Polgoon Vineyard & Orchard - Cornwall's Most Westerly Mainland Vineyard
Nestled on a sunny hill on the outskirts of Penzance in far-west Cornwall, Polgoon Vineyard & Orchard is England's most westerly mainland vineyard. The name itself is Cornish for "Pond on the Downs" - a description that fits the site perfectly, where rows of vines and apple trees gaze out across the glistening sea of Mounts Bay. The label artwork, an abstract view of vines meeting sea, captures exactly what makes Polgoon such a singular destination for wine lovers, cider drinkers, foodies and anyone wanting to spend a memorable day (or a whole holiday) on the Cornish coast.
From a Derelict Flower Farm to an Award-Winning Vineyard
John and Kim Coulson bought Polgoon in 2002 after spending many years working as fish merchants in nearby Newlyn. The land had lain derelict for more than a decade, its previous life as a flower farm long forgotten. The couple could see past the brambles to the potential of the site - natural shelter, a mild microclimate, the sea on three sides to keep frost at bay - and ordered 3,500 vines, which were planted the following spring of 2004. The first plantings were of Rondo, Pinot Noir Précoce, Seyval Blanc and Ortega, varieties that have since become the backbone of the Polgoon wine range.
That early gamble paid off quickly: the 2006 harvest produced Polgoon's first wines, and the inaugural still rosé went on to win Best Still Rosé at the UKVA awards the following year. The 2007 vintage was less kind - classic Cornish weather wiped out much of the crop - but it pushed John and Kim to fall back on the orchard apples they had also planted. Cider became, and remains, the volume backbone of the business, and has since collected a string of gold medals at the Royal Cornwall Cider Championships.
John Coulson is a self-taught winemaker, learning through books, online research and the generosity of fellow producers. That steep learning curve forced him to develop winemaking principles shaped entirely by what is possible in Cornwall - delicate, clean, fruit-driven still and sparkling wines that wear their English terroir lightly. Today the entire range is certified vegan and stocked in farm shops, delis, pubs and boutique hotels across Cornwall and the wider UK.
Where to Find Polgoon
The vineyard sits just outside Penzance on the A30 towards Land's End. Although the postcode - TR20 8TE - is the official address for Polgoon Vineyard Ltd, Rosehill, Penzance, Cornwall, the team strongly recommend following the brown grape sign rather than blindly trusting a sat-nav, which can direct visitors off at the wrong roundabout. Look for the Polgoon flags waving on the right-hand side of the A30. Parking is free on site and the vineyard is dog friendly, though dogs must be kept on a lead and are not allowed in or around the winery itself.
Public transport works well too: the Mousehole bus stops at the Pirate Inn, from where Polgoon is a six-minute walk down Castle Horneck Road. From the centre of Penzance it is a 15 - 20 minute walk, past St John's Hall, past the Pirate Inn and down to the vineyard gates.
Wheelchair users are asked to drive past the main entrance, follow the track signposted for deliveries and park behind the blue containers outside Polgoon House, right next to the shop, to avoid the gravel car park. A full access statement is available, and visitors are asked to call ahead if they need help getting around.
The Wines
Sparkling Wines
Polgoon's fizz is the heart of the range and the wines that have done most to put the estate on the map.
- 2021 Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé - £32.95. Made using the traditional method from 100% Pinot Noir, with aromas of wild strawberries, red cherries, cranberries, vanilla and ripe citrus. Light-bodied on the palate with a persistent mousse, ripe summer berries and a long finish. Silver at Wine GB 2020 and Silver at the UK Wine Awards 2017.
- 2023 Sparkling Seyval Blanc - £32.95. 100% Seyval Blanc, pale gold in the glass with aromas of lemon, white stone fruit and sourdough. Crisp and vibrant on the palate with ripe lemon, apple and pear and a lengthy, fresh finish. Vegan friendly.
- Sparkling Elderflower Wine - £24.95. A light, crisp and refreshing méthode traditionnelle sparkler infused with a subtle splash of elderflower juice. Winner of the Taste of the West Gold Award 2015. At 10.5% ABV it's billed as the perfect garden party aperitif.
Still Wines
Polgoon's still wines are made in small lots and reflect what grows best in this windy, salty corner of England.
- 2023 Rondo Rosé - £18.95. 100% Rondo, raspberries and strawberries on the nose and a juicy red-fruit palate with cranberries and a long finish.
- Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc - £24.95. Polgoon's first wild-ferment cuvée, made without added yeasts to express the natural character of the vineyard. Citrus and green apple with subtle herbal notes and a stony, mineral finish. Pairs beautifully with fresh seafood or soft goat's cheese.
