Kingsthorne Wines - Vale of Castiard Vineyard, Gloucestershire
Nestled in the historic Castiard Valley on the western bank of the River Severn, Kingsthorne Wines is one of Gloucestershire's most exciting new wine estates. Across 29 acres of vineyard planted on two contrasting sites - Flaxley and Longney - the team at Kingsthorne is quietly building a portfolio of award-winning English wines under the guidance of one of the UK's most experienced winemakers, Simon Day.
From its first commercial vintage - a sparkling Seyval Blanc 2017 that scooped two trophies at the International Wine Challenge 2025 - to its trophy-winning Still Chardonnay at the 2024 Wine GB West competition, Kingsthorne has emerged as a serious new force in English viticulture, with sustainability, heritage restoration and community spirit at the heart of everything it does.
The story of Kingsthorne and the Castiard Valley
The Castiard Valley carries an 1,100-year legacy of winemaking. Owner Peter Cooke has described the Flaxley vineyard as "home to well-trodden footsteps to follow" - the Cistercian monks of nearby Flaxley Abbey historically produced wine, honey and mead from the same valley. Meet the Makers.
In 2019, Peter Cooke - a successful Gloucestershire business owner and passionate wine lover - purchased Home Farm at the Flaxley Estate and set about planting nearly 30 acres of vineyard while simultaneously commissioning extensive conservation and heritage work. Five years of consultation with ecologists, archaeologists and conservation specialists culminated in March 2025, when unanimous planning permission was granted for a state-of-the-art winery, restaurant, estate shop and events venue on the estate. Construction is expected to commence in 2025 with an anticipated opening in 2026.
Winemaker and viticulturalist Simon Day brings more than 35 years of UK wine production experience to the project and is widely regarded as the country's most experienced winemaker. His ethos of innovation and experimentation underpins the Kingsthorne range, with limited-edition wines and small-batch still releases complementing the core sparkling portfolio.
The vineyards
Kingsthorne's 29 acres of vineyard are split across two strikingly different sites on opposite sides of the River Severn - yet both sites lie within a 4.5-mile radius of one another.
Flaxley - the main estate
The main Flaxley vineyard sits within the picturesque 140-acre Flaxley Estate near Newnham on Severn. Some 22.5 acres of vineyard were planted in 2020 on south-facing slopes that capture maximum sunshine and warmth throughout the growing season. Shelter comes from the ancient wooded hillsides that line the course of the Westbury Brook, while the rain shadow of the Welsh Hills and the Forest of Dean keeps rainfall in check.
The soils at Flaxley are deep silty loams over red Raglan Silurian mudstone - fairly fertile ground that produces intensely flavoured fruit. A drone image of Flaxley Woods looking toward the River Severn, Stroud and Bristol captures the gentle undulations of the site. The vineyard is also home to the historic Home Farm buildings, including the Cellar Door shop, tasting room and event space - a beautiful old building with an indoor capacity of 60, formerly home to the estate's cattle herd.
Longney - the riverside site
The Longney vineyard, planted in 2019 on the eastern side of the River Severn, covers 6.5 acres. Although only 4.5 miles from Flaxley, the growing conditions are markedly different: Longney is a relatively level site sitting on ancient tidal flats, with lime-rich clay loam over blue lias (a marine calcareous mudstone formed in the Triassic and Jurassic periods). Lower rainfall and slightly warmer temperatures, thanks to the very low altitude, give this site its own distinctive terroir. A heritage orchard of traditional local cider varieties is also based at Longney.
Grape varieties
A total of 34,000 vines are planted across the two sites, with the capacity to produce 80 - 90 tonnes of fruit per annum when fully established - enough for an average of 90,000 bottles of wine each year. Five principal grape varieties form the backbone of the range:
- Pinot Noir - a versatile variety used in white and rosé sparkling wines, rosé still wines and, in good years, red wines.
- Chardonnay - primarily used in sparkling white wines, with a small amount selected for the still Chardonnay release.
- Pinot Meunier - the third classic Champagne variety, bringing weight and structure to the white and rosé sparkling wines.
- Pinot Noir Early - an earlier-ripening clone that consistently performs well in the cooler British climate; used for the estate's red wine.
- Seyval Blanc - a reliable, disease-resistant variety that shrugs off frost and cool seasons to consistently crop well; used in the sparkling wines for a lively, zesty character.
- Solaris - a very early ripening white variety from German breeding programmes, used here for still wines but capable of producing late-harvest dessert styles in warm years.
The wines
The current Kingsthorne range showcases a clear house style built on traditional-method sparkling production, delicate still whites and rosés, and a fruit-forward red, alongside a heritage orchard cyder. Every bottle is available to purchase through the online shop, where free delivery is offered on UK mainland orders over £150.
Seyval Blanc - £27.00
The estate's debut release. Harvested from the Upton Bishop vineyard, this traditional-method sparkling has had nearly six years of lees ageing, producing a remarkably fresh and elegant wine with notes of apple and hedgerow blossom on the nose and palate and subtle yeasty notes to the finish. Brut in style, with a long finish, it pairs beautifully with seafood, oysters, mussels, salads, goat's cheese or creamy risottos. View product.
Sparkling Rosé - Brut - £31.00
Made from Pinot Noir Early and Seyval Blanc grapes, this pale, complex sparkling rosé uses the same varieties as the 2019 Rosé but with less skin contact at pressing. Over three years of lees ageing gives a sophisticated wine with redcurrant and raspberry aromas, a hint of toast, mouth-filling fizz and a long, zest-like finish. Try it with grilled salmon, roast chicken or herby salads and pasta dishes. View product.
Sparkling Rosé - Extra Dry - £29.00
Pinot Noir Early and Seyval Blanc are fermented together to produce a richer-coloured rosé with a sherbet tang to the finish. The cream-textured fizz complements the fruit, while balanced acidity keeps the sweetness in check (12.1% ABV). A well-chilled glass pairs perfectly with summer fruits and berries, rich pâtés or fruity desserts. View product.
Chardonnay - £25.00
Awarded the Trophy for Best Still White Wine at the 2024 Wine GB West Competition. Sourced from the cosiest block at Flaxley to ensure good ripeness, the 2023 vintage was fermented in a large oak foudre with lees stirring and further barrel maturation. Expect aromas of apple, lime flower and a touch of vanilla, combined on the palate with a crisp citrus acidity (11.4% ABV). A perfect match for white fish, creamy risottos and goat's cheese. View product.
Solaris - £19.00
Picked on 19 September 2024 from the Flaxley vineyard, the Solaris grapes were some of the best of the vintage, with a natural potential alcohol of 13.5%. Cool fermentation in stainless steel delivers delicious honeysuckle, peach and pear aromas, with tropical fruit on the palate, a silky mouthfeel and balancing citrus acidity. Try with asparagus dishes, grilled fish or lightly spiced Asian cuisine. View product.
Pinot Noir Early - £25.00
A red made from early-ripening Pinot Noir, harvested from the Upton Bishop vineyard. Despite a late start due to a cold spring, the dry summer gave high natural sugars and good colour. Skin-contact fermentation for ten days with regular pump-overs, followed by extended oak barrique ageing for over nine months, produces aromas of cherry, oak and a hint of violet, leading to soft ripe tannins on the palate. Drinking well now and will continue to evolve for 2 - 3 years (12.4% ABV). Pairs with duck, lamb, roast pork, mushroom dishes or nutty cheeses such as Manchego or Gruyère. View product.
Rosé - £20.00
A delicate blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier from the Longney and Flaxley vineyards, with short skin contact yielding a pale, copper-hued wine. Aromas of strawberry, peach and a hint of passion fruit follow through to a dry, fruity palate with balanced acidity and a long finish (11.0% ABV). Equally at home on a warm summer evening as in front of a winter fire. Pairs with grilled salmon, shellfish, avocado or feta salads, or fresh strawberries. View product.
