Camel Valley Vineyard Cornwall - Winery Tours & Wine Tastings

Camel Valley Vineyard: Cornwall's Award-Winning Family Estate on the Camel River

Set among the rolling green hills of the Camel Valley in north Cornwall, a stone's throw from the river that gives the estate its name, Camel Valley Vineyard is one of the most decorated family-run wineries in England. Its sun-drenched slopes near Nanstallon have produced traditional-method sparkling wines, still whites, rosés and reds for nearly four decades, and the estate holds the rare distinction of Royal Warrants from both His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. From a single planting of eight thousand vines in 1989 to a globally recognised boutique winery, Camel Valley is a story of patient craft, family succession and a deep affection for the Cornish landscape.

History and Heritage

Camel Valley was founded in 1989 by ex-RAF pilot Bob Lindo and his wife Annie, after they bought a farm in the heart of the Cornish countryside to escape service life and raise their young family. They initially farmed sheep and cattle, but each summer they watched the grass turn brown on the south-facing slopes of the Camel Valley and wondered if vines might relish such conditions. Bob did a vintage in Germany; both took viticulture courses; they read every vine and wine book they could find; they built a winery and equipped it with the finest kit they could afford.

The early years were, in Annie's words, far from easy. "We practically lived in the vineyard, doing all the work by hand, and when it came to harvest time it was just us and a few friends for picking, then Bob would stay up all night crushing the grapes. But we loved it, always striving for perfection in the vineyard and the winery, and then we won a medal in the national English Wine competition for our first wine, so we knew we were doing something right."

Medals kept coming. In 2002 the Lindos won the Waitrose Drinks Producer of the Year award, followed the next year by the South West Business Challenge award for Creating Wealth in the Rural Community. Bob's finest moment came in 2005, when the estate's Camel Valley "Cornwall" sparkling wine won an International Wine Challenge Gold Medal - the only gold awarded to a sparkling wine that year - and he knew he had set a benchmark for English fizz to come.

The Second Generation

The second generation is now firmly at the helm. Sam Lindo, a maths graduate who seemed destined for a career in the city, returned to the family farm in 2002 and has since taken over as winemaker. In 2007 he was named UK Winemaker of the Year and won the Wine of the Year Trophy and Sparkling Wine Trophy at the UK Vineyards Association competition, judged solely by Masters of Wine. He retained the Vintners Trophy for the best English sparkling wine in 2008.

Sam's greatest triumphs followed in 2009 and 2010. In 2009 he won the Trophy and a Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge for Camel Valley Bacchus, while simultaneously taking Gold at the Decanter World Wine Awards for Camel Valley Sparkling "Cornwall" Pinot Noir. The following year, in Verona, Camel Valley won the Trophy for Best International Traditional Method Sparkling Wine, ahead of Bollinger and Roederer. Bob famously joked that he "nearly ate his hat."

Sam worked a vintage in New Zealand in 2006 and brought back a passion for cool-temperature fermentation, which he now applies to his English wines. Father and son continue to bounce ideas off each other, and you will still find Sam checking fermentations on his day off or Bob and Annie out in the vineyard at all hours, because they know that constant attention to detail is the secret of top quality.

The Vineyard and Terroir

Camel Valley sits on sun-drenched slopes above the famous Camel River, an idyllic setting that combines free-draining soils, a temperate maritime climate and long summer days. The site produces grapes that perfectly suit both the soil and the climate, and the Lindos combine respect for traditional vineyard practices with a modern, precision-led approach in the winery.

Of all the estate's plots, the single Darnibole vineyard is the most celebrated. The European Union unanimously agreed that Darnibole should be awarded the highest level of Protected Designated Origin (PDO), making it the first and currently only UK single vineyard to receive this "First Growth" accolade. The grapes are grown on a rich free-draining soil over an ancient slate sub-soil, and the long cool growing season gives the resulting wine its racy, crisp acidity. The grapes are crushed and pressed within two hours of hand picking, the juice is cooled to 4°C to retain its special fruit characters, and fermentation in stainless steel tanks at 13°C ensures none of the unique character is lost.

The Wines

Camel Valley's range falls into two distinct families: traditional-method sparkling wines and still wines, all made from grapes grown on the estate.

Sparkling Wines

2023 Camel Valley 'Cornwall' Brut (£32.95) - A fresh and fruity traditional-method sparkling wine made from Seyval Blanc, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. Fresh yeasty aromas, English hedgerow scents, good acidity and a touch of honey on the palate. Served in Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant, Nathan Outlaw's two Michelin-star kitchens and British Airways First Class.
2022 Camel Valley Pinot Noir Rosé Brut (£36.00) - Beautifully balanced light pink traditional-method sparkling with classic English Pinot character; floral and delicate strawberry nose with crisp acidity. Described by Victoria Moore as "a triumph - completely delicious - like a wild cherry blossom nose-kiss" and crowned Sparkling Rosé World Champion at the Bollicini del Mondo on multiple occasions.
2021 Annie's Anniversary Brut (£34.95) - Made by Sam to commemorate his mother Annie's 100,000th vine pruned and her 20th vintage. Zippily fresh, lemony and tropical, with richer, yeastier depths. Featured on ITV's "Cornwall" with Caroline Quentin.
2018 White Pinot Noir Brut (£39.95) - An elegant Blanc de Noirs with a pearlescent hue, fine filigree mousse, youthful red fruits on the nose and a fabulously long finish. International Wine Challenge 2018 Silver; recommended by Jancis Robinson and Tim Atkin MW.
2022 Cuvée Raymond Blanc de Noir, Rosé Sparkling (£39.95) - Cranberry and red berry flavours, made to celebrate Raymond Blanc's visit to Camel Valley to film his Christmas special. The 2014 vintage was crowned World Champion at Bollicini del Mondo.
2022 Camel Valley Sparkling Red (£29.95) - Amazing vibrant red colour, fabulous fruit with brambly hedgerow character and a dry finish. A great match for roast turkey or barbecues; serve chilled.
2016 Camel Valley Chardonnay Brut (£34.95) - A classic Blanc de Blancs with a fine mousse, gentle citrus flavour and a light toast finish.
2016 Camel Valley Sparkling Demi-Sec (£34.95) - A sweeter style with rich aromas of lemon meringue and Peach Melba, balanced by sherbet lemon, nectarine and cantaloupe melon on the palate.
2015 Camel Valley Special Reserve (£59.95) - The estate's flagship. Roasted nuts, citrus and a touch of vanilla with a tight acidity, complex and long, with great finesse and charm. Gold medal winner at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships 2023 and the wine served at the State Banquet for the President of South Korea.

Still Wines

2023 Camel Valley Bacchus Dry (£16.95) - A fresh, fruity dry white with grassy hue, crisp elderflower and grapefruit flavours. Hailed by Matthew Jukes as "England's answer to Sancerre" and recommended by Olly Smith as "the Crown Jewels" of English white wine.
2025 Camel Valley Atlantic Dry (£15.95) - Delicate, refreshing and aromatic with apricot and green fruit aromas. A 50/50 blend of Pinot Blanc and Bacchus, served at 10 Downing Street by the Prime Minister.
2023 Camel Valley Still Chardonnay (£24.95) - A fine balance between fresh temperate fruit notes and traditional fermentation in French oak barrels.
2025 Camel Valley Still Rosé (£16.95) - Beautifully balanced and luscious, with intense aromas of strawberries and raspberries. Perfect for sipping al fresco.
2024 Camel Valley Still Pinot Noir Red (£19.95) - Bright aromas of raspberry and pomegranate, complemented by notes of vanilla and clove from maturation in French oak.
2023 Camel Valley Darnibole Bacchus (£19.95) - The single-vineyard expression from the EU-awarded PDO Darnibole plot, with racy crisp acidity and a long ageing potential.