- 2022 Single Estate Pinot Noir - £26.95. Polgoon's first ever single-estate red, and only available direct from the vineyard. Red cherries and cranberries on the nose, with brambled red fruit on the palate balanced by subtle French oak. Bronze at the Wine GB West 2023 Wine of the Year Awards.
- 2024 Rondo & Pinot Noir Précoce - £18.95. Aromas of red rose, redcurrant, ripe cherries and cooked cranberries with a juicy red-stone-fruit palate and dark, earthy minerality.
- 2023 Pinot Noir Rosé - £21.95. 100% Pinot Noir, with wild strawberries, red cherries, pink apple and a refreshing red-fruit palate. Bronze medal winner at the Wine GB West Wine of the Year Competition.
- 2023 Sauvignon Blanc - £19.95. Delicate aromas of lemon, lime and nectarine; a dry, high-acidity palate with lychee, pineapple and a white-pepper finish. The 2022 vintage won Silver at the Wine GB West 2023 Wine of the Year Awards.
- 2023 Bacchus - £18.95. The classic English aromatic: gooseberry, elderflower and granitic minerality with a freshly cut lemon and saline finish. Bronze at the 2022 Independent English Wine Awards.
- 2022 Seyval Blanc & Ortega - £17.95. A white blend with aromas of white stone fruit, citrus and cream soda; well-rounded and textural on the palate with high acidity and a judicious touch of French oak. Bronze at Wine GB West 2023.
- Orange Wine (Bacchus) - £22.95. Polgoon's first ever skin-contact wine, fermented on its skins to produce a rich amber colour and gentle tannic structure. Aromas of passionfruit, citrus zest and passionflower; pairs beautifully with charcuterie, hard cheeses or lightly spiced dishes.
The Cider Cellar
Cider is, by volume, the backbone of the Polgoon operation, and the orchard's apples go into a tight, award-winning range.
- Cornish Scrumpy Cider (500ml, Case of 12) - £51.00. Traditional sparkling Cornish apple scrumpy, rich and juicy with a dry, creamy finish. 6.5% ABV, crown cap, vegan friendly. Gold at the Cornwall Cider Championships.
- Cornish Cider, Made in Penzance (500ml, Case of 12) - £47.40. Light sparkle, clean crisp dry apple flavour. 5% ABV, vegan friendly.
- Sparkling Elderflower Cider (500ml, Case of 12) - £47.40. West Country apples pressed and fermented, then infused with elderflower. 4% ABV. Silver at Taste of the West 2017.
- Sparkling Berry Cider (500ml, Case of 12) - £47.40. Made from Polgoon orchard apples and local Cornish summer berries. 4% ABV.
- Mixed Cider Case (500ml, Case of 12) - £47.40. Four bottles each of Original Cornish Cider, Cornish Berry Cider and Cornish Elderflower Cider.
- Trio of Ciders Gift Box - £15.00. One 500ml bottle each of Original Apple, Elderflower and Berry Cider presented in a gift box. The Elderflower and Berry ciders both won Gold in the fruit cider category at the Cornwall cider championship.
Pressés and Juices
Not everything on the Polgoon shelf contains alcohol. The non-alcoholic range includes:
- Lemonade (Case of 12 x 250ml) - £30.00. Sparkling lemonade made at the vineyard.
- Sparkling Apple Pressé (Case of 6 x 750ml) - £29.75. Made with Polgoon apple juice and Polgoon spring water. Vegan friendly, pasteurised, with added vitamin C.
- Sparkling Apple Pressé (Case of 12 x 250ml) - £30.00. The same light, refreshing blend in a smaller bottle.
- Sparkling Elderflower Pressé (Case of 12 x 250ml) - £30.00. Crisp and refreshing, with a hint of zesty lime and summer fizz. Silver at Taste of the West 2017.
- Pressed Apple Juice (Case of 12 x 250ml) - £30.00. Freshly pressed on the farm from hand-harvested apples. Naturally cloudy and unfiltered.
- Pressed Apple Juice (Case of 6 x 750ml) - £29.70. The same unfiltered Cornish apple juice in a larger format.
Polgoon Shop & The Vinehouse Bar
The on-site shop and bar are open seven days a week - Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm and Sunday 10am - 5pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day) - offering a relaxed setting to enjoy award-winning Cornish wines, ciders, locally roasted coffee and soft drinks. Local cheese boards and deli snacks are available, and the shop is filled with produce from other Cornish makers, helping to keep transport miles and the local economy in good shape at the same time.
