Lily Farm Vineyard: Award-Winning English Wines from the Devon Jurassic Coast
Lily Farm Vineyard: Award-Winning English Wines from the Devon Jurassic Coast
Tucked into a sheltered vale just a short walk from the seaside town of Budleigh Salterton on Devon's celebrated Jurassic Coast, Lily Farm Vineyard is a small, family-run estate that has, in just two decades, earned an outsized reputation for English still and sparkling wine. The vineyard was first planted in 2005 by proprietors Alan and Faye Pratt and today, from a south-west facing sandstone slope of roughly one and a half acres under vine, the Pratts and their sons Gareth and William produce a complete range of award-winning wines - from a delicate aromatic Bacchus to a classically-made traditional-method sparkling - all from grapes grown on the holding itself.
The vineyard sits within the East Devon National Landscape (the area formerly known as the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and just inland from the historic Jurassic Coastline, England's first natural World Heritage Site. Vines flourish on well-drained sandy loam soils at around 40 - 50 metres above sea level, and the changing air currents that roll in from the nearby coast help to keep the canopy healthy. Visitors are invited to drop in to the on-site shop, book a guided tour and tasting, or simply enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the vines.
A Family-Run Vineyard in East Devon
Lily Farm is, at heart, a working family farm that has been in the Pratts' hands since 1992. Alan and Faye have worked the land for more than three decades, and over the years they have kept horses, sheep, pigs and poultry, planted some 500 native hedgerow plants and turned what was a difficult, under-utilised patch of holding into one of the most talked-about small commercial vineyards in England. The estate is, by Faye Pratt's own admission, "one of the smallest commercial vineyards in England", yet it produces a whole range of wines including award-winning red wines.
In 2004, after stumbling across English wine, the couple decided that planting a small vineyard would suit the property beautifully. After extensive research into grape varieties suited to the site, in 2005 they planted 200 Rondo vines into the well-drained sandy loam with the help of their two sons, Gareth and William. The early grape harvest on 4 September 2007 was, at the time, a UK record, and the resulting wine won Lily Farm its first industry award - the John Buchan Shield for Best Red Wine from a Small Producer at the 2009 South West Vineyards Association (now Wine GB West) Awards.
From that point on, the Pratts became totally immersed in a new way of life. They enrolled at Plumpton College - the UK Centre of Excellence for viticulture and oenology - attended every vineyard and wine course available through WineSkills and the UK Vineyards Association (now Wine GB), and planted more vines. The vineyard now grows five varieties across roughly one and a half acres, and the wines regularly appear on medal tables at Wine GB, the International Wine Challenge and the Food Drink Devon Awards.
Outside the trade press, Lily Farm holds a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor and continues to draw a steady stream of returning visitors year after year. In 2017, Faye received an invitation from Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall to a Reception at Clarence House celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the United Kingdom Vineyards Association - every guest was introduced and given the opportunity to speak with the President, and HRH said she would "certainly keep an eye" on one of England's smallest commercial vineyards.
The Site and the Soil
The vineyard occupies a south-west facing slope in a vale at Knowle, surrounded by beautiful East Devon countryside. It is within easy walking distance of Budleigh Salterton and is signposted from the old railway bridge over Dalditch Lane. The site's key features are:
- Elevation: Approximately 40 - 50 metres above sea level.
- Aspect: South-west facing, maximising exposure to afternoon and evening sun.
- Soil: Well-drained sandy loam over sandstone.
- Climate: A coastal location with changing air currents that help keep the canopy healthy.
- Drainage: The slope provides excellent natural drainage.
It is, by any measure, an exceptional English vineyard site. According to the Pratts, that combination of aspect, slope and proximity to the coast is what allows Lily Farm to produce "world class wines" from such a small area. As the Pratts put it: "A fabulous vineyard site matched with meticulous attention to detail has helped Lily Farm achieve outstanding grape harvests and to produce world class wines." The site also lies within what is known as Raleigh Country, named after the Elizabethan courtier and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh, who was born at Hayes Barton in nearby East Budleigh.
Planting the Vineyard: A Twenty-Year Story
Lily Farm's vineyard has grown in distinct phases, each one adding new varieties and new capability:
- 2005: 200 Rondo vines planted (a red hybrid variety suited to the UK climate).
