Little Wold Vineyard: A Pioneering Family-Run Yorkshire Estate Crafting Award-Winning Wines
Tucked into the chalk valleys of the Yorkshire Wolds above the village of South Cave, Little Wold Vineyard is one of the most distinctive family-run estates in English wine. Planted by a farmer who was already a grandfather when he put in his first 2,000 vines by hand, the estate today spans some 30 acres across three South Cave sites (with additional vineyards managed in the wider Yorkshire and Lincolnshire area), an on-site winery built in time for the 2022 vintage, and a glass-fronted Tasting Room that looks out across uninterrupted views to the river and beyond.
Little Wold Vineyard produces a small but award-winning range of still and sparkling wines, all made from grapes grown on the estate, and welcomes visitors to its Cellar Door on Fridays and Sundays from 11am to 4pm. The team also runs year-round vineyard tours, guided tastings, seasonal supper clubs, picnics and creative events, and turns the Tasting Room into one of the most romantic licensed wedding venues in the East Riding.
A Yorkshire estate built on eight decades of farming
The story of Little Wold begins long before the vines arrived. The Wilson family has worked the same land, Market Place Farm, since 1947, when Robert Wilson bought it out of the old Cave Castle estate. The grassy hillsides ran with cattle, a small dairy herd produced milk sold around the village, and the flatter land was planted with potatoes, sugar beet and cereals. Some of those original milk bottles are still kept in the family farmhouse.
The broccoli and pig years
By the early 1970s Henry Wilson, Robert's son, had steered the farm towards pigs - around seventy breeding sows at the peak - and a sideline in sprouts and broccoli destined for the frozen-food market. A small laying flock came next, and a farm shop was opened in the back of the old farmhouse to sell surplus eggs alongside fruit and vegetables from a neighbour.
The South Africa epiphany
In the 2000s, on a trip to visit family in South Africa, Henry came across working vineyards for the first time. Back home he sought advice from vine expert Stewart Smith, who suggested that the chalky South Cave slopes could be ideal. Soil samples confirmed that a surprisingly broad range of grape varieties could thrive on the farm - the cool-climate classics Rondo, Madeleine Angevine and Solaris, alongside more familiar names such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
2012: putting down roots
In 2012 Henry planted the first 2,000 vines by hand on a field called Thirty Acre, with help from his wife Heather and their family in the crucial early years, while the young root systems fought their way through the chalky subsoil. The gamble paid off: by 2017 tonnage had jumped from roughly two and a half tonnes to over six, and two new wines - Three Cocked Hat (the estate's first red) and the dry white Chalk Hill White - joined the range. They sold out almost completely by January 2019. Tom Wilson, Henry's son, planted a further 6,000 vines on a new south-facing hillside known as Mount Airy in spring 2018.
The Wilson family and the team
Little Wold is very much a family business, with three generations of Wilsons actively involved.
- Henry Wilson (2nd generation) - Chairman. He still spends long summer days among the vines and is a regular host on the much-loved vineyard tours.
- Alice Wilson (3rd generation) - Business, Sales, Events and Marketing Manager and Winemaker. Alice returned to the farm in 2014 after a career in teaching in Hull, developed the full wine range, founded the weddings and events business and now oversees the cellar door and the winery. She was named 'Woman of Achievement' at the 2018 Women in Business Hull Awards. Email: alice@littlewoldvineyard.co.uk.
- Tom Wilson - Vineyard Manager and the man behind Tom's Cuvée, the estate's white sparkling. Tom has spent his whole life around agriculture and now tends vines across all of the estate's sites, supported by Cameron and Ellie.
The wider team includes Event Bookings Manager Hayley (joined 2021), Senior Event Coordinator Elaine (joined 2022), Event Coordinator Charlotte (joined end of 2025), Vineyard Operative Oscar (joined 2026), Event Host Beth (joined 2025) and Cellar Door Supervisor Laura (joined 2026), as well as a long-standing volunteers group set up during lockdown by Hayley's husband Mark. The volunteers meet weekly through the summer to help with seasonal vineyard tasks such as tucking in, bud rubbing, bottling and harvest.