Throughout the summer the vineyard comes alive on Friday and Saturday evenings from 4:30pm with a rolling programme of food pop-ups featuring some of Cornwall's favourite street food vendors.
Vineyard Tours & Tastings
Polgoon offers two ways to walk the rows: a guided tour with the winemaker and a self-guided stroll with a wine flight at the end.
Guided Tour & Tasting
Bookings are open for summer tours. Join the team for a walk through England's most westerly mainland vineyard and taste the wine grown and made there. The 90-minute experience takes in the traditional method used to produce Polgoon wines and the full process from grape to glass, finishing with a guided tasting of five award-winning Polgoon wines and ciders. Tours run Tuesday to Saturday at 3pm and are non-refundable. Book online via Checkfront.
Self-Guided Tour
Self-guided tours let visitors be their own guide, exploring the vineyard and orchard at their own pace before settling in at The Vinehouse Restaurant for a flight of three award-winning Polgoon wines. Slots run daily from 11am - 3pm, with approximately 30 minutes allocated for walking. Perfect for repeat visitors and families with little ones in tow.
Private Tours
Private tours are available for larger groups and private parties. The team recommend booking well in advance; email tours@polgoon.com for more information.
Gift Vouchers
Tour vouchers make a popular present and are available for 1, 2, 3 or 4 people. A general Polgoon Gift Voucher can be redeemed online, in the shop, at The Vinehouse Restaurant or against wine tours and tastings - valid for 12 months from the issue date.
Events Calendar
Polgoon runs a packed events programme throughout the summer months, with food pop-ups, quiz nights and live music filling the vineyard on summer evenings. Highlights include:
- Sun n Grill - Saturday 8th August, 4:30pm onwards. Caribbean street food.
- Fat Breads Pop Up - Saturday 8th August, 4:30pm onwards. Za'atar chicken, Barhart beef patties and Iranian stew, with options to cater for allergies.
- King Fin Pop Up - Saturday, 4:30pm onwards. Pop-up in collaboration with King Fin Bristol. No booking needed.
- Steve Fletcher's Pizza Pop Up - food served 4:30 - 8pm. Call 01736 333946 or email tours@polgoon.com to book.
- Cornwall Açaí Bowl Pop Up - Tuesdays 11am - 3pm throughout summer, run by Seal and Soul Cornwall.
- Margarita Margherita - 4:30 - 8pm. £7 Margherita pizzas and £7 Margaritas freshly shaken with Agave Blanco by Pocketful of Stones and Triple Sec from Atlantic Distillery. Eat in or takeaway.
- Proper Job Quiz Night - the last Friday of every month. A general-knowledge quiz from Proper Job, perfect for groups of friends, family, colleagues or quiz enthusiasts.
The events calendar can be subscribed to via Google Calendar, iCalendar, Outlook 365 or Outlook Live, or downloaded as an .ics file. Private bookings (21sts, baby showers, christenings, birthdays and corporate get-togethers) can be arranged by completing the private booking form.
Weddings at Polgoon
Polgoon Vineyard and Orchard holds a unique, picturesque landscape of vines overlooking the sea of Mounts Bay - a memorable setting for an intimate Cornish wedding. Couples get access to the Vinehouse restaurant and wine bar, with seating inside or in the sheltered outside area, a fully stocked and staffed bar, free parking and on-site toilets. The happy couple are given an 'Adopt a Vine' package in memory of their special day. Weddings can host between 2 and 70 guests, and there is on-site private accommodation for up to six people (plus a self-catering annex for up to four). Dogs are welcome.
For dates and queries, email tours@polgoon.com or fill out the wedding enquiry form.
Stay at Polgoon Cottage 'Ortega'
For visitors who want to base themselves on the vineyard, Ortega is a beautifully appointed three-bedroom Cornish cottage that sleeps up to six. Set within the vineyard estate, it has gardens to the front and side, a BBQ and outside seating that catches the evening sun, and a six-seater hot tub. Inside there is a solid-wood kitchen with all modern appliances, Sky TV, internet and a stereo. The cottage is a perfect base for exploring West Cornwall - Marazion, Sennen, Porth Chapel, Porthcurno, the Minack Theatre, Land's End and the Eden Project are all within easy reach - and guests can book a vineyard tour and tasting during their stay to sample the wines and ciders straight from the source.
To check availability, email Kim Coulson at Kim@polgoon.co.uk.