Gifts and Accessories

Gift Box Set for Sparkling Wine (£29.95) - A beautiful Camel Valley box with two branded 125ml glasses and a sparkling wine saver. Bottle not included.
Sparkling Wine Saver (£7.95) - Keep your fizz fresh.
Camel Valley Gift Bag - From £1.00 (single) to £2.00 (triple); flat-packed alongside your wine.
Camel Valley Single Gift Box (£3.00) - Enhance your gift with a presentation box (sparkling wines only).
Camel Valley Wine E-Gift Voucher (from £10.00) - Redeemable against any wine online or on site. Cannot be used for tours.
E-Gift Card: Guided Tour for 2 People (£40.00) - Valid for 365 days.
E-Gift Card: Grand Tour & Tasting for 2 People (£60.00) - Valid for 365 days; subject to availability.

All bottles are 750ml and most are around 12.5% ABV. Free delivery on UK mainland orders of six or more bottles, with a 5% discount on six bottles and 10% on twelve bottles. Mixed cases are welcome.

Awards and Accolades

Camel Valley's trophy cabinet is among the most crowded in English wine. Highlights include:

2026: Gold for 2023 Pinot Noir Rosé Brut at the International Wine Challenge; Silver for 2023 Cornwall Brut and 2023 Darnibole Bacchus.
2025: Bob Lindo International Diploma of Honour, Wine Guild.
2024: Gold for 2023 Bacchus Dry at the WineGB Awards.
2023: Two Golds and a Silver at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships.
2022: "Rosé Brut of the Year" for the 2019 Pinot Noir Rosé Brut in Tim Atkin MW's Special English Wine Report.
2020: Gold and Trophy for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year, Cornwall Tourism Awards.
2018: First English wine to receive a Royal Warrant.
2017: Bob Lindo receives a Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Wine Challenge.
2016: World Champion for 2014 Cuvée Raymond Blanc at Bollicini del Mondo.
2015: Platinum (97 points) for the 2015 Pinot Noir Rosé Brut at the Decanter World Wine Awards.
2009: Sam Lindo short-listed as International Sparkling Winemaker of the Year.
2007: Sam Lindo named UK Winemaker of the Year.
2005: International Wine Challenge Gold for Camel Valley 'Cornwall' Brut.

The wines are stocked nationally by Waitrose and have been served at Fortnum & Mason, Hakkasan and Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant, as well as at Tate Modern in London. Camel Valley also exports to Japan and Australia.

Royal Recognition

In 2018 Camel Valley became the first English wine producer to be granted a Royal Warrant, and on 14 May 2024 the estate announced the further honour of new warrants from both His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. Bob and Annie Lindo said: "What an honour it is to have been granted new warrants by the King and also the Queen. Her Majesty has taken a keen interest in the development of English wines and as president of Wine GB, which represents the industry, she has been a terrific source of encouragement and enthusiasm. To now have been appointed as one of her first warrant holders is very special."

The wines have been served on numerous Royal occasions, including the State Banquet for the King and Queen of Spain, the President and First Lady of Mexico, and most recently the lavish State Banquet for the President of South Korea - at which the 2015 Camel Valley Special Reserve was poured despite the wines still being tasted blind for selection.

Visiting the Vineyard

Camel Valley is open year-round, Monday to Friday including Bank Holidays, from 10am to 5pm. The shop, set on the estate's sun terrace, sells bottles and cases, and you are welcome to drink wine by the glass on the terrace, in the garden or in the tasting room. Booking is advisable for tours and wine-by-the-glass as tables are limited.

Daily Guided Tour - £20.00

The Guided Tour runs at 10:30am, Monday to Friday from April to September, and on Mondays and Fridays through the winter months. Over 30 to 45 minutes the team explains the growing season of the vine and shows you round the winery before guiding you through a tasting flight of four flagship wines. A table is reserved for guests until 12.30pm afterwards, so there is no need to book a separate tasting slot. Under-18s and well-behaved children's tickets are £5.00 with a soft drink included. Email confirmation only - no physical tickets are issued. Sorry, no dogs except guide dogs.

