters 2024. From £23.00.
Rosé and Red-Berry Wines
- Pinot Noir Rosé 2023 - beautiful pink coral colour with notes of zesty rhubarb and ripe orchard fruit; elegant and long with hedgerow berries and crisp mineral acidity. ABV 11.4%. From £21.00.
Sparkling Wines (Traditional Method)
- Blanc de Noirs 2018 - deep gold, long-lasting fine bubbles; hints of strawberries and citrus with a finish of cream, baked apple and gentle spices. ABV 12%. Silver at the Independent English Wine Awards 2024, Food Drink Devon Gold and Wine GB Silver. From £45.00.
- Blanc de Noirs 2021 - deep pinky gold with fine bubbles and a creamy, citrus-spice finish. ABV 12%. From £40.00.
- Blanc de Noirs 2022 - the most recent vintage of this signature traditional method sparkling. ABV 12%. From £40.00.
- Blanc de Blanc 2022 - a limited-release traditional method sparkling made from white grapes, paying tribute to the hot 2022 vintage. Pale gold with aromas of toast, bread dough and brioche; lemon peel, tart green apple, a fine mousse and a beautifully buttery finish. Recognised in Oz and Tom's English Wine Heroes 2026. From £45.00.
- Pinot Noir Rosé Sparkling 2020 - strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants on the nose, fresh strawberry and peach on the palate. ABV 12%. From £40.00.
- Carobella White 2023 - a traditional method sparkling blend of Ortega and Madeleine Angevine, gold in colour with lychee, peach and apricot on the palate. ABV 12%. From £24.00.
- Carobella Rosé 2023 - Ortega and Pinot Noir Précoce blended into a traditional method sparkling with a light salmon pink colour, red fruit on the nose and strawberry, rhubarb, almond and cream on the palate. Recognised in Oz and Tom's English Wine Heroes 2026. From £24.00.
Sparkling Cyder, Cassis and Gin
Beyond wine, the estate produces a traditional method Sparkling Cyder from its own apples, with delicate apple and citrus aromas, fine bubbles and a hint of brioche. The Sparkling Cyder is Food Drink Devon Gold and is priced from £20.00 per bottle. The Cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur made with Ebony, Ben Connan and Noir de Bourgogne varieties, carries a Great Taste 2 Star award and is priced from £21.00.
Within the estate sits the Dartmouth English Gin Distillery, whose award-winning gin is bottled and sold on site. The Dartmouth English Gin 70cl is £38.00, with the Dartmouth Navy Strength Gin 70cl at £45.00.
Wine Cases, Bundles and Gifts
The Calancombe online shop offers a curated selection of mixed cases, bundles and gift boxes, with many on sale:
- The Calancombe Selection Case (2 × Vintage Reserve 2022, 2 × Bacchus 2023, 2 × Ortega 2022) - £100.00 (was £120.00).
- The Estate Collection (1 × Ortega 2022, 1 × Pinot Noir Rosé 2023, 2 × Vintage Reserve 2022, 2 × Bacchus 2023) - £100.00 (was £120.00).
- The Celebration Case (2 × Blanc de Noirs 2021/2022, 1 × Ortega 2022, 1 × Pinot Noir Rosé 2023, 2 × Vintage Reserve 2022) - £140.00 (was £158.00).
- The Tasting Case (1 × Blanc de Noirs 2021/2022, 1 × Cassis 35cl, 1 × Ortega 2022, 1 × Bacchus 2023, 2 × Vintage Reserve 2022) - £120.00 (was £139.00).
- The Sparkling Case (1 × Blanc de Noirs 2021/2022, 1 × Pinot Noir Rosé Sparkling 2020, 2 × Carobella White 2023, 2 × Carobella Rosé 2023) - £150.00 (was £176.00).
- Carobella Mixed Case (3 × Rosé 2023, 3 × White 2023) - £120.00 (was £144.00).
- The Carobella Bundle (1 × White 2023, 1 × Rosé 2023) - £42.00 (was £48.00).
- The Sparkling Bundle (1 × Blanc de Noirs 2018, 1 × Pinot Noir Rosé Sparkling 2020) - £70.00 (was £80.00).
- Blanc de Noirs Bundle (2 × Blanc de Noirs 2018) - £80.00 (was £90.00).
For gifting, the Sparkling Wine Gift Box (£60.00) includes a bottle of award-winning Blanc de Noirs 2018, two branded champagne glasses and a 'Bee' stopper. The Sparkling Cyder Gift Box (£48.00) offers the same presentation with the 2018 Sparkling Cyder. The Kir Royale (£52.00) and Devon Royale (£35.00) bundles pair a sparkling wine or cyder with estate cassis. A Gift Voucher is available in £20, £50, £100 or £200 denominations and can be redeemed against any product, tour, tasting or restaurant visit.
Tours, Tastings and Experiences
The Estate is open for tours and tastings on Fridays and Saturdays from 11am, with a fuller programme of experiences from Wednesday through Saturday. Bookings are taken online.
- Grand Tour - arrive at 11am for a self-paced vineyard tour using the Calancombe app or traditional map, return to the winery at 12 noon for a guided tasting of wines, cassis and gin, paired with English cheeses, charcuterie and sweet treats. £55.00 per person.
- Self-Guided Tour & Tasting - tour the vineyard and orchard using the app or annotated map, then finish with a tasting of wines, cassis and cyders in the winery. From 11am. £25.00 per person.
- Cheese & Wine Tasting - four Calancombe wines, each paired with a different English cheese, plus crackers and accompaniments. From 11:30am. £35.00 per person.
- The Calancombe Super Taster - a relaxed self-guided tasting of six wines, cyders, cassis or gin at the bar or on a tasting table, with optional cheese and charcuterie add-ons. Wednesday - Saturday, 11:30am - 3:30pm. £18.00 per person for one hour.
- Sparkling Devon Cream Tea - Pinot Noir Rosé Sparkling, scones with jam and cream, plus sweet treats. From 3pm. £35.00 per person.
- The Gin School at Dartmouth Distillery - a 3-hour hands-on masterclass with the Head Distiller; choose and distil your own botanical blend on a copper alembic still, sample Dartmouth English Gin and take home a unique bottle. Saturdays. £95.00 per person.
- Private Tours - bespoke guided tours, tastings and events on any day of the week, tailored to your group and interests. Pricing on request.
Visitors are encouraged to wear outdoor shoes for the vineyard and orchard, as the ground can be wet and muddy. The vineyard is steep and uneven, so is not suitable for wheelchairs or those unsteady on their feet, although the winery and downstairs tasting area are fully accessible. Dogs on leads are welcome in the vineyard but not in the restaurant, tasting areas or winery. Tours go ahead in all weather, with the option to begin indoors if conditions are very poor.
Dining at Calancombe Estate
The Estate restaurant serves a seasonal, locally sourced menu built around produce from the Kitchen Garden, neighbouring farms and the wider South Devon larder. Tapas-style small plates, an extensive British cheese selection and the renowned Sparkling Devon Cream Tea are the signatures, all designed to pair with the house wines and cyders.
From the 2026 spring and summer season, opening hours are:
- Wednesday & Thursday - 11am - 5pm for bar snacks and wine (no booking needed).
- Friday & Saturday - full Restaurant service, 9am - 5:30pm. Lunch is served 11am - 5pm (table booking encouraged), and Sparkling Devon Cream Tea is available from 3pm.
The kitchen serves breakfast and brunch favourites (homemade granola, shakshuka, sourdough with poached eggs, avocado and black bean, San Danielle ham with melon) from 9 - 11am on Fridays and Saturdays without a booking. Lunch and afternoon tea can be booked in advance, and the contemporary Spring 2026 menu showcases small plates, English cheeses, charcuterie and the estate's home-grown herbs, fruit and edible flowers.
Festive and Corporate Dining
Each December, Chef Nick and the team roll out a three-course Christmas menu, available to book online with a complimentary glass of Carobella Sparkling on arrival. The 2025 Christmas menu is available as a downloadable PDF, with bookings taken by email for groups between 5th and 21st December. The same kitchen and hospitality look after corporate away days, strategy sessions, client entertainment and Christmas parties, with packages tailored to group size and budget.
Events, Venue Hire and Private Celebrations
Beyond the regular tours and tastings, Calancombe Estate is available for venue hire, corporate away days and private celebrations. The site can host up to 50 guests, with the option to take exclusive use of the restaurant and private dining rooms, or combine a meeting or presentation with a vineyard tour, wine tasting, cheese pairing or Gin School experience. A 24-seat minibus can reach the Estate, and the team provides recommended routes for drivers approaching via the narrow country lane.
Whether planning a team away day, a leadership strategy session, a festive celebration or a family milestone, packages are tailored to individual requirements. Facilities include a private conference room, high-speed internet, screen facilities, and a full range of catering options from working lunches to festive multi-course dinners and tastings. Information on corporate away days and corporate Christmas events is available online, with the team then working with each enquiry to design a bespoke itinerary.
Award-Winning and Increasingly Recognised
Calancombe's wines, cyders and cassis have picked up a steady stream of industry recognition, including Wine GB Silver, Food Drink Devon Gold, Independent English Wine Awards Silver, Great Taste 2 Star, and a Silver at the Global Pinot Gris Masters 2024. Most recently, two Calancombe wines - the Blanc de Blanc 2022 and the Carobella Rosé 2023 - were named in Oz and Tom's English Wine Heroes 2026, recognised by critics Oz Clarke and Tom Surgey. Both wines feature in the Cheese & Wine Tasting on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30am.
Trade Supply and Online Ordering
The estate supplies trade customers and distributors across the UK. Beyond its own wines, sparkling cyder, cassis and Dartmouth English Gin, the trade offering is built around a vertically integrated, in-house production process, from hand-picking through bottling and labelling, that allows full control over quality. Trade enquiries and price list requests are welcomed by email.
For shoppers, the full Calancombe Estate shop is open online, with categories for Wines, Cases, Cassis, Cyder, Gifts and Gin. The standard offer of six bottles for the price of five runs across the wine, cyder and cassis ranges, and a dedicated gifting selection curates hampers, gift boxes and vouchers that can be redeemed against any product or experience.
Staying at Calancombe
Visitors looking to make a longer break of it can stay on the estate via Hidden Valley Holidays, offering self-catering accommodation within the Calancombe valley. It is an ideal base for combining a vineyard tour with walking on Dartmoor, exploring the South Hams coastline and visiting neighbouring attractions in Modbury, Kingsbridge and Salcombe.
Visiting Calancombe Estate
The Estate is open Wednesday to Saturday, with full restaurant service, tours and tastings running on Fridays and Saturdays. Tours should be booked in advance, while the bar and snacks on Wednesdays and Thursdays operate on a walk-in basis. For group bookings, private tours, weddings, corporate events, trade enquiries or Christmas lunches, the team can be reached at caroline@calancombe-estate.com or on +44 (0)1548 830905. The full address is Calancombe Estate, Nr Modbury, South Devon, PL21 0TU.
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