Kingsthorne Wines & the Briery Hall Vineyard: A Gloucestershire English Wine Estate
Nestled on the banks of the River Severn in the Forest of Dean, Kingsthorne Wines - also referred to on the estate as the Briery Hall Vineyard - is one of Gloucestershire's most ambitious young English wine projects. With 29 acres of vineyard planted across two contrasting sites, a heritage orchard of local cider apples, a cellar-door shop, and a brand-new events space and bar opening its doors from 7 August, Kingsthorne is fast becoming a destination for anyone interested in terroir-driven English wines, traditional orchard cyder and the regeneration of a centuries-old farming estate.
Founded by Gloucestershire entrepreneur Peter Cooke in 2019 and led by veteran winemaker Simon Day, the estate sits in the historic Castiard Valley, adjacent to Grade I listed Flaxley Abbey. Its wines have already scooped a coveted trophy at the Independent English Wine Awards and gold medals at the Wine GB West competition, putting the Kingsthorne name firmly on the UK wine map.
The Kingsthorne Estate and Its Two Vineyards
Kingsthorne's 29 acres of vineyard are split across two very different Gloucestershire sites, lying on opposite banks of the River Severn. Together they host around 34,000 vines which, once fully established, are projected to yield 80 - 90 tonnes of fruit a year - enough for approximately 90,000 bottles of English wine annually.
Flaxley - the main estate vineyard
The principal vineyard lies on the western bank of the Severn, within the 140-acre Flaxley Estate near Newnham on Severn. The site enjoys sheltered growing conditions in the ancient, wooded Castiard Valley, with south-facing slopes that capture maximum sunshine and warmth through the growing season. The rain shadow of the Welsh Hills and the Forest of Dean helps keep rainfall moderate, while deep silty loam soils over red Raglan Silurian mudstone provide fertile ground for healthy vine growth.
22.5 acres of vineyard were planted here in 2020, alongside 22 acres of native plant species underplanted across the vines and a further 25 acres of wildflower meadow established in 2021. The Flaxley site is also home to the historic Home Farm complex - a cluster of traditional farm buildings being sympathetically restored to house the estate's cellar-door shop, tasting room, future winery, restaurant, estate office and farm shop.
Longney - the riverside vineyard
Kingsthorne's second vineyard sits on the eastern bank of the Severn, near the village of Longney, just 4.5 miles from Flaxley. Although close geographically, the growing conditions here are markedly different: the site lies on ancient tidal flats close to the river, on relatively flat ground with lime-rich clay loam soils over blue lias - a marine calcareous mudstone formed during the Triassic and Jurassic periods. Its very low altitude brings lower rainfall and slightly warmer temperatures than Flaxley.
6.5 acres of vineyard were planted at Longney in 2019. The site is also home to Kingsthorne's heritage orchard of traditional local cider apple varieties, which provides the fruit for the estate's Briery Orchard Cyder.
The Grape Varieties
Six grape varieties are grown across the two Kingsthorne sites, blending the classic Champagne trio with cool-climate workhorses and an early-ripening German crossing.
- Pinot Noir - the most versatile variety in the vineyard, used in white and rosé sparkling wines, rosé still wines and, in good years, red wine.
- Chardonnay - primarily used in the sparkling wines, with a small amount selected each year for a still Chardonnay when the season allows.
- Pinot Meunier - the third classic Champagne variety, used in white and rosé sparkling wines to add weight and structure.
- Pinot Noir Early - an early-ripening clone of Pinot Noir selected for the red wine, which consistently performs well in cooler English summers.
- Seyval Blanc - a reliable, disease-resistant variety that shrugs off frost and cooler seasons, contributing a lively, zesty character to the sparkling wines.
- Solaris - a very early-ripening white variety used for still wines, with potential for late-harvest dessert styles in warm years.
Meet the Makers
With a history of winemaking in the area dating back around 1,100 years to the Cistercian monks of Flaxley Abbey, the estate has well-trodden footsteps to follow. The modern Kingsthorne project is the work of two men.
Peter Cooke - the founder
In 2019 Peter Cooke, a successful Gloucestershire business owner and passionate wine lover, took ownership of the Flaxley Estate. His vision was to restore the historic farm buildings, enhance the estate's natural habitats, and make world-class English wine in the most sustainable environment possible. Five years of consultation with historic and environmental experts culminated in March 2025, when unanimous planning permission was granted for a winery, fine-dining restaurant, estate shop and events venue on the Home Farm site. Restoration and construction is expected to commence in 2025, with a projected opening in 2026.
Simon Day - the winemaker
None of the project would be possible without winemaker and viticulturalist Simon Day. Simon is the most experienced winemaker in the UK, having made wine for more than 35 years, and has honed his art to produce wines that are helping put the UK on the world wine map. He also offers a viticultural, winemaking and cider consultancy service for other growers and producers, drawing on his expertise in everything from vineyard site evaluation to winery design and cider production.
The Kingsthorne Wine Range
Eight wines and one cyder make up the current Kingsthorne range, all available to buy through the estate's online shop and a network of stockists across the country.
Seyval Blanc - £27.00
Kingsthorne's very first vintage, harvested from the Upton Bishop vineyard. Seyval Blanc is one of England's hero grape varieties - it never fails to crop, even in a tough year, and is disease-resistant too. With nearly six years of lees ageing, this Traditional Method sparkling shows notes of apple and hedgerow blossom, subtle yeasty notes on the finish, and remarkable freshness. Brut in style, balanced between fruit and acidity, with a long finish. Pairs beautifully with seafood (especially oysters and mussels), salads, goat's cheese or creamy risottos. View the Seyval Blanc.
Sparkling Rosé - Brut - £31.00
Made using the same grape varieties as the 2019 still Rosé but with less skin contact at pressing, giving a paler, more serious and complex wine. Traditional method with over three years of lees ageing. Aromas of redcurrant and raspberry lead, with a hint of toast. Mouth-filling fizz accentuates fresh, crisp dryness, with a zest-like cleanness running through to the long finish. Pair with grilled salmon, roast chicken or herby salads and pasta dishes. View the Sparkling Rosé Brut.
Sparkling Rosé - Extra Dry - £29.00 (ALC 12.1%)
Pinot Noir Early and Seyval Blanc grapes fermented together to produce a richer-coloured rosé with extended skin contact in the press. This extra-dry style (medium-dry in still-wine terms) brings out a delicious palate of summer fruits with a sherbet tang to the finish. Creamy-textured fizz complements the fruit, and acidity balances the sweetness. Try well-chilled with summer fruits and berries, rich pâtés or fruity desserts. View the Sparkling Rosé Extra Dry.
Chardonnay - £25.00 (ALC 11.4%)
Awarded the trophy for Still White Wine of 2024 at the Wine GB West competition. The Chardonnay vines are planted in the cosiest block at Flaxley to ensure good ripeness. The 2023 vintage - small but perfectly formed - was fermented in large oak foudre with lees stirring and further maturation in barrel. Aromas of apple, lime flower and a touch of vanilla lead to a crisp citrus acidity and mouthwatering zingy finish. A perfect match for white fish, creamy risottos and goat's cheese. View the Chardonnay.
Solaris - £19.00
A relatively new grape variety developed from German breeding programmes in the 1970s and commercialised in the late 1990s, Solaris thrives in cooler European climates thanks to its early ripening. The 2024 vintage was picked on 19 September from the Flaxley vineyard with a natural potential alcohol of 13.5%. Cool fermentation in stainless steel delivers honeysuckle, peach and pear aromas, with tropical fruits on the palate, a silky mouthfeel and balancing citrus acidity. Excellent with asparagus, grilled fish or lightly spiced Asian dishes. View the Solaris.
Pinot Noir Early - £25.00 (12.4%)
Harvested from the Upton Bishop vineyard. Despite a cold spring, the relatively dry summer gave good ripeness levels with high natural sugars and colour. Traditional red winemaking with 10 days of skin contact fermentation, regular pump-overs and over nine months of oak barrique ageing. Aromas of cherry, oak and a hint of violet lead to plentiful soft ripe tannins. Drinking well now and will continue to evolve for another two to three years. Pairs with duck, lamb, roast pork, mushroom dishes or nutty cheeses such as Manchego or Gruyère. View the Pinot Noir Early.
Rosé - £20.00 (ALC 11.0%)
A combination of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier from the Longney and Flaxley vineyards. Delicate handling with short skin contact yields a deliciously pale rosé with a warm copper hue. Strawberry, peach and a hint of passion fruit aromas follow onto a fruity palate; dry but with balanced acidity and a long finish. Equally at home on a warm summer evening or in front of a winter fire. Pairs with grilled salmon, prawns, avocado or feta salads, or a bowl of fresh strawberries. View the Rosé.
Briery Orchard Cyder - £4.00 (ALC 7.0%)
A traditional blend of typical Three Counties (Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire) cider apple varieties including Kingston Black, Dabinett and Herefordshire Russet. The cyder is aged for 10 months in oak barrels sourced from ex-Sherry, ex-Port, ex-Calvados and American Bourbon casks before blending and filtration. Natural strength with no dilution, it is rich and fruity with soft tannins and just a hint of oak. A gentle carbonation balances the sweetness perfectly.
Gift Boxes
For those looking to send a bottle or three, Kingsthorne offers a Single Bottle Gift Box at £31.00 and a 3 Bottle Gift Box at £74.00, ideal for birthdays, anniversaries and corporate gifts. Mainland UK delivery is charged at £10.00 per order, with free delivery on orders over £150.
Cellar Door and Visitor Experience
The cellar-door shop at Home Farm, Flaxley, is the heart of the Kingsthorne visitor experience. Historically home to Flaxley's cattle herd and situated at the centre of Home Farm, the beautiful old building has an indoor capacity of 60 and currently houses the shop and tasting room, with event space and a new bar now open on Friday evenings.
Opening hours
The cellar-door shop is generally open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, with some exceptions and additional weekend opening for planned events. From 7 August onwards the events space and bar is also open every Friday from 5 pm to 11 pm.
The estate is open by appointment only outside of these hours - visitors are encouraged to email info@kingsthorne.co.uk or call 01452 234071 to arrange a visit, or to enquire about hiring the event space. The estate's What3Words reference is develop.bloom.velocity.
Events at Kingsthorne
Kingsthorne is rapidly building a busy events calendar around its new event space and bar. Highlights to look out for include:
- Friday Evening Bar - every Friday from 5 pm to 11 pm. A relaxed weekly gathering with Kingsthorne wines, the estate's Briery Orchard Cyder and rotating food traders.
- Opening Night - Friday 7 August, 5 pm to 11 pm. Free entry, no tickets required. Greek street food from Mr Gyros of Hereford marks the official launch of the events space.
- Midsummer Twilight Vineyard Tours - occasional guided walks through the vines as the sun goes down, usually paired with a glass of Kingsthorne wine or cyder.
The estate also hosts private celebrations, corporate retreats and weddings once the new events venue is fully restored. For bookings and enquiries, email info@kingsthorne.co.uk or call 01452 234071.
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
Effective management at Kingsthorne relies on sustainability, ensuring the ecosystem stays healthy and continues to support both people and wildlife for the long term. Several major projects are already in place.
Woodland
The composition of the estate's woodland and the way it is managed determines its value for wildlife. Kingsthorne has given careful consideration to gap size between trees, the amount of open space, and the amount of dead wood left in situ, all with the aim of maximising biodiversity. The fuel for the biomass boiler at the Flaxley Estate is primarily sourced from the estate's own managed woodland - which has been neglected for 50 - 60 years and so offers many dead and dying trees - with additional fuel sourced from the Forest of Dean when necessary. The Sustainable Woodland Creation Management Plan is being developed with ADAS (Environmental and Agricultural Consultancy) and Forestry England.
Waterways
The Westbury Brook runs through the Flaxley Estate on its path to feed the River Severn. In partnership with the Environment Agency, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, Forest Guardians and the local Parish Council, Kingsthorne has fenced off an eight-metre easement along the length of the brook, preventing livestock from entering the water and reducing silt pollution. Twelve leaky dam structures have created new slow-moving pools and a flourishing of aquatic life, while relic pipework containing asbestos, plastic and metal has been removed in consultation with Severn Trent. Westbury Brook is now a flagship site for natural flood management and citizen science.