Trade & Wholesale
Polgoon supplies its wines, ciders and juices to local restaurants, boutique hotels, pubs, delis and farm shops across Cornwall and the wider UK. Delivery days are Wednesday (north run to Newquay, Padstow, Porthtowan, Truro, St Ives and Carbis Bay) and Friday (Helston, Falmouth, the Lizard, Coverack, Penzance, Marazion, Mousehole, Zennor, St Just and other locals). A minimum five-case order is required for free delivery. For trade enquiries, contact Millie Coulson, Sales Manager, on sales@polgoon.com or call 01736 333946.
Sustainability & Ethics
Polgoon's purpose is to create high-quality products using the best locally sourced ingredients while doing as little damage to the environment as possible. Approximately 40% of the land is managed as natural habitat, including two ponds that support marine and terrestrial biodiversity. The estate ranges from honey bees to a family of green woodpeckers, with six working beehives on site (vines are self-pollinating, but the bees matter to the wider farm ecosystem).
The vineyard has a strict recycling policy and works hard to reduce transport and unnecessary packaging. Following an initiative with Surfers Against Sewage and Plastic Free Penzance, Polgoon removed as much plastic as possible from every area of the business and was awarded Plastic Free Status in January 2018. Grape and apple pressing waste is recycled into feed for the cows on the neighbouring farm, and reusable tote bags have replaced single-use carriers in the shop.
Awards & Recognition
Polgoon has been a finalist or winner of the Cornwall Life Magazine Best Producer award almost every year since 2008. Recent highlights include:
- 2024: Silver at Wine GB Awards for Sauvignon Blanc 2023; Gold at the Royal Cornwall Cider Championships for Elderflower Cider.
- 2023: Bronze at Independent English Wine Awards for Bacchus 2022; Silver at Wine GB Awards for Sauvignon Blanc 2022; Bronze for Rondo & Pinot Noir Précoce; Gold at Royal Cornwall Cider Championships for both Elderflower Cider and Scrumpy.
- 2022: Silver at the Independent English Wine Awards for Bacchus 2021 and Pinot Noir Rosé Still 2021; Bronze for Seyval Blanc Still 2021 and Seyval Blanc Sparkling 2018.
- 2018: Silver at Taste of the West for Seyval Blanc Sparkling 2014; multiple regional bronze and silver medals; Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence for the Guided Tours.
- 2015: Gold at Taste of the West for the Sparkling Elderflower Wine.
Gifts, Hampers & Vouchers
Polgoon's Gifts range covers almost every occasion:
- Honey Sparkles Gift Box - £50.00. A bottle of award-winning Polgoon Seyval Blanc Sparkling paired with a 340g jar of Polgoon Honey, presented in a branded wooden gift box.
- Sparkles Gift Set - £52.95. A 2020 Pinot Noir Sparkling Rosé paired with a Love Lane Candle from St Ives Co.
- Premium Hamper - £80.00. Polgoon Pinot Noir Sparkling, Polgoon Honey, Furniss clotted-cream biscuits, Polgoon Lemonade, Filberts black truffle nuts, salted caramel sauce from Cornish Larder, Love Day and Tarquins gin minis, presented in a Polgoon tote bag.
- Gourmet Hamper - £60.00. Polgoon Bacchus, Cornish Cheddar Truckle, Popti Oat & Buttermilk Crackers, Josh's Chocolate Buttons (Stilt Soirée), Buttermilk Double Chocolate Fudge, Filberts Black Truffle Mixed Nuts.
- Luxury Hamper - £50.00. Polgoon Rondo Rosé, LoveDay gin mini, Elderflower pressé, Chocolarder Cornish honeycomb and St Eval tapered candles.
- Chocolate & Wine Pairing - £26.85. Polgoon Bacchus paired with Chocolarder Toasted Oat Chocolate.
- Orange Wine Gift Set - £75.00. A limited-edition bottle of Polgoon Orange Wine with a signed print and art card by Cornish artist Mat McIvor.
- Adopt a Polgoon Grapevine - £75.00. Two engraved dedication plaques (one for the Polgoon Adopters Board, one for the vine), a certificate of adoption, a complimentary Guided Tour for two including a wine flight, a 10% shop discount voucher, plus a bottle of Polgoon Apple Pressé and an award-winning still wine in a wooden case.
- Polgoon Gift Bag - £3.50. Branded Polgoon wine bottle gift bag.
- Polgoon Wooden Gift Box - £8.50. Single-bottle wooden gift box with branded Polgoon logo, slide front and cotton rope handle.
Plan Your Visit
- Address: Polgoon Vineyard Ltd, Rosehill, Penzance, Cornwall, TR20 8TE (follow the brown grape sign on the A30 rather than the sat-nav).
- Phone: 01736 333 946.
- Email: tours@polgoon.com.
- