Old Walls Vineyard

Old Walls Vineyard, Bishopsteignton - English Wines, Holiday Lodges & Vineyard Experiences in Devon

Nestled on the rolling south-facing slopes above the Teign estuary near Bishopsteignton in Devon, Old Walls Vineyard is one of England's quietly distinctive small wineries. The estate produces a full portfolio of still and sparkling wines from grapes grown on land that has a continuous viticultural thread stretching back more than two thousand years to Roman Britain. Around the vines sits a complete Devon countryside experience: six contemporary holiday lodges looking directly onto the vineyard, the Vintner function room for weddings and celebrations, and a programme of vineyard tours, tastings and seasonal harvest experiences. The wines, the holidays, the heritage and the food offering together make Old Walls a destination rather than simply a winery.

Where Old Walls Vineyard is located

Old Walls Vineyard is at Old Walls Road, Bishopsteignton, Devon, TQ14 9PQ. Bishopsteignton is a small village just off the A381 between Newton Abbot and Teignmouth, roughly three miles inland from the South Devon coast. From the vineyard you can see the rolling Devon hills tumble down to the Teign estuary, with sea glimpses out toward Teignmouth and Shaldon on a clear day.

The vineyard is a short drive from the South Devon coast. Nearby attractions include:

• Teignmouth Golf Club - 1 mile
• Teignmouth seafront and beaches - 3 miles
• Shaldon village, Shaldon Wildlife Trust, Ness Cove Beach, the Grand Pier and the Lido outdoor pool - 3 miles
• Devon Sea Safari, Teign Ferry, WeFerry, Adventure Golf in Shaldon, Sea Sports South West, Teign Diving Centre and Teign Heritage Museum - 3 miles
• The Black Swans at Dawlish - 5 miles
• Babbacombe Model Village - 8 miles
• Guild of Craftsmen in Bovey Tracey, Powderham Castle and Kents Cavern - 9 miles
• Dartmouth Steam Railway at Paignton - 12 miles
• Exeter - 14 miles

The combination of vineyard, coast and countryside makes Old Walls an easy base for a longer Devon holiday as well as a short wine-focused visit.

Heritage: a vineyard that goes back to Roman Britain

The vineyard's name and identity are tied tightly to local history. There is evidence of a vineyard on the Old Walls land more than 2,000 years ago. The Romans took advantage of the same south-facing slopes and well-drained soil that the modern winery still works today.

The name "Old Walls" comes from the site's proximity to another piece of local history, the Bishop's Palace at Bishopsteignton. Walter Bronsecombe, a native of Exeter, became bishop in 1258 and is remembered for his integrity and attention to ecclesiastical duties. He secured a market and fair for Bishopsteignton in 1270 and, in the following decade, instigated the construction of the Bishop's Palace that gave Old Walls its name. All that survives of the 13th-century building are small sections of wall, which the vineyard has helped to restore and keep on display for future generations.

Old Walls Vineyard is "slightly fanatical about continuing the wine-making heritage at Old Walls" and committed to using local services and produce wherever possible - a principle that runs through both the wine-making and the food menus in Regent's Bistro.

The wines

Old Walls produces a small but well-defined range of English wines, almost all from grapes grown on the estate itself. The white wines are built primarily around Reichensteiner and Bacchus - two of the most widely planted grape varieties in England - while the reds rely on Regent, Rondo and Dunkelfelder. The vineyard also produces a Pinot Noir rosé, a Rondo-based rosé/light red, and traditional-method sparkling wines from Auxerrois and Pinot Noir Précoce. Wines are sold by the case of six bottles direct from the Old Walls wine shop, and a few are also offered as single bottles where indicated.

