Oaken Grove Vineyard: A Boutique English Winery in the Heart of the Chiltern Hills
Tucked away on Benhams Lane in the rolling countryside above Henley-on-Thames, Oaken Grove Vineyard is one of the most quietly distinctive boutique wineries in the Thames Valley. A family-run estate planted in 1986, it produces a small but award-winning range of English still and sparkling wines from seven acres of Pinot Noir, Bacchus and Madeleine Angevine vines, all framed by the ancient woodlands of the Chiltern Hills. It is also a living venue, a place to taste wine on a sun-trap terrace, to attend a live music evening among the vines, to take a guided tour and tasting, or to hire the whole vineyard for a wedding, private celebration or corporate retreat.
Location and Setting: The Chiltern Hills above the Thames
Oaken Grove Vineyard sits just outside the village of Fawley, a few miles north of Henley-on-Thames in south Oxfordshire. The postcode is RG9 6JG, and the full address is Oaken Grove Vineyard, Benhams Lane, Fawley, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon, RG9 6JG. The vineyard lies within the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, an environment that the estate describes as one of the defining features of its wines: the chalky, well-drained slopes, the long summer daylight hours and the natural protection of the surrounding beech woodlands combine to give the grapes a slow, even ripening season.
Visitors approaching the vineyard pass through country lanes before arriving at a tranquil courtyard and wine terrace that looks directly out over the vines. The backdrop is a sweep of mature, ancient woodland that turns from fresh green in spring to russet in autumn, providing the kind of frame that photographers and wedding couples both tend to fall in love with.
A Family-Run Vineyard Established in 1986
The vineyard was planted in 1986, making Oaken Grove one of the longer-established sites in the modern English wine story. It remains a family-run, boutique operation rather than a large commercial estate, which is reflected in the size of the production, concentrated across seven acres and a deliberately compact portfolio of three still and two sparkling wines.
The grape varieties on site are:
- Pinot Noir, the backbone of the sparkling wines and the source of the still Pinot Noir Reserve and Benham Blush rosé.
- Bacchus, the aromatic white variety that gives the Bacchus Reserve its elderflower, lime and freshly-cut-grass character.
- Madeleine Angevine, an early-ripening variety that rounds out the white wine programme.
The team describe their winemaking ethos as producing wines that are "fresh, modern and packed with flavour", a sensibility that runs through both the still and the sparkling ranges.
The Wines
Oaken Grove's range is split into two collections: Sparkling English Wine and Still English Wine. Each is sold by the bottle direct from the cellar door at the vineyard (most weekends) or by phone on 07792 633987, with savings available on six-bottle cases.
Sparkling English Wines
The sparkling programme is built entirely around Pinot Noir, crafted in two styles, a white Blanc de Noirs and a salmon-pink Rosé, both made in the traditional method with extended lees ageing.
- Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé 2019 Vintage - £35.00. 100% Pinot Noir. Bright salmon-pink in colour, with strawberry, raspberry and cranberry aromas and a hint of orange peel and dough on the finish. A creamy mousse, "English summer in a glass." Try with canapés, as an aperitif, or paired with summer fruit pudding. For fans of vintage rosé Champagne.
- Blanc de Noirs 2020 Vintage - £35.00. 100% Pinot Noir. A lemon-gold hue with delicate aromas of blossom and lime, balanced with bold flavours of cherry, yellow pear and green apple. A creamy mousse with a touch of sweetness and a long finish of toasty oak and a hint of smoke. Pairs well with smoked salmon, scallops or a charcuterie board.
Six-bottle cases are also available at a discount:
- Case of Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé 2019 Vintage (6 Bottles) - £189.00 (was £210.00).
- Case of Blanc de Noirs (6 Bottles) - £162.00 (was £180.00).
Still English Wines
The still portfolio centres on the aromatic white Bacchus Reserve, the dry pink Benham Blush and the limited-release Pinot Noir Reserve.