Meadowland, bees and biodiversity
Under the guidance of local ecologist Liz Powell of Ecohab, twenty-five acres of wildflower species were planted in 2021, including Yellow Rattle, Meadow Vetchling, Green-winged Orchid, Ox-Eye Daisy, Ragged Robin and Ladies' Bedstraw. Twenty-two acres of native plant species are underplanted across the vineyards to provide food for bees and prevent soil erosion and overheating of the ground beneath the vines. An expanding apiary - established with the help of local beekeeper Christian Maass - will produce estate honey and, in time, mead. Bug hotels, bird boxes, a planned bat hotel and a Kestrel home round out the estate's commitment to wildlife.
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment by Wild Service Consultancy in 2023 predicted a total net unit increase in biodiversity of 78.76% across all habitats and 49.39% for hedgerows in particular.
Awards
Although still in its early years of production, Kingsthorne has accumulated an impressive haul of medals and trophies, including:
- Trophy - Best Still White Wine, Wine GB West 2024 (Chardonnay).
- Gold and Trophy - Best English Sparkling Wine, Independent English Wine Awards 2025 (Sparkling Seyval Blanc 2017).
- Gold, Independent English Wine Awards 2025 (Still Rosé 2023).
- Silver and Bronze medals across the Chardonnay 2023, Sparkling Rosé 2019, Sparkling Rosé 2020, Solaris 2023 and Pinot Noir Early 2021.
Stockists and How to Buy
Kingsthorne wines and cyder are available through a growing list of independent stockists across England, from farm shops and delis to garden centres, micropubs and hotels. Recent additions include:
- Added Ingredients, Abingdon
- Blue Zucchini, Tetbury
- Corks of Cotham, Bristol
- Cotswold Cheese Co, Moreton-in-Marsh / Burford
- Cotswold Farm Park, Moreton-in-Marsh
- Dunkertons Farm Shop, Cheltenham
- Eagles Deli, Deddington
- Fallen Tree Micropub, Clevedon
- Forest Brewery, Lydney
- Forest Deli, Coleford
- Frosts Garden Centre, Willington
- Haddenham Garden Centre, Aylesbury
- Hilltop Farm Shop, Leamington Spa
- Hopley Farm Shop, Bewdley
- Hop Pocket, Bishops Frome
- Leaf and Ground Ltd, Dursley
- Leaf Creative, Huntley
- Maxeys Farm Shop, Newark
- Melbicks Garden Centre, Coleshill
- Nailsworth Garden Centre
- Newton Farm Foods Ltd, Bath
- Post, Newnham-on-Severn
- Royal Oak, Ramsden
- Sheldons Wine Cellars, Shipston-on-Stour
- Sorrel and Sage, Ledbury
- The Fallen Tree, Clevedon
- The Railway Inn and Tandoori, Newnham on Severn
- The Shop at the Ship, Newnham on Severn
- The Thatch Inn, Quedgeley
- The Vine Tree, Randwick
- Truffles Delicatessen, Ross-on-Wye
- Tudor Farmhouse Hotel, Clearwell
- Tysoe Village Stores, Warwick
- Victoria Cheese Ltd, Ely
- Webbs Garden Centre, Wychbold
- Ye Olde Steppes, Pembridge
Retailers interested in becoming a Kingsthorne stockist are invited to email info@kingsthorne.co.uk.
Visiting Kingsthorne
Kingsthorne Wine Estate sits within the historic Flaxley Estate, near Newnham on Severn in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire - around twenty minutes' drive from Gloucester and easily combined with a visit to the wider Forest of Dean. The address is Kingsthorne Limited, Flaxley Estate, Flaxley, Newnham, Gloucestershire, GL14 1JR. The estate is open by appointment only outside normal cellar-door hours; for bookings, wine tastings, tours and event-hire enquiries, email info@kingsthorne.co.uk or call 01452 234071. For the latest news, follow @kingsthornewine on Instagram and Kingsthorne on Facebook.