Goose Beck Vineyard: A Family-Run Yorkshire Winery in the Vale of York
Introduction
Tucked into the rolling farmland on the outskirts of Bilton-in-Ainsty, between York, Harrogate and Wetherby, Goose Beck Vineyard is one of the newest faces of English wine in North Yorkshire. The vineyard is a small, family-run operation that has, in just a handful of years, transformed what was once sheep pasture into a working vineyard of 14,000 vines and a brand-new on-site winery. Guests today can book guided tours and tastings, stay in a converted farm cottage, join a willow weaving or sourdough workshop, or settle in for an evening supper club paired with the estate's own still wines.
What makes Goose Beck particularly interesting is its commitment to sustainable and organic viticulture in a part of the country once considered too cool for wine. By planting predominantly Piwi varieties, which are disease-resistant cultivars bred to cope with damp northern summers, and by following the guidelines of Sustainable Wine GB, the team has built a vineyard that aims to tread lightly while still producing characterful, site-specific English wines.
From Sheep Pasture to Family Vineyard: The Goose Beck Story
Goose Beck began as a passion project. The family previously ran sheep on the same land, working to organic and sustainable principles, and when the decision was made to plant vines, those same principles came with them. In 2021, the very first 2,000 vines went into the ground by hand, with the help of a great local vine supplier. Since then, the vineyard has grown year on year until it now totals 14,000 vines across 13 different varieties.
The team remains intentionally small: four family members, a part-timer, and a clutch of willing volunteers keep things running through the season. There is also a hard-working dog team whose job at harvest time is to keep the birds off the ripening grapes. It is the kind of scale and care that makes a visit feel like being welcomed onto a private estate rather than a commercial winery.
The first modest harvest was taken in 2023, and the estate produced its first on-site wines in 2024 from a tiny batch of Phoenix and Rondo grapes. The team anticipates that the 2025 vintage will be the first genuinely significant production year, and the long-term aim is to build a range of outstanding, characterful wines that reflect both the cooler climate of Yorkshire and the unique terroir of the Vale of York.
A Word on the Terroir
The vineyard sits in the Vale of York, an area of flat-to-gently-rolling farmland that benefits from free-draining soils and a noticeably drier, more continental microclimate than the dales to the north and west. Cold winters help the vines shut down cleanly, and long summer days give the grapes the ripening edge they need. It is the kind of site that has quietly begun producing some of England's most interesting cool-climate wines.
The Vines: Piwi Varieties and Cool-Climate Classics
The majority of the vines at Goose Beck are PIWIs, a German abbreviation (Pilzwiderstandsfähig) meaning they have been bred and selected for high resistance to fungal diseases. In practical terms this means far less spraying, which benefits both the environment and the vineyard's wildlife. Piwi varieties are particularly well suited to North Yorkshire's damper seasons, where traditional Vitis vinifera can struggle.
The vineyard has been planted gradually, variety by variety, to give the team the chance to learn how each performs on the site. Today the 13 varieties in the ground include:
- Bacchus, a crisp, aromatic white often described as England's answer to Sauvignon Blanc.
- Muscaris, a disease-resistant crossing with intense Muscat-like aromatics.
- Solaris, an early-ripening white that consistently performs well in cool climates.
- Divico, a red Swiss Piwi crossing with good colour and structure.
- Seyval Blanc, a versatile white widely planted in the UK.
- Phoenix and Rondo, the two varieties that made up the very first estate harvest.
All vines were lovingly hand-planted and have been nurtured organically ever since. The first vineyard block is fully certified under Sustainable Wine GB.
Sustainability and Organic Principles
Goose Beck's approach to the land is one of the things that defines the estate. The family followed organic and sustainable principles when they farmed sheep, and the vineyard has been planned with the same mindset from day one.
What Sustainability Looks Like in Practice
- All fungicides and fertilisers used are certified organic.
- The planting areas follow the Sustainable Wine GB guidelines.
- The winery is powered by photovoltaic (solar) panels on the roof, providing electricity for both the winemaking and the tasting room.
- Rainwater is harvested and used wherever potable water is not required.
- Dog patrols and natural habitat management help with pest and wildlife balance.
It is a quietly impressive list of measures for such a young, small vineyard, and it shows how seriously the team takes the idea of producing English wine responsibly.
The Winery
The estate winery was developed on site and used for the first time in 2024. It was purpose-built to support the small but growing production, and is integrated with the tasting room so visitors can see winemaking and wine tasting side by side.
The winery incorporates the same solar array that powers the rest of the estate's operations, and rainwater harvesting is used where possible. As production ramps up with the 2025 vintage, the team plans to expand the range of still wines on offer, with a focus on whites and rosés suited to the cool-climate site, plus experimental reds from varieties such as Rondo and Divico.
Vineyard Tours and Wine Tastings
The headline visitor experience at Goose Beck is the Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting, which the team launched for the first time in 2025. It is a relaxed, two-hour introduction to the estate aimed squarely at people who want to understand how English wine is grown and made in Yorkshire.
What the Tour Includes
- A guided walk through the vines with the winemaker, looking at the different grape varieties and how they are managed.
- A visit to the on-site winery to see how the grapes become wine.
- A tasting of four Goose Beck wines in the tasting room.
- Nibbles selected to pair with each of the wines.
Practical Details
- Price: £25 per person.
- Duration: approximately 2 hours.
- Time: 2pm to 4pm on the listed dates.
- Age policy: Over 18s only for the tasting. Under 18s are welcome to join the tour but cannot take part in the tasting. A ticket is required for each person.
- Dogs: not permitted on the tour (only registered assistance dogs).
- Footwear: appropriate shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential, as the ground can be uneven.
Tour dates currently listed for the season include Saturday 8th August, Friday 14th August, Sunday 16th August, Saturday 22nd August, Monday 31st August, Friday 4th September, Friday 11th September and Saturday 19th September 2026. Groups of 10 or more can contact the team to discuss arranging a private tasting.
Tickets can be booked via the Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting page.
Upcoming Events and Workshops
Goose Beck's calendar is a mix of wine-focused events, food experiences and creative workshops. Most events are ticketed through the estate's online shop and most welcome solo attendees. As a general rule, full payment is required at the time of booking and the estate does not accept cancellations, although the team will try to help rebook you onto an alternative date if contacted at least 48 hours in advance.
Supper Club - Yorkshire Theme (Friday 7 August 2026)
A celebration of (slightly belated) Yorkshire Day, hosted in collaboration with Rebecca of One Supper on a Time. Rebecca cooks a three-course Yorkshire-themed menu to pair with three of Goose Beck's still wines.
- Date: Friday 7 August 2026, 7pm for a 7:30pm start.
- Price: £80 per person.
- Inclusions: three-course meal and wine pairings; further wine available by the glass or bottle.
- Notes: 18+ only. The kitchen cannot substitute items or cater for allergies. Please contact the team before booking if you have questions.
Book via the Supper Club - Yorkshire Theme page.
Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting (multiple dates)
As above, running through August and into September, with the next available date being Saturday 8 August 2026.
Willow Weaving - Birds (Saturday 12 September 2026)
A full-day willow weaving masterclass with Jess Wilkinson Willow. Guests create a willow bird of their choice (curlew, chicken or even a goose), learning traditional basketry techniques and contemporary sculptural design along the way.
- Date: Saturday 12 September 2026, 9:30am for a 10:00am start, finishing around 4:00pm.
- Price: £115 per person.
- Inclusions: all materials, tea and coffee throughout the day, and a ploughman's lunch with a complimentary glass of Goose Beck wine.
- Suitability: ages 14+, under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult. All abilities welcome.
Book via the Willow Weaving - Birds page.
Willow Weaving - Stag Head (Wednesday 2 December 2026)
A festive-season take on the same format, weaving a decorative stag head from willow, ideal for hanging above the fireplace through Christmas and beyond.
- Date: Wednesday 2 December 2026, 9:30am for a 10:00am start, finishing around 4:00pm.
- Price: £115 per person.
- Inclusions: all materials, tea and coffee, and a ploughman's lunch with a complimentary glass of Goose Beck wine.
- Suitability: ages 14+, under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Book via the Willow Weaving - Stag Head page.
Past Events (Sold Out)
Goose Beck has run a number of one-off events earlier in 2026 that have already sold out or passed, including:
- Sourdough Bread Making Class with chef Jamie, Saturday 14 March 2026, £95 per person.
- Supper Club - English Wine Week, Saturday 20 June 2026, £85 per person.
- Great Yorkshire Wine & Fizz Festival, Saturday 27 June 2026, hosted at Yorkshire Heart, Nun Monkton.
- Private Event: Wine Tasting - Alvis Owner Club, Saturday 18 July 2026.
The full events calendar lists forthcoming dates.
Stay With Us: Holiday Cottages at Goose Beck
For anyone who wants to make a proper break of a visit, Goose Beck offers five charming holiday cottages converted from the estate's old farm buildings (the granary, the hay store and the barns). They are designed with couples in mind, sleeping two in comfort, with a few accessible options available and a pet-friendly policy.
Inside the Cottages
- Open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining area for leisurely breakfasts and cosy evenings in.
- Separate bedroom with a king-sized bed.
- Modern bathroom with all the essentials.
Outside the Cottages
- Private outdoor seating area for each cottage, the ideal spot to unwind with a glass of Goose Beck's own wine on a warm Yorkshire evening.
- Pet-friendly accommodation.
- Some accessible options.
Location
Goose Beck Cottages sit in the Vale of York, close to the village of Tockwith. The location puts guests within easy reach of:
- York: the Minster, cobbled streets, the National Railway Museum, Castle Museum and Jorvik Viking Centre.
- Harrogate, including the most northerly RHS Garden at Harlow Carr and the Harrogate Convention Centre.
- Wetherby Racecourse, with further racing at York and Ripon.
- The North York Moors, the Yorkshire Dales and the Yorkshire Coast, all easily accessible for day trips.
- A handful of good local pubs for lunch and dinner.
Cottages can be booked via the Goose Beck Cottages listing on cottages.com or by contacting the estate directly.
Corporate and Private Room Hire
The estate's Tasting Room, newly converted from the farm's old piggery, is available to hire for private events and meetings. It can seat up to 40 guests and comes with kitchen and cloakroom facilities, making it suitable for:
- Birthday parties.
- Anniversary celebrations.
- Corporate away days.
- Board meetings and small training sessions.
Availability and pricing are arranged on enquiry via info@goosebeck.co.uk; further details are on the Room Hire page.
The Local Area: Yorkshire's Stately Homes and Trails
One of the real pleasures of a visit to Goose Beck is how well-placed it is for exploring some of Yorkshire's most famous heritage attractions. Four ideas stand out:
- Yorkshire Wine Trail, a journey from the west coast to the east, ending in the unspoilt beauty of North Yorkshire, taking in vineyards and winemakers along the way. See the Yorkshire Wine Trail for more.
- Harewood House, a historic stately home between Leeds and Harrogate, renowned for its architecture, art collection and landscaped gardens. See harewood.org for details.
- Castle Howard, one of England's finest baroque country houses, set in 1,000 acres of gardens and parkland about 15 miles north of York. See castlehoward.co.uk.
- Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site blending medieval monastic ruins with 18th-century landscape design, run by the National Trust. See the National Trust for opening information.
Plan Your Visit
Finding Goose Beck
Goose Beck Vineyard and Goose Beck Cottages share the same address:
Bilton Grange, Tockwith Lane, Bilton-in-Ainsty, York, YO26 7NZ.
By Car from the A1
- Leave the A1 at junction 46.
- Take the exit signed York B1224 and Racecourse.
- At the next roundabout, near the racecourse, turn left towards York B1224.
- Continue along the B1224 for approximately 3.2 miles.
- Turn left onto Tockwith Lane, signed Tockwith.
- Continue for approximately 0.6 miles.
- Goose Beck Vineyard and the cottages are on the right, through the Goose Gate.
By Car from York
- Leave York's ring road on the B1224 towards Wetherby.
- Continue on the B1224 for approximately 7.1 miles.
- Turn right onto Tockwith Lane, signed Tockwith.
- Continue for approximately 0.6 miles.
- Goose Beck is on the right, through the Goose Gate.
Opening Hours
The estate is open by prior appointment only. This applies to the vineyard, the winery, the tasting room and the cottages. All visits, tours, tastings and events must be booked in advance.
Contact
- Phone: 07979 644483
- Email: info@goosebeck.co.uk
- Address: Bilton Grange, YO26 7NZ
- Social: Instagram and TikTok
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. The estate is open by prior appointment only, so all tours, tastings, workshops and cottage stays must be booked online or by contacting the team directly.
Can under 18s come on tours and tastings?
Under 18s are welcome on the tour but cannot take part in the wine tasting itself. For the workshops, age limits vary: willow weaving is suitable for ages 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult) and sourdough is suitable for ages 12+ under the same rule.
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately dogs are not permitted on tours or tastings (with the exception of registered assistance dogs).
What should I wear?
The tour involves a short walk around the vines, so appropriate shoes and weather-ready clothing are essential. The ground can be uneven in places. For workshops, old clothes and comfortable shoes are recommended.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full payment is required at the time of booking. The estate does not accept cancellations, although the team will try to help you move to an alternative date if you contact them at least 48 hours in advance. For sourdough classes, a 50% refund is available for cancellations made more than four weeks before the event.
Is there a shop?
The online shop is currently used primarily for booking event tickets. As Goose Beck's own wine production scales up with the 2025 vintage and beyond, expect wine sales to expand on the site.
Why Goose Beck Matters
Yorkshire is one of the most exciting frontiers of English wine right now. With its Piwi-led planting, certified-sustainable approach, on-site solar-powered winery and the determination of a family that started with sheep and ended up pressing grapes, Goose Beck is a textbook example of how the next generation of English vineyards is being built: small, sustainable, visitor-focused and rooted in a real sense of place. Whether the visit is for a tasting, a weekend in one of the cottages, an evening of Yorkshire-themed food and wine, or simply a wander among the vines, it is a young estate that already feels like it belongs on the map.