- Bacchus Reserve - £16.50. 100% Bacchus. Highly aromatic, with elderflower, lime and freshly cut grass on the nose. Lemon juice and green apple on the palate, with a long, crisp finish; warmer vintages encourage a tropical passionfruit character. A natural match for seafood, summer salads or Thai food. For fans of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño.
- Benham Blush - £16.50. 100% Pinot Noir. A vibrant, remarkably dry rosé with intense cherry, watermelon, raspberry and lemon aromas and a peppery finish. Soft tannins give texture and a savoury attitude. Pairs with roast poultry, pork dishes or grilled goats' cheese. For fans of Sancerre rosé.
- Pinot Noir Reserve 2020 - £24.50. 100% Pinot Noir. Only produced on exceptional years, in very limited quantities. Gently matured in oak barrels to enhance delicate cherry and berry flavours, with subtle tannins. Drinking well now and built to improve with age. Pair with red meat, cheese, or enjoy on its own.
Case savings on the still range:
- Case of Bacchus Reserve (6 Bottles) - £78.30 (was £87.00).
- Case of Benham Blush (6 Bottles) - £72.90 (was £81.00).
The full range can be ordered via the Our Wines page. Standard Shopping & Delivery Terms apply, last updated 14th May 2021.
Vineyard Tours and Tastings
The vineyard's most popular visitor experience is the guided Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting, which runs up to twice a day on most weekends throughout the season. Sessions last around two hours and are deliberately informal, informative and fun, with plenty of room for questions.
What to Expect
- Start in the vineyard. Walk among the vines to learn about the growing cycle, the seasonal activities that keep a vineyard ticking over through the year, and the techniques the team use to grow the very best quality grapes in this corner of the Chilterns.
- The story of the site. Interesting facts about the different varieties, the history of Oaken Grove, and a snapshot of the wider English wine industry today.
- Tasting in the Tasting Room. Decamp to the tasting room overlooking the vineyard for a guided tasting of the full range, three still wines and two sparkling wines, while the team explains the winemaking techniques used at Oaken Grove and how they differ from those used around the world.
- Stay for a platter. After the tour ends, guests are welcome to linger on the wine terrace with a glass of their favourite wine and one of the vineyard's famous sharing platters of local cheeses, charcuterie and accompaniments. Platters are pre-ordered at checkout and a vegetarian option is available.
Costs and Booking
- Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting - £25 per person.
- Cheese and Charcuterie Platter - £17 per person (vegetarian option available).
- Bespoke group bookings of 12 or more are available on request.
- Tours can be purchased as a gift voucher.
- Tour guests qualify for exclusive discounts at the cellar-door shop.
Book tickets via the Tours & Tastings page, or email info@oakengrovevineyard.co.uk for group enquiries. Dietary requirements can be added at checkout.
The Wine Terrace
During the summer months the courtyard and wine terrace are open on most Saturdays and some Sundays, typically from midday to 5pm, for walk-in wine drinkers, families and groups. The terrace overlooks the vines and is framed by ancient woodland, with pizza ovens firing and a menu of sharing platters built around local cheeses and charcuterie.
Walk-ins are welcome, though a table reservation secures a spot on the terrace or under the covered courtyard. Pizzas are ordered on the day, with no pre-booking required. Terrace opening days vary with the season, so checking the reservation calendar in advance is recommended. Questions can be directed to the team on 07792 633987.
In addition to weekend openings, the vineyard runs a Friday Vineyard Club from 5pm to 9pm, with the bar and terrace open for a more relaxed evening session. Fresh pizzas are served and there is no need to book.
What's On: Live Music, Jazz and Seasonal Events
Throughout the year the vineyard hosts a rolling programme of public events. The full, up-to-date list is available on the What's On page, alongside details of the markets and festivals the team will be attending off-site. Recent and recurring events include:
- Live Music Nights. Held in the Tasting Room, these evenings combine vineyard wines with nibbles and a soundtrack from visiting musicians. The Live Music Events Calendar is updated regularly.
- Jazz in the Vines. Sunday afternoon jazz sessions among the vines, a long-standing Oaken Grove tradition.
- Pop-up restaurants and supper clubs. Guest chefs take over the Tasting Room for one-off dining events.
- Festive events. See Christmas Parties for the full winter programme.
Apitherapy House by Honeys of Henley
A particularly distinctive offering at Oaken Grove is the Apitherapy House by Honeys of Henley, a wellness nature sanctuary in the form of a purpose-built wooden cabin in which active beehives are carefully housed in sealed compartments. Visitors breathe in the aromatic hive air and experience the soothing hum of the bees in a 45-minute experience designed to help reconnect with nature. Bookings are handled by Honeys of Henley.
Weddings and Private Events
The vineyard is available for exclusive hire for weddings and private celebrations, with the entire site, including courtyard, terrace and Tasting Room, given over to a single booking. Event packages are entirely bespoke; the experienced in-house planning team works closely with each couple or host to tailor the day.
Oaken Grove can comfortably seat 100 guests dining, and the team is happy to liaise with trusted marquee companies to quote for larger numbers. The estate also has long-standing relationships with local caterers and entertainment suppliers. Photography across the site consistently shows long vineyard views at golden hour, candlelit table settings under the courtyard canopy and ceremonies framed by the vines, all useful reference points for couples planning their day.
To explore options or arrange a viewing, use the event enquiry form on the Private Events page.
Corporate Meetings and Events
For businesses, Oaken Grove offers a meeting and event space that combines indoor professionalism with the restorative calm of the vineyard setting. The natural beauty of the site, enhanced by the wider Chiltern Hills landscape, is positioned as a productivity and creativity boost in its own right.
What's Included
- Indoor meeting space in the new function room, sympathetic to the surrounding tranquility.
- AV options for presentations.
- Covered outdoor terrace overlooking the vines for breakout sessions.
- Flexible indoor and outdoor catering options sourced through the vineyard's local catering contacts.
- Private guided vineyard tour and wine tasting for the team.
- Optional team-building activities, including laser clay pigeon shooting and archery among the vines.
Bookings range from small team meetings and board away-days to larger corporate retreats, with exclusive use of the vineyard available. To discuss requirements, contact the events team via Corporate Meetings or email info@oakengrovevineyard.co.uk. A printable Corporate Events Brochure (PDF) is available for download.
Christmas Parties at the Vineyard
The festive season is a particular speciality at Oaken Grove. Twinkling fairy lights, seasonal décor and bespoke hospitality combine in a setting that works equally well for an intimate corporate Christmas lunch and a larger, lively evening party.
The Tasting Room offers flexible layouts, from warm, candlelit corners to an open dance floor, and the dedicated events team handles everything from décor and lighting to entertainment. Menus are seasonally inspired and built around locally sourced ingredients, with options ranging from classic Christmas favourites to modern festive twists, served as either a sit-down feast or a warm buffet.
For something different, the vineyard also hosts wine tastings and Christmas bauble decorating workshops for teams and groups of friends. Use the event enquiry form on the Christmas Parties page to make an enquiry.
How to Visit
Oaken Grove Vineyard is open most weekends for wine sales, with tours, tastings, terrace sessions and events running throughout the season. The full address is Oaken Grove Vineyard, Benhams Lane, Fawley, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon, RG9 6JG.
Contact
- Telephone: 07792 633987
- Email: info@oakengrovevineyard.co.uk
- Contact Us page
- Facebook: @oakengrovevineyard
- Instagram: @oakengrovevineyard
- Twitter: @oakengrove
Plan Your Visit
- Buy wines from the cellar door or by phone.
- Book a vineyard tour and tasting.
- Reserve a table on the wine terrace.
- See the What's On calendar for live music, jazz and seasonal events.
- For weddings, private parties or corporate enquiries, use the relevant enquiry form or email the team.
Whether you arrive for a single glass of chilled sparkling rosé on the terrace, a Saturday afternoon tour and tasting with friends, or to plan the biggest day of your life, Oaken Grove Vineyard delivers the same thing: a small, family-run English winery making the most of an exceptional patch of Chiltern Hills countryside.