Briery Orchard Cyder - £4.00
A traditional Three Counties (Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire) blend featuring Kingston Black, Dabinett and Herefordshire Russet among many other heritage varieties. The cider is aged for ten months in oak barrels (ex-Sherry, Port, Calvados and American Bourbon), then blended and filtered. Natural strength, with no dilution, just fresh apples pressed and fermented, the result is rich and fruity with soft tannins and a gentle carbonation (7.0% ABV). View product.
Single Bottle Gift Box - £31.00
A bottle of the trophy-winning Seyval Blanc 2017 presented in a high-quality magnetic gift box. At the International Wine Challenge 2025, this wine was awarded trophies for Best Wine in First Year of Production and Best English Sparkling Seyval. View product.
3 Bottle Gift Box - £74.00
A trio of multiple award-winning wines presented in a high-quality magnetic gift box: Solaris 2024 (white), Still Rosé 2023, and Pinot Noir Early 2021 (red). View product.
Awards
Despite being in only its early years of commercial production, Kingsthorne has already accumulated a striking medal haul from national and international competitions:
- Trophy - Best Still White Wine, Wine GB West 2024 (Chardonnay 2023)
- Trophy - Best English Sparkling Wine, International Wine Challenge 2025 (Sparkling Seyval Blanc 2017)
- Trophy - Best Wine in First Year of Production, International Wine Challenge 2025 (Sparkling Seyval Blanc 2017)
- Gold, Independent English Wine Awards 2025 (Still Rosé 2023)
- Silver, Independent English Wine Awards 2025 (Sparkling Seyval Blanc 2017)
- Bronze, Independent English Wine Awards 2025 (Sparkling Rosé 2020, Solaris 2023, Chardonnay 2023, Pinot Noir Early 2021)
- Gold, International Wine Challenge 2025 (Sparkling Rosé 2019)
- Bronze, International Wine Challenge 2025 (Still Rosé 2023, Chardonnay 2023, Sparkling Rosé 2019)
Sustainability
Kingsthorne places sustainability at the heart of its operations, working with organisations including the Environment Agency, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, FWAG, Forest Guardians, Forestry England and ADAS. The Sustainability programme is built around four pillars.
Woodland
Tree species diversity, ancient trees and standing deadwood are preserved across the estate. A Sustainable Woodland Creation Management Plan, developed with ADAS and Forestry England, supports the biomass boiler at Flaxley Estate - fuel is sourced primarily from the estate's own woodland, with additional supplies from the Forest of Dean where needed.
Waterways
The Westbury Brook has been the focus of extensive conservation work, including fencing off an eight-metre easement along its length to prevent livestock silt pollution, the installation of twelve leaky dam structures for natural flood management and the removal of relic asbestos, plastic and metal pipework in consultation with Severn Trent. Westbury Brook is now a flagship countywide site for citizen scientists.
Meadowland
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 - supplementing twenty-two acres of native plant species already underplanted across the vineyards.
Insect life
The estate hosts an expanding apiary, established with advice from local beekeeper Christian Maass. Honey produced from the hives is sold at the estate shop and used to produce mead. Bug hotels are being added across the estate to expand habitat.
Biodiversity Net Gain
A 2023 Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment by Wild Service Consultancy predicted a total net unit increase in biodiversity of 78.76% for all habitats and 49.39% for hedgerows - a positive outcome for the estate and the government's local biodiversity strategy.
The Cellar Door
The estate's historic Cellar Door, at the heart of Home Farm, hosts the wine shop, tasting room and event space. With an indoor capacity of 60 and a long history as Flaxley's former cattle shed, it is a charming venue to discover the range. The Cellar Door is generally open 9 - 5 Monday - Friday, with additional weekend opening for planned events.
Tours and tastings are run from the Cellar Door. The winery is active on Instagram and Facebook. The what-three-words reference for the Cellar Door is develop.bloom.velocity.
Events
Kingsthorne is in the early stages of building a busy events calendar as the new estate facilities come online. The team has confirmed that the event space and bar at Home Farm will open from 7th August, running every Friday from 5pm to 11pm. The opening night will feature Greek food from Mr Gyros of Hereford; no tickets are required.
Earlier in 2025, the team hosted a Midsummer Twilight event for English Wine Week at Home Farm, Flaxley, where guests enjoyed award-winning fish and chips by Simpsons, a vineyard tour and a generous glass of Kingsthorne wine or cyder for £20.00 per person.
Future developments at Flaxley Estate
Following the unanimous planning committee approval in March 2025, Kingsthorne is now pressing ahead with the sympathetic restoration of its historic farm buildings. The plans, which respect the site's Grade I listed Abbey neighbour, include:
- The Winery - a 250-tonne capacity building housing modern stainless-steel tanks, oak foudres and racks of oak barriques. Winemaker Simon Day's ethos of innovation and experimentation will produce limited-edition wines, and a small amount of contract winemaking space will be made available for other vineyard owners.
- The Restaurant - a fine-dining concept built around estate-grown meat and kitchen-garden produce, with menus crafted from the freshest local ingredients.
- The Estate Office & Farm Shop - a fully-stocked farm shop delivering Kingsthorne wines alongside other local produce.
- The Events Venue - a versatile space for weddings, corporate retreats, cultural events and private celebrations.
Restoration works retain existing clay tiles, traditional Georgian timber windows and lime-mortar brickwork repairs to keep the buildings sympathetic to their surroundings.
Consultancy services
Through its Consultancy arm, Simon Day offers viticultural, winemaking and cider advice to other producers. Services cover vineyard site evaluation, variety choice, trellis selection, plant spacing and costings; existing vineyard assessment; wine-quality troubleshooting; winery design and equipment specification; cider and perry production; product development (including co-fermentation, liqueurs and distilled spirits); and feasibility studies for planning applications, grants and business loans.
Stockists
Alongside its online shop, Kingsthorne's wines are stocked at a wide and growing list of independent retailers across the Midlands, the Cotswolds, Bristol, Gloucestershire and beyond. Selected stockists include Added Ingredients (Abingdon), Blue Zucchini (Tetbury), Corks of Cotham (Bristol), Cotswold Cheese Co (Moreton-in-Marsh and Burford), Dunkertons Farm Shop (Cheltenham), Eagles Deli (Deddington), 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, Worcester), Leaf and Ground (Dursley), Melbicks Garden Centre (Coleshill), Nailsworth Garden Centre, Newton Farm Foods (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 (Ely), Webbs Garden Centre (Wychbold) and Ye Olde Steppes (Pembridge).
Community and conservation
Beyond wine, the Kingsthorne team plays an active role in the local community. Highlights from 2025 include:
- Helping to raise over £2,000 for the Friends of Flaxley Church and Flaxley Schoolroom through the annual Flaxley Fête, where the team ran the bar and tractor rides.
- Sponsoring a community litter pick in Flaxley village, with sixteen volunteers removing bags of rubbish from the lanes and being rewarded with Kingsthorne wine and cyder back at Home Farm.
- Working with the Dean Forest Beekeepers on pollinator conservation, swarm management and the apiary at Home Farm.
Visiting and contact
Kingsthorne's wines are available to buy online at kingsthorne.co.uk/online-shop, with free UK mainland delivery on orders over £150. The Cellar Door shop at Flaxley is generally open 9 - 5 Monday - Friday, with additional weekend opening for planned events; visits are by appointment outside of these hours.
Wine tastings, event-space hire and general enquiries can be directed to the team on info@kingsthorne.co.uk or by calling 01452 234071. The postal address is Kingsthorne Limited, Flaxley Estate, Flaxley, Newnham, Gloucestershire, GL14 1JR.