- 2007: A further 200 Rondo vines planted.
- 2008: A further 950 vines planted, introducing Pinot Noir Précoce (black) and the white varieties Bacchus and Seyval Blanc.
- 2013: 600 more vines added - Bacchus, Seyval Blanc and Reichensteiner - bringing the total under vine to one and a half acres (around 1,950 vines).
The 2007 harvest, on 4 September, produced the grapes that won Lily Farm's first industry award. Subsequent plantings have allowed the Pratts to broaden the range into sparkling and white wines, and to begin blending across varieties - the kind of small-lot experimentation that would be impossible at a larger commercial scale. Winemaking is contracted out to Steve Brooksbank at Bagborough (formerly Riverside) Winery, but every grape in every bottle is grown at Lily Farm.
The Grape Varieties
Lily Farm grows five grape varieties, each chosen for its suitability to the Devon site and the style of wine the Pratts want to make. Rondo, a red hybrid variety that performs well in the UK climate, forms the backbone of Lily Farm's red and rosé wines. Pinot Noir Précoce - an early-ripening Pinot - is blended with Rondo in the Jurassic Red and the Sunset Pink rosé, lending elegance, finesse and bright red-fruit character. Seyval Blanc is used in both the still Coastal Dry white blend and, as the sole grape in the sparkling wine, in the traditional-method Raleigh Brut. Bacchus, the flagship English white variety, is grown for the aromatic single-varietal Bacchus. Reichensteiner, a versatile German-bred white, rounds out the Coastal Dry blend alongside Seyval Blanc and contributes structure to the sparkling base wines.
The Wines
Lily Farm's current range, all grown and made on the estate, includes a sparkling wine, two still whites, a rosé and a red, plus the familiar South West and Jurassic Coast naming conventions. All are suitable for vegans, and most have collected medals at Wine GB, the South West Vineyards Association, Food Drink Devon or the International Wine Challenge.
Raleigh Brut 2023 - £31.50
The flagship sparkling wine, named in 2018 to celebrate Raleigh 400 - the 400th anniversary of the death of Sir Walter Raleigh, who was born at Hayes Barton in nearby East Budleigh. The current release is a traditional-method, bottle-fermented sparkling made from 100% Seyval Blanc, aged on its lees for 14 months before disgorgement. Only 1,000 bottles of the 2023 vintage were made. On the nose it is bright, clean and fruity; on the palate, persistent bubbles and a delicate, mouth-filling mousse lead to a harmonious, gentle finish. Alcohol 12% abv, acidity 7.5 g/L, residual sugar 2.9 g/L. Suitable for vegans. See the Raleigh Brut 2023 in the shop.
Bacchus 2023 - £16.95
Lily Farm's hand-picked single-varietal Bacchus is, in many ways, the vineyard's signature still white. Made from 91% Bacchus and 9% Reichensteiner, it offers gentle kiwi, greengage and lemon zest on the nose, with crisp, nettley gooseberry notes on the palate leading to a satisfying, lingering finish. Judges at Wine GB in 2025 awarded it Silver, describing "delicate aromas of lime peel, white peach, and wet stone unfold with subtle herbaceous notes. The palate is fresh and restrained, with bright acidity lifting soft tropical flavours of Galia melon and citrus. A finely balanced, mineral-driven white that finishes clean and refreshing." It went on to win Gold at Food Drink Devon 2025/26. Best served lightly chilled. Alcohol 10.5% vol. Suitable for vegans. See the Bacchus 2023 in the shop.
Coastal Dry 2023 - £15.95
A delicate, food-friendly still white made from a 79/21 blend of Reichensteiner and Seyval Blanc. Aromas of melon and grapefruit are underpinned by a clean mineral thread on the palate. The vineyard recommends it as "a delightful summer wine that should be served lightly chilled." Awards include Gold at Food Drink Devon 2025/26 and Silver at Wine GB West 2024. Alcohol 10.5% vol, acidity 8.2 g/L, residual sugar below 1.0 g/L. Suitable for vegans. See the Coastal Dry 2023 in the shop.