Still white wines

• Priory Dry - 6 Bottles, £85.00. A dry, delicately refreshing white made from Reichensteiner, one of England's most widely planted grapes. The winery recommends it with fish, spicy food and cheese.
• Bacchus - 6 Bottles, £85.00 (out of stock). Bacchus is described by the winery as having powerful flavours and character often described as "exuberant", with citrus notes, floral aromatics and a Sauvignon Blanc-like style. Best with seafood, salads or as an aperitif.
• Chapel Medium - 6 Bottles, £85.00 (out of stock). A lighter fermentation of Reichensteiner producing a more medium flavour. Pairs with chicken, fish or pasta.
• Elderflower White - 6 Bottles, £100.00 (out of stock). A crisp, off-dry Reichensteiner wine infused with elderflower for a delicate floral bouquet. Designed for picnics, BBQs and aperitif moments.

Still red wines

• Palace Red - 6 Bottles, £85.00. The winery's most popular wine, blending Regent, Rondo and Dunkelfelder for blackberry overtones and a long finish. Recommended with red meats, cheeses and cured meats.
• Elderberry - 6 Bottles, £96.00 (out of stock). A Regent-based red infused with elderberries for a rich ruby colour, warming elderberry notes and a full fruity profile. Recommended warm with mulled-wine spices, or with game and red meats.
• Palace Red Reserve - 6 Bottles, £100.00. The 2013 Palace Red, carefully aged in the Old Walls cellar to enhance the big flavours of the wine. Pairs with red meats, game, cheeses and cured meats.

Rosé wines

• Rose - 6 Bottles, £85.00. A smooth, light rosé from Pinot Noir with berry and chocolate undertones. Designed for tapas, cheese or as an al fresco drink.
• Palace Crimson - 6 Bottles, £85.00. The winery's newest release, another sun-loving grape producing a smooth, light rosé with berry and chocolate undertones. Recommended with tapas and cheese.

Sparkling wines

• Sparkling White - Single Bottle, £24.00. A soft, fruity traditional-method sparkling made from Auxerrois (a full sibling of Chardonnay) with rich citrus and apple flavours and a clear dry finish.
• Sparkling Rosé - Single Bottle, £39.00. Pinot Noir Précoce and Auxerrois blend with more body, a slightly heavier mouthfeel, floral hints and a soft peach blush.
• Sparkling White - 6 Bottles, £132.00.
• Sparkling Rosé - 6 Bottles, £210.00.

Selection and gift boxes

Three mixed six-bottle gift boxes are available, all discounted against individual bottle prices:

• The 50/50 Box - 6 Bottles, £85.00. Two bottles of Priory Dry, one Chapel Medium and three bottles of Palace Red.
• The Mixed Box - 6 Bottles, £85.00. Two bottles of Priory Dry, two Palace Red, one Rosé and one Palace Crimson.
• Celebration Box - 6 Bottles, £110.00. Two bottles of Priory Dry, one Palace Red, one Bishop's Blush (Rondo rosé/light red), one Sparkling White and one Sparkling Rosé.

The Celebration Box is the natural choice for a fizz-inclusive gift; the 50/50 and Mixed boxes are the everyday introductions to the full Old Walls range.

Shop categories and stock notes

The shop is organised into Boxes, Red, White, Rosé and Sparkling. Several wines are currently out of stock, including Elderberry, Bacchus, Chapel Medium and Elderflower White - check live availability before ordering.

Tours, tastings and vineyard experiences

The vineyard runs a small, well-structured programme of wine experiences. Vineyard tours, the Stay and Pick harvest experience and the Rent a Vine gift voucher are currently suspended while Regent's Bistro is closed. Lodge bookings remain open throughout. The information below summarises the standard offering.

Guided Vineyard Tour & Tasting with Ploughman's Lunch

The flagship tour runs throughout the year, beginning at 11am with tea or coffee and finishing around 3pm. The format is:

• Arrival welcome with tea or coffee
• Walk to view the vines, followed by a talk in the winery
• Guided tasting of the current still wine selection
• Ploughman's lunch with a glass of still wine in Regent's Bistro

Pricing is £96 per couple, equivalent to £48 single. The tour runs on Fridays, Saturdays and every first and third Sunday of the month. Vegetarian and vegan Ploughman's options are available with advance notice, although Old Walls wines are not currently vegan. Private tours can be arranged for groups of eight or more by calling 01626 770877.

Twilight Tour with Tapas

A shorter Friday-evening format: arrive at 6.30pm for a tour and tasting of six wines, followed by three tapas dishes and a glass of your favourite Old Walls wine. Price £38 per person. After dinner, guests relax on the terrace to watch the sun set over the rolling Devon hills. Lodges are available alongside for anyone who wants to turn the evening into a weekend.

Vineyard Mini Break (3 nights for two)

The Vineyard Mini Break bundles the vineyard experience into a three-night lodge stay. Two adults arrive on Friday and depart on Monday, with the following itinerary:

• Friday: arrive between 2pm and 4.30pm for a traditional Devon cream tea; check into the lodge; join the Friday-evening tapas sitting between 6pm and 9pm (three dishes per person included; drinks not included).
• Saturday: breakfast from 9.30am to 11.00am; full vineyard tour and tasting from 11am, including a guided walk of the vines, the winemaking process and a tasting, finishing at 3pm with a Ploughman's lunch in Regent's Bistro.
• Sunday: breakfast from 10am to 11.30am, with the rest of the day free to explore the South Devon coast and the chance to buy Old Walls wine to take home.
• Monday: checkout by 11am.

Breakfast is a standard full English (with alternative options on the menu) plus tea or filter coffee. Mini Break prices start from:

• £600 per couple - low season
• £700 per couple - mid season
• £800 per couple - high season

Additional adults (up to two per lodge) are charged at £150 per person for the three-night break. To book, call 01626 770877 or use the lodge booking link.

Stay and Pick Experience (harvest)

The Stay and Pick Experience is a four-night lodge break built around the grape harvest. It includes:

• Four nights in one of the six luxury lodges (two of which are dog-friendly)
• Daily complimentary breakfast in the on-site bistro
• A complimentary bottle of red wine on arrival
• Hands-on involvement in harvesting the grapes, for as short or as long as you like
• A complimentary lunch buffet on picking days
• A chance to watch the winemaker at work inside the winery
• A complimentary tasting of six still wines
• A case of six bottles of the wine you've helped make, shipped to a UK address once bottled (limited to one case per lodge)

The price is £999 per lodge based on two people, with a £249 per person supplement for up to two additional guests (lodges sleep up to four). The experience is bookable during the second and third weeks of September. Enquiries go to lodges@oldwallsvineyard.co.uk or by phone on 01626 770877.

Rent a Vine

The Rent a Vine gift scheme lets you adopt a number of vines for the season and receive the wine made from them. Choose between red, white or rosé still wine, or sparkling white or rosé. Each package includes a welcome pack with a map of your vines, information about the grape variety, the story of Old Walls and how the wine is made, an open invitation to visit your vines through the season, and optional add-ons such as a wine tour or tasting and a lodge stay. The wine is produced, bottled and labelled on site by Old Walls' wine-making team; collection is from the vineyard (delivery can be arranged for a fee).

Standard rates are:

• 3 vines - up to 6 bottles: £80.00 still (red, white or rosé) or £144.00 sparkling
• 6 vines - up to 12 bottles: £149.00 still or £280.00 sparkling
• 12 vines - up to 24 bottles: £290.00 still or £530.00 sparkling
• 18 vines - up to 36 bottles: £420.00 still or £756.00 sparkling

Rent a Vine gift vouchers are currently suspended while Regent's Bistro is closed; wine can still be bought directly online.

Tours and Tasting Gift Vouchers

A £48 per person Tours and Tasting Gift Voucher is available, redeemable through the online shop, by phone or in person from the Bistro. Old Walls no longer accepts Buy a Gift, Smartbox or Red Letter vouchers for Afternoon Tea at the Bistro or for Vineyard Tours.

Holiday lodges: staying on the vineyard

Old Walls' six contemporary holiday lodges sit right on the edge of the vineyard, looking out across the vines. They are described as a "modern retreat amongst the rich history of our vineyard" and a way to "experience Devon's finest countryside retreat in style". The estate promises the best prices when booking direct.