The vineyards and sustainable farming
Little Wold farms around 187 acres, not all of which is suited to conventional crops. About 80 acres are planted with willow, which was introduced in 2000 and thrives in the wettest ground with virtually no intervention - it is sprayed only once every three or four years and is harvested by a biomass company that leaves the stump and roots in place to regrow. Around four acres are managed as pheasant cover to provide food and shelter for local wildlife, while the Fifty Acre field is largely left wild for biodiversity, complete with roaming horses and planted wildflower corridors.
Hand-tended vines
All of the estate's vineyards are maintained by hand from pruning through to harvest. Spraying and mowing are deliberately kept to a minimum so that wild plants can flourish between the rows, providing food and shelter for pollinators and keeping the soil healthy for future generations. The team works with the chalky South Cave terrain that Henry discovered years ago - steep, well-drained and perfect for vines - but very challenging for cereals and machinery.
Climate and packaging
Little Wold was one of the first UK producers to drop foils from its sparkling bottles in 2019 and reuses cardboard for shipping wherever possible. Energy-efficient winemaking on site cuts out the long journeys the estate used to make to a Midlands contract winery, and waste from the winery is returned to the land. All of the wines are vegan-friendly, and the estate sells as much as possible direct through its cellar door, online shop and local businesses to keep transport miles low.
The winery at South Cave
Little Wold has produced its own still wines on site in South Cave since the 2022 vintage, with Alice taking on the winemaking role alongside Tom and the wider team. The estate's sparkling wines - Tom's Cuvée and Alice's Cuvée - are still made at Half Penny Green in the West Midlands, where they undergo the traditional double fermentation method before being disgorged, corked and returned to Yorkshire.
The winery sits on a different site to the Tasting Room and is not open to the public, but visitors can see exactly what goes into a bottle of Yorkshire wine during a tour, where the process of making the wines is explained alongside the tasting.
The wines of Little Wold Vineyard
The Little Wold range is built around six core wines - three still whites, a still rosé, a still red and two sparkling wines - plus the UK's first (or thereabouts) canned English wine, available in 250ml slim cans.
Still wines
Three Cocked Hat (red)
Little Wold's first red and the wine that helped establish the range, Three Cocked Hat is made from Rondo grapes grown on south-facing slopes named after a field shape that farmers first marked out more than a century ago. Aromas of ripe blackberries lead into a palate of black cherry and wild raspberry. Henry prefers it chilled; Alice likes to decant and open it out. Half of the wine spends six months in old French oak before blending. Awards include a Wine GB Silver (2021) and Mercian Wine Awards Bronze (2018, 2020). Pairs well with Asian dishes, beef pho, grilled portobello mushrooms or barbecued jackfruit.
Poppy Hill Rosé (rosé)
A dry English rosé with serious berry character, made from Rondo grapes blended with white varieties to soften the deep blush into a paler pink. The name commemorates a field used by Tom during his agricultural college studies and now famous for its wildflowers. A Wine GB Midlands & North Trophy winner in 2019 and multiple Silver winner since, it is a natural partner for Moroccan and Indian dishes, meze and Greek-inspired salads.
Chalk Hill White (dry white)
The estate's second white wine, launched in 2017 and one of its driest, made from a blend of Seyval Blanc, Madeleine Angevine and Phoenix grown on the chalky slopes of South Cave. Aromas of lime and grapefruit, a crisp finish and a vegan-friendly profile. Awards include Mercian Vineyards Silver (2021) and Bronze (2018, 2019). Excellent with Mediterranean vegetable dishes, falafel, stuffed vine leaves or chicken in white wine and lemon.
Barley Hill White (off-dry white)
The first white wine Little Wold ever produced, Barley Hill is an off-dry blend of Seyval Blanc and Madeleine Angevine with notes of stone fruits and white flowers. The 2021 vintage was crowned Trophy Winner at the Wine GB Midlands & North awards, with Bronze and Silver medals across 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022. Pairs beautifully with rich shellfish such as crab, or aromatic dishes like tikka masala and vegan curries.
James' View (dry white)
Named after Henry's third son James, with a bench placed in the field that overlooks the view in his memory, James' View is a Solaris-led dry white with notes of grapefruit and tropical fruit and a refreshing, crisp finish. Multiple Wine GB and IEWA medals across 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022. Pairs with sea bass in lemon and caper dressing, zucchini noodles or a bright goats' cheese salad.
Poppy Hill Rosé Blush (lighter rosé, 250ml slim can & bottle)
A newer, lighter take on the original Poppy Hill, made from Regent and Phoenix grapes and described by the team as 'crisp and refreshing, with lively acidity balancing juicy red berry flavours and subtle mineral undertones'. Whole-bunch pressed and fermented in stainless steel, then settled for nine months before bottling.
Sparkling wines
Tom's Cuvée (white sparkling)
Born from the bumper 2018 harvest, Tom's Cuvée is a blend of Seyval and Solaris, made at Half Penny Green using the traditional double fermentation method. Aromas of lemon, hazelnut and apple lead into delicate citrus and subtle toasty notes, with a freshness that pairs brilliantly with sushi or Italian food. Bronze winner at the 2020 Wine GB Awards.
Alice's Cuvée (rosé sparkling)
The estate's only sparkling rosé is a Seyval, Madeleine Angevine and Rondo blend, with a gentle blush colour and aromas of freshly picked berries and clotted cream. Bronze winner at the 2020 Wine GB Awards. Designed for lazy summer afternoons and a charcuterie board.
250ml slim cans
The slim can range - what Little Wold believes to be among the first canned English wines - currently includes the red Three Cocked Hat and the lighter Poppy Hill Rosé Blush, with a third varietal in the pipeline. Designed for picnics, festivals and 'pocket or hand-bag' portability, they offer the same Little Wold quality in a chilled, single-serve format.
The Cellar Door and Tasting Room
The Tasting Room is a glass-fronted, fully accessible building that sits in the valley below the vines with sweeping views down to the river. It functions as the estate's cellar door, tasting room, wedding ceremony room and events space, and is all on one level with a ramp from the car park, an accessible toilet and level access from the patio out onto the grass between the vines.
Cellar Door opening hours
- Friday: 11am - 4pm
- Sunday: 11am - 4pm
- Closing 2pm on Friday 26th June and Friday 24th July
- Closed Sunday 16th August
- Festive break: last working day Sunday 21st December, re-opening Friday 23rd January 2026
On Cellar Door days visitors can take in the views with a glass of wine and a vineyard board (cheese, meat and cheese, or vegan), or relax with a barista coffee and a daily selection of locally made sweet treats from Craybakes. Cheeseboards can be adapted for vegetarians, vegans and those with intolerances - just let the team know in advance.
Wines by the bottle, by the case and by the can
Wines can be bought by the bottle, in mixed cases of six, or as single-serve 250ml slim cans via the online shop. Cases include branded packaging with the LWV pheasant logo. Three Cocked Hat, Tom's Cuvée, Poppy Hill Rosé, James' View, Chalk Hill White, Barley Hill White and Alice's Cuvée are all available in case format, and the Mixed Case allows customers to curate their own selection of still and sparkling bottles.
Orders ship nationwide with Parcel Force (dispatch days are usually Tuesdays and Fridays) and a 'cellar door collection' option is available for locals. Gift cards can be bought in any value, are valid for 12 months and can be used online or, in most cases, in a single visit to the cellar door. Presentation cards are available for those who want to hand over a printed gift.
Vineyard tours and tasting experiences
Little Wold hosts vineyard tours all year round, with extra dates added through the summer as demand allows. Tours typically last around 1.5 hours, are limited to roughly 30 guests and are hosted by one of the family - often Henry - or a senior member of the events team. The format includes a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, the story of the family farm and how the Wilsons became one of the first grape growers in East Yorkshire, a guided walk through the vines and a tasting of three of the estate's wines (cheese boards are included on some tours).
For those short on time, the Cellar Door Tasting Experience is a 45-minute whistle-stop tasting of four Little Wold wines (around 50ml each) hosted by a member of the team during normal Cellar Door opening hours, priced at £20 per person. Pre-booking is recommended during peak season (May to September).
The full tour programme covers July, August, September and October vineyard tours, with tickets released a few months in advance and bookable through the events calendar.
Seasonal events at the Tasting Room
The Little Wold events calendar is built around the Cellar Door and Tasting Room and is updated roughly every quarter, with at least one ticketed event most months. Current and upcoming experiences include:
- Yorkshire Wine and Cheese Evening - a tasting of four Little Wold wines (including one sparkling) paired with six Yorkshire cheeses and locally-made sourdough from Lukes Bakery, hosted for up to 30 guests.
- Sip and Paint - a relaxed two-hour creative session in the Terrace Room with an easel, canvas, paints and brushes and a complimentary drink of wine, beer or barista coffee.
- Little Wold Vineyard Picnic - locally sourced picnic boards (standard, vegetarian or vegan) with paired cheeses, charcuterie or quiche, salad, olives, crisps and the new strawberries-and-cream dessert with Craybakes baked goods. Served on the open terrace or among the vines; six pitches per day, extra guests £20 and children £5 each.
- Little Wold Vineyard Supper Club - an evening of food from a hand-picked caterer paired with Little Wold wines and live music; doors 7pm, bar to 10:30pm, up to 40 guests, £39.50 per ticket. A new date in October 2026 is to be confirmed.
- Blind Tasting with Fish and Chip Supper - three rounds of blind tasting (white, sparkling, red) comparing Little Wold wines with wines from around the world, finished with fish and chips from a local supplier; 7pm start, carriages at 10pm.
Festive events have included the popular Christmas Garlands workshop with Wonderland Blooms, a wreath-making session run by Vix from Wonderland Blooms, with a sparkling wine cocktail on arrival and all foliage and materials supplied - a wonderful example of how the Tasting Room doubles as a creative Yorkshire venue.
Weddings at Little Wold Vineyard
The Tasting Room has been the centre of Little Wold's wedding business since Alice set it up shortly after returning to the farm in 2014, and has hosted hundreds of bespoke celebrations ever since. It is a fully licensed ceremony room, allowing couples to be legally married on site, and can be styled to suit everything from an intimate elopement of just eight guests to a Vineyard Package celebration of up to 100 daytime guests, with relaxed Sunset Packages available for those who simply want to party.
The team behind the day
Weddings are led by Hayley (Event Bookings Manager), Elaine and Charlotte (Event Coordinators), with Alice overseeing the wider business. The team maintain a 'Little Book of Besties' - a hand-picked list of trusted Yorkshire suppliers covering catering, floristry, styling, DJs and more - and can provide Yorkshire grazing tables in-house.
Wedding showcases and elopements
Little Wold hosts wedding showcases at the start of each year for couples to view the venue set up for a 'big day', meet the team and chat to suppliers. Elopements of up to eight guests are offered year-round, with witnesses available for those who want a day made for two.
For couples who want to bring a Little Wold flavour to their day but host elsewhere, Alice also offers a tailored tasting service for off-site weddings and private events. Brochures covering weddings, private hire and corporate hire are available.
Private and corporate hire
The Tasting Room isn't just for weddings. Private hire covers everything from baby showers and birthdays to wakes and anniversaries, with both full venue and Terrace Room-only options during Cellar Door opening hours. Corporate hire includes staff away days, client entertainment and tailored tastings - either in the Tasting Room or off-site with Alice - with catering options ranging from fruit and pastries to Yorkshire grazing tables and afternoon tea. Maximum capacity is around 150 guests across both rooms, with last orders at 23.30, last drinks at 23.45 and night events closing at midnight.
Visit Little Wold Vineyard
Address and directions
Little Wold Vineyard, Beverley Road, South Cave, East Yorkshire HU15 2BB. The postcode will take you to Beverley Road; the vineyard entrance is approximately 1.5km from the village, on the left side of the valley as you leave South Cave. Follow the track up the hillside to the Tasting Room and parking. The estate's what3words address is ///punchy.berated.storming.
Accessibility and dogs
The Tasting Room is fully accessible, all on one level, with a ramp from the car park, an accessible toilet, and level access onto the grass between the vines. Well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome - just ask that owners are respectful of other guests and that pets stay off the furniture.
Contact
General enquiries: info@littlewoldvineyard.co.uk or telephone 07956 773 533 (please note there is no fixed office, so visitors may need to leave a message). For private and corporate events, contact Hayley at hayley@littlewoldvineyard.co.uk.
Awards and recognition
Little Wold's wines have picked up medals at Wine GB, the Mercian Vineyards Awards and the IEWA across nearly every vintage, including a Wine GB Midlands & North Trophy for Poppy Hill Rosé (2019) and Barley Hill White (2021). The wider business has been recognised with the Farmers Weekly Diversification Farmer of the Year award (2019), the REYTA Remarkable Local Producer title (2024) and The Family Business Community Awards Food and Drink Producers accolade (2024). Alice's work in establishing the Little Wold brand saw her named 'Woman of Achievement' at the 2018 Women in Business Hull Awards.