Sunset Pink 2023 - £15.95
A dry, food-friendly rosé made from 86% Rondo and 14% Pinot Noir Précoce. The wine is full of wild cherry aromas with redcurrant and strawberry fruit on the palate, moderate weight and a long, interesting finish. The Wine GB 2026 judges' notes read: "Like a light red, really berried and pinot style nose (in spite of being mostly Rondo). Like a light red with lovely sappy red fruit and rounded earthy feel." The current release took Silver at Wine GB 2026. Alcohol 9% vol, acidity 6.7 g/L, residual sugar below 1.0 g/L. Suitable for vegans. See the Sunset Pink 2023 in the shop.
Jurassic Red 2022 - Sold Out
The estate's red wine, named for the Jurassic Coast on whose edge the vineyard sits, is made from a 65/35 blend of Rondo and Pinot Noir Précoce. The vineyard describes it as "intense in colour and full of rich dark red fruit aromas" with "smooth soft tannins on the palate" and "great structure, depth and balance." Awards include a Platinum at Food Drink Devon 2024/25 and Silver at Wine GB 2024. Best served at room temperature. Alcohol 11% vol. The 2022 vintage is currently sold out - the next release is available through the online shop.
Vineyard Tours and Tastings
Lily Farm's signature visitor experience is the East Devon Vineyard Tour, run personally by one of the joint proprietors. Tours run from May to September each year, on Fridays and Saturdays at 11 am, with visitors asked to arrive ten minutes before the start. The whole experience - tour and tasting - takes around 90 minutes.
What the Tour Includes
The Lily Farm guided tour is a complete introduction to a small English vineyard, conducted by Alan or Faye Pratt personally:
- A guided walk through the vineyard, with the story of how Lily Farm came to be planted and the family's journey from sheep and chickens to award-winning wines.
- The life cycle of a vine, from planting through pruning, budburst, flowering, fruit set, veraison and harvest.
- An explanation of how the vines are cared for across the seasons.
- A brief outline of the wider English wine industry.
- A tasting of four of Lily Farm's award-winning still wines.
- The opportunity to buy wine to take home.
The cost of the standard vineyard tour is £18 per adult. Vouchers from Lily Farm's own gift range, or from Activity Superstore, can also be redeemed against a booking. The tour is an adult experience - it is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18, and the team is legally required to ask for ID proof of age from anyone who appears under 25.
The vineyard is on a slope and the terrain may be unsuitable for anyone with limited mobility. Only assistance dogs are allowed. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies for refunds. Bookings can be made online through the tour booking system or by calling 07977 057864. The booking calendar shows individual tour dates with colour-coded availability: green for more than six spaces left, amber for fewer than six, red for fully booked. Book a vineyard tour.
Gift Vouchers and Tour Packages
Lily Farm offers a small but thoughtful range of gift vouchers, all valid for tours between May and September 2026 and delivered by email:
- Vineyard Guided Tour For Two - £36.00. The classic two-person tour followed by a tasting of at least three Lily Farm still wines. Buy the two-person voucher.
- Guided Tour & Sparkling Wine - £65.50. The two-person tour and tasting, plus a bottle of Lily Farm's sparkling wine to take home. Buy the tour and sparkling package.
- Guided Tour & Wine Gift Box - £87.00. The two-person tour and tasting, plus a gift box of three bottles of Lily Farm still wines to take home. Buy the tour and wine box.
Vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash, are non-transferable, and cannot be refunded in part or after expiry. Vouchers must be redeemed by the expiry date shown, and the physical voucher must be brought on the day to verify payment.
Awards and Recognition
Lily Farm's wines have accumulated an impressive trophy cabinet over two decades. The estate's first award, in 2009, was the John Buchan Shield for Best Red Wine from a Small Producer at the South West Vineyards Association (now Wine GB West) Awards. The same wine - then and now - is the Jurassic Red. In 2013, the vineyard's red won the Sunny Bank Trophy for Best Red Wine at the same competition. In 2014, an IWC Silver for the Sparkling Rosé 2010 was followed by Wine GB and South West Vineyards Association medals across the range. Highlights since then include:
- 2014: IWC Silver - Sparkling Rosé 2010; Gold at SWVA - Sparkling Rosé 2010.
- 2015: Devon Life Best Drinks Product of the Year (voted by readers).
- 2016: Gold at the English & Welsh Wine of the Year for Bacchus 2015.
- 2019: Gillian Pearkes Memorial Trophy for Best Contributor to the SWVA.