Grand Tour & Tasting - £30.00

The Grand Tour & Tasting is held every Wednesday evening at 5pm between May and September. A winemaker guides you through the vineyard year and winery process, answering questions along the way, before a tasting session that begins with the flagship Cornwall Brut and aims to cover at least five wines. The site closes at 6.45pm. Booking is essential and spaces are limited; there are no concessions for children, so families are advised to book the 10.30am Guided Tour instead.

Wine by the Glass - £5.00 deposit per person

Wine by the glass is served on the sun terrace, in the garden and in the tasting room, with table service and slots of 90 minutes. Each table is limited to five people (including children); larger groups must book multiple tables. The £5 per person booking deposit is fully refundable against wine purchases on the day.

For all experiences, cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice or no-shows are not refundable.

News and Press

Camel Valley regularly features in the national press. Matthew Jukes, writing in Vineyard Magazine in May 2022, said of the 2021 Bacchus: "I have followed this magnificent winery since it opened its doors back in 1989, and I have only ever tasted Camel Valley wines that make me smile. Camel Valley made the first genuinely great Bacchus I tasted... The new 2021 release is sensational. This wine sums up the flavour of a beautiful, verdant, sunny English summer in just one glass."

Jane MacQuitty of The Times called the Pinot Noir Rosé Brut "England's most consistently delicious pink fizz" and "England's smartest and most awarded sparkling rosé", while Olly Smith wrote in the Mail on Sunday: "Wine Tourism - My favourite is Camel Valley in Cornwall, which is well set for parties of all sizes and you should buy as much of its sparkling Pinot Noir rosé as you can carry." Oz Clarke has described the Cornwall Brut as "Britain's best value sparkler" and Jamie Goode has praised its balance. The wines are also available in Australia via CellaVino.

Sustainability and Quality

Camel Valley is committed to sustainable viticulture and is independently certified to recognised ISO standards. Both a Sustainability Policy and an ISO Quality Policy underpin the operation, and the estate was named Best Managed Small Business at the 2017 Cornwall Sustainability Awards. Grapes are hand-picked, fermentations are carefully temperature-controlled, and the winery uses only minimal intervention to protect fruit character.

Practical Information

Address: Camel Valley Ltd, Nanstallon, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 5LG.
Telephone: 01208 77959.
Email: info@camelvalley.com.
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10am-5pm including Bank Holidays; closed Saturday and Sunday. Sorry, no dogs except assistance dogs.
Shop online: camelvalley.com/shop - free UK mainland delivery on six or more bottles, with mixed-case discounts of 5% (6 bottles) and 10% (12 bottles).
Tours: book a Daily Guided Tour or a Grand Tour & Tasting, or browse all experiences.
Wine by the glass: book a table on the sun terrace, in the garden or in the tasting room.
Follow: Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram and YouTube.

From a single eight-thousand-vine planting in 1989 to Royal Warrants, World Champion trophies and a thriving visitor experience, Camel Valley remains a quiet, family-led triumph of English wine. Bob and Annie's vision, and Sam's modern winemaking, have made a Cornish vineyard on the Camel River one of the most exciting names in sparkling wine anywhere in the world.

2026-08-07 ↻	Daily Guided Tour A relaxed 30-45 minute tour of the vineyard and winery led by the Camel Valley team, covering the growing season of the vine and the winemaking process, followed by a tasting flight of four flagship wines. A table is reserved until 12.30pm after the tour so guests can continue tasting. Under-18s and well-behaved children £5 with a soft drink. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
2026-08-07 ↻	Wine by the Glass on the Terrace Table-service wine tasting on the sun terrace, garden and tasting room overlooking the Camel Valley. Tables limited to five people per 90-minute slot; £5 per person deposit, refundable against wine purchases. Booking advisable.
2026-08-12 ↻	Grand Tour & Tasting A winemaker-led evening tour through the vineyard year and winery process, followed by a tasting of at least five wines, beginning with the flagship Cornwall Brut. The site closes at 6.45pm. Booking essential; limited spaces. No concessions for children. No dogs except guide dogs.

Camel Valley Vineyard