Each lodge has:

• One double bedroom and one twin bedroom
• A family-sized bathroom with shower over the bath
• A bright, open-plan kitchen, living and dining area
• Wi-Fi, TV, DVD player, bedding, linen, towels and a welcome pack of tea, coffee, biscuits and milk
• Kitchens equipped with fridge-freezer, microwave, oven and hob, dishwasher, wine fridge and everything needed for self-catering
• A veranda with bench, private outside seating, garden table and chairs, and a BBQ area (disposable BBQs are available from the Bistro)

Two of the lodges are pet-friendly; guests should mention any dogs when enquiring. Early or late check-in is available for an extra £20. Lodge bookings remain open while the Bistro is closed; see the Holiday Lodges page or book via the eviivo link. Lodge enquiries go to lodges@oldwallsvineyard.co.uk; all other enquiries go to enquiries@oldwallsvineyard.co.uk.

Regent's Bistro

Regent's Bistro takes its name from the Regent grape variety - colourful foliage and dark-purple grapes that can be seen on the slopes of the vineyard. The bistro overlooks the vines and the rolling Devonshire hills, with sea glimpses toward the coast, and is set up for relaxed Devon lunches, afternoon teas, breakfasts and an evening tapas night.

The Bistro's normally advertised offer (currently suspended) covers:

• Breakfast from 9.30am to 12 noon (10am on Sundays)
• Drinks all day - coffee, tea and cake
• Lunch from 12 noon to 3pm
• Afternoon tea from 12 noon to 4pm (pre-booking only)
• Bistro evening on the first Saturday of each month (last food orders 8pm)
• Sunday lunch from 12 noon to 3pm
• Friday Tapas Night from 6pm to 10.30pm (last food orders 9pm)
• Children's menu available

Sample menus have been published for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, the Bistro menu, Sunday lunch, tapas and the kids' menu, alongside a separate summer wine list. Mother's Day and Christmas Day menus have been published in previous years. Old Walls highlights gluten-free and vegetarian options, including gluten-free bread and a dedicated gluten-free fryer for chips.

The standard Bistro opening times (currently not in operation) are Monday and Tuesday closed, Wednesday to Saturday 9.30am - 4.30pm with Friday running to 9.30pm for tapas, and Sunday 9.30am - 4.00pm. Updates are posted on the vineyard's Facebook and Instagram pages.

The Vintner function room - weddings and celebrations

The Vintner Function Suite is Old Walls' dedicated events space, designed for weddings, receptions, christenings, baby showers, birthday parties and private celebrations. The room is fully air-conditioned, has its own private bar and private terrace with views across the rolling Devon hills, and includes tables, chairs, linen napkins and cotton tablecloths in the room hire, along with exclusive use of the private balcony. Lift access and restrooms are on site. Capacity is up to 48 guests for a formal sit-down meal or 60 for a buffet.

Catering is fully bespoke: afternoon tea, BBQs, formal sit-down meals, buffets and tapas are all available, with wine supplied from the Old Walls list. The team has strong connections with local hair stylists, photographers, DJs, live entertainment and florists. Hire costs, availability and menu options are available on request by calling 01626 770877. Function-room hire is currently unavailable while Regent's Bistro is closed.

Old Walls is marketed as a wedding venue as well as a vineyard: weddings were featured on Channel 4's 4 in a Bed, and customer reviews highlight the setting, the on-site lodges, plenty of parking, and the manager's responsiveness during planning.

Visiting the South Devon coast from Old Walls

Because the estate is so close to Teignmouth and Shaldon, guests usually combine a vineyard visit with the surrounding coast and countryside. Old Walls curates a Devon itinerary:

• Outdoors: Teignmouth Golf Club, the South Devon coast path, Ness Cove Beach via its smugglers' tunnel, dog-friendly Teignmouth Back Beach, and dog-walks on Dawlish and Teignmouth beaches.
• Family attractions: Shaldon Wildlife Trust, Babbacombe Model Village, Kents Cavern, the Dartmouth Steam Railway and the Grand Pier.
• Heritage and culture: Teign Heritage Museum, the Guild of Craftsmen at Bovey Tracey, and Powderham Castle, home of the Earl and Countess of Devon.
• On the water: Devon Sea Safari RIB trips, the historic Teignmouth - Shaldon ferry (traced back to 1296), WeFerry fishing and sunset trips, Sea Sports South West tuition, and Teign Diving Centre.
• Wildlife: the famous Black Swans on Dawlish Water.
• Cities: Exeter for shopping and history, roughly 14 miles away.

For anyone considering a Devon holiday built around wine, Old Walls is unusually well placed: vineyard in the morning, beach in the afternoon, and a coastal town or castle within easy reach for the rest of the day.

Contact, enquiries and booking

Old Walls Vineyard can be contacted in several ways depending on the enquiry:

• Phone: 01626 770877 (also written +44 (0) 1626 770877)
• General enquiries: enquiries@oldwallsvineyard.co.uk
• Lodge enquiries: lodges@oldwallsvineyard.co.uk
• Address: Old Walls Road, Bishopsteignton, Devon, TQ14 9PQ
• Website: https://oldwallsvineyard.co.uk/

Bistro table bookings can be made through the booking page; parties of more than eight should call. Lodge bookings go through the booking link on the Holiday Lodges page. The vineyard asks that emails are only sent during opening hours and that short-notice bookings (within 24 hours) are made by phone.

Events and what to expect on site

Old Walls maintains a calendar of tours, tastings, tapas nights and seasonal celebrations. While Regent's Bistro, vineyard tours, the Vintner Function Room and the Rent a Vine voucher scheme are suspended, the calendar carries a "Please check back soon!" notice. Once trading resumes, expect the calendar to fill with Friday tapas nights, Saturday Bistro evenings on the first Saturday of each month, regular vineyard tours on Fridays, Saturdays and the first and third Sundays of the month, plus twilight tours and harvest-time Stay and Pick weeks in September. The Old Walls newsletter is the simplest way to be notified of new dates.

What to buy from the wine shop

For anyone who can't visit in person, the Old Walls wine shop is the simplest entry point. A few practical notes:

• Wine is sold in cases of six bottles unless otherwise stated.
• Sparkling wines are also offered as single bottles (£24 white, £39 rosé) for smaller orders.
• Boxes are discounted against individual bottle prices and work well as gifts - the Celebration Box with a Sparkling White and Sparkling Rosé is the most "occasion" option.
• Several wines are currently out of stock: Elderberry, Bacchus, Chapel Medium and Elderflower White.

The newest release is the Palace Crimson rosé, a smooth, light wine with berry and chocolate undertones - the natural pick for anyone trying Old Walls for the first time.

Practicalities at a glance

• County: Devon, England
• Village: Bishopsteignton
• Postcode: TQ14 9PQ
• Phone: 01626 770877
• Emails: enquiries@oldwallsvineyard.co.uk (general), lodges@oldwallsvineyard.co.uk (lodges)
• Website: oldwallsvineyard.co.uk
• Social: Facebook, Instagram
• On-site: six holiday lodges, Regent's Bistro (currently closed), Vintner Function Room (currently unavailable)
• Experiences: guided vineyard tours, twilight tour with tapas, Vineyard Mini Break, Stay and Pick harvest experience, Rent a Vine
• Status note: the Bistro, vineyard tours, function-room hire and Rent a Vine vouchers are currently suspended; holiday lodges and wine sales remain available.

Final word

Old Walls Vineyard is a small Devon estate with a clear identity: still and sparkling wines from grapes grown on the same Roman-era slopes, six lodges where guests can sleep among the vines, a flexible function room for weddings and celebrations, and a programme of tours and seasonal experiences that turn a winery into a destination. Whether the goal is a six-bottle case of Palace Red, a multi-night lodge break with a vineyard tour, or a wedding reception with valley views, Old Walls offers a coherent Devon wine experience under one roof.