- 2020: Wine GB Silver for Bacchus 2019.
- 2022: Wine GB Gold for Bacchus 2021.
- 2024: Food Drink Devon Platinum for Jurassic Red 2022; Wine GB Silver for Raleigh Brut 2017, Coastal Dry 2023 and Jurassic Red 2022.
- 2025/26: Food Drink Devon Gold for both Bacchus 2023 and Coastal Dry 2023; Wine GB Silver for Bacchus 2023.
- 2026: Wine GB Silver for Sunset Pink 2023.
Wildlife and the Wider Estate
Visitors to Lily Farm often comment on the wildlife around the vineyard, and the Pratts clearly enjoy the birdlife as much as the vines. The hedgerows, the wildlife pond, the surrounding South Devon habitat and the 500 native hedgerow plants the Pratts have put in over the years attract a long list of species. Woodpeckers, buzzards, kestrel, the hobby (with its "high speed manoeuvres"), a grey heron fishing the pond in the early mornings and a tawny owl spotting prey from the vineyard posts in the evenings are all regulars. As Faye has written, "we love to watch them and suspect that they rather enjoy watching us too."
The wider farm is managed with biodiversity in mind. The Pratts have planted roughly 500 native hedgerow plants, maintain the wildlife pond, keep a small flock of Dorset Down sheep and have, at various times, kept pigs and poultry. Harvest is a community affair: a "small army" of family, friends and members of the local community comes along to pick the grapes each year, with five substantial picks across the season and a long-running tradition of turning the harvest into a sociable gathering. In 2014, the vineyard brought in a record six tonnes of grapes from four harvests thanks to thirty-eight named volunteers - a year Faye described simply as "A Good Year".
Planning Your Visit
The vineyard shop at Lily Farm is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10.30 am to 3.00 pm, for bottle sales. Visitors are welcome to drop in for a glass of wine or a wine flight of Lily Farm's still wines, with cheeseboards and nibbles available to enjoy while overlooking the vineyard. Wines can also be ordered through the online shop with free delivery on orders of 12 bottles or more to UK mainland addresses.
Tours run on Fridays and Saturdays at 11 am from May to September. The vineyard can be found at:
Lily Farm Vineyard
Dalditch Lane
Knowle
Budleigh Salterton
Devon EX9 7AH
By bus, the No 357 from Exmouth drops at Knowle, two minutes' walk from the vineyard. By bike, the site is on National Cycle Network Route 2 (Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton). It is signposted from the old railway bridge over Dalditch Lane. What3Words reference: asset.manifests.ferrets.
For bookings, gift voucher enquiries, or any other questions:
- Telephone: 01395 442591 or 07977 057864.
- Email: info@lilyfarmvineyard.com.
Local Stockists and Trade
Lily Farm's wines have, over the years, been available through a small network of independent local retailers and restaurants in East Devon and beyond. Past and present stockists include Waitrose branches in Sidmouth, Torquay, Teignmouth and Exeter (for the Sparkling Rosé); Budleigh Wines in the High Street; Pynes Farm Shop at South Farm; and Otterton Mill. On-trade listings have included A La Ronde in Exmouth and The Salty Monk in Sidbury. Trade customers can enquire by email for current availability.
Local and Media Coverage
Over two decades, Lily Farm has featured regularly in regional and national press. Coverage has appeared in, among others, the Daily Express, the Western Morning News, the Express and Echo, East Devon Coast and Country, the International Wine Challenge, Decanter's "Expert's Choice: English Bacchus 2018", and the Devon Life Food and Drink Awards 2015 (which Lily Farm won - the segment is on YouTube from around 26 minutes 32 seconds in). In 2013, the vineyard's 2010 Sparkling Rosé was selected by Channel 4's Sunday Brunch for a live premium tasting; both celebrity guests - Leigh-Anne Pinnock of Little Mix and the retired Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield - preferred it to two more expensive champagnes on the show.
In 2018, the release of the new sparkling wine was timed to celebrate Raleigh 400, marking the 400th anniversary of the death of Sir Walter Raleigh, who was born at Hayes Barton in nearby East Budleigh. Independent reviews are available on Lily Farm Vineyard's TripAdvisor listing.
Connect with Lily Farm Vineyard
News, harvest updates and wildlife sightings are posted regularly on the vineyard's social channels: