Goldford Wines: A Boutique South Cheshire Vineyard on Larkton Hill
Tucked into the slopes of Larkton Hill, along the ancient sandstone ridge of South Cheshire, Goldford is a small, family-run English vineyard that punches well above its modest two-acre footprint. Established and tended by the Smith family, this boutique site is dedicated to producing cool-climate wines of genuine character - and the bottles that have come out of its first few harvests are already earning their place on the tables of local restaurants and in the homes of customers across the country.
This article covers where the vineyard is, who is behind it, what it grows, the wines currently available to buy, and how to book a summer tour and tasting.
A Family Vineyard on the Sandstone Ridge
Goldford sits on a particularly well-chosen stretch of English countryside. The site lies on the slopes of Larkton Hill, part of the sandstone ridge that runs through South Cheshire. That aspect matters in winemaking: south-facing slopes drain well, catch the sun, and create the kind of microclimate that English sparkling and still-wine producers have learned to look for.
The vineyard itself covers just two acres. That makes Goldford genuinely boutique, and it also explains the meticulous, hands-on approach that runs through everything the family does. This is not a volume operation; it is a careful, considered one.
The site is established and run by the Smith family. William and Liane tend the vines year-round, and their work in the vineyard - pruning, training, picking - is the reason the wines taste the way they do.
How Goldford Began
In 2018, the Smith family planted Goldford's first vines. Four grape varieties were chosen, each picked specifically for the cool-climate conditions of South Cheshire and the terroir of the sandstone ridge:
- Seyval Blanc - a hardy, early-ripening white variety that performs reliably in English conditions.
- Pinot Noir - the red Champagne grape, prized for structure and finesse in sparkling wines.
- Pinot Gris - for aromatic, off-dry still whites.
- Chardonnay - the third classic Champagne variety, completing the traditional sparkling blend.
By planting complementary varieties, the family set themselves up to make a range of distinctive sparkling and still wines rather than relying on a single style.
A patient approach in the cellar
Goldford's winemaking philosophy is patient and unhurried. Every sparkling wine is aged for at least two years, which gives the wines time to develop a characterful bouquet and a more complex flavour profile than you might expect from such a small, young estate.
The first release came in Spring 2024: the signature Sparkling White made from the inaugural 2020 harvest. Later in 2024 came the still Pinot Gris and the 2021 vintage Sparkling White. The range continues to grow as the vines mature and the team experiments further.
The Wines
Goldford currently offers four wines for sale. Here is what is on offer, in detail.
Sparkling White 2020 - £40.00
The flagship bottle. A blend of Pinot Noir and Seyval Blanc, this is a light, refreshing sparkling white brut. On the palate you get good acidity lifted by prickly pear and stone fruit notes. It is the wine that introduced Goldford to the world, and it remains the estate's signature. The 2020 vintage is currently out of stock, so it is worth checking for the next release. View the Sparkling White 2020.
Sparkling White 2021 - £35.00
The follow-up vintage of the same signature blend - Pinot Noir and Seyval Blanc - with the same lively acidity and stone-fruit character. Aged for at least two years on the lees, this is a slightly more recent expression of the Goldford style and offers excellent value within the sparkling range. View the Sparkling White 2021.
Pinot Gris 2023 - £18.00
An off-dry still white with bright aromas of citrus, apples and pears. The palate is refreshingly zesty, with a peppery note on the finish. The Smiths recommend it with fresh seafood, roast chicken, or a classic Cheshire cheese - and it is hard to argue with the pairing. At 1.2 kg per bottle, this is a generous, food-friendly everyday white. View the Pinot Gris 2023.
Bacchus Dessert Wine (2025) - £18.00
A 37.5 cl bottle of Goldford Bacchus 2025, a medium-sweet aromatic English dessert wine. Expect delicate blossom and elderflower aromas, with flavours of ripe apple, honeysuckle and a hint of grapefruit. The natural sweetness is balanced by a refreshing acidity that keeps the finish smooth and elegant. At 11% ABV, it works as an after-dinner wine, alongside fresh fruit, or with cheese. Contains sulphites. Serve well chilled. View the Bacchus Dessert Wine.
Visiting the Vineyard
Goldford welcomes individuals and small groups to the vineyard by appointment for a tour and wine tasting on one of their summer visiting days. Booking by phone is the main way to secure a place.
What to expect on a tour
- A guided walk around the two-acre vineyard on the slopes of Larkton Hill.
- A tasting of the Goldford range, including the signature Sparkling White.
- The chance to see the four grape varieties up close and hear the story of the first plantings in 2018.
- A small-group experience - Goldford caps tours at a maximum of 12 people at a time.
When tours run
Tours take place on selected weekend days between June and September each year. This is the heart of the Goldford visiting season and the best time to see the vineyard in full leaf.
How to book
Bookings are by appointment only. To reserve a place, call +44 7795 457 347 in advance. The vineyard cannot accommodate walk-in visitors, so booking ahead is essential. Plan a visit to Goldford.
Volunteering at Goldford
If a single visit is not enough, the Smiths also welcome volunteers at the vineyard. Two busy periods each year rely on extra pairs of hands:
- Mid-June to late August - the summer pruning period.
- Late October - harvest time.
Volunteers learn about vine work and winemaking, spend time in the vineyard's setting, and are rewarded with food and refreshments on the day. Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to call the same number: +44 7795 457 347.
Where to Buy Goldford Wines
Goldford wines can be ordered directly from the online shop, and they are also stocked in selected restaurants and shops in the local area.
The current range includes:
- Bacchus Dessert Wine - £18.00
- Pinot Gris 2023 - £18.00
- Sparkling White 2020 - £40.00 (currently out of stock)
- Sparkling White 2021 - £35.00
Bottles can be ordered from the Goldford shop and shipped direct from the vineyard.
Final Thoughts
Goldford is the kind of English vineyard that reminds you why the country's cool-climate wine scene has grown so quickly over the past decade. A two-acre family site, four carefully chosen grape varieties, patient winemaking, and a willingness to age the sparkling wines for at least two years - that combination is what produces the bright, food-friendly bottles now coming out of Larkton Hill.
If you are planning a summer trip to South Cheshire, a tour and tasting at Goldford makes a memorable day out. If you are simply after a bottle, the shop is the easiest way to get one in your glass. Either way, keep an eye on this small estate - there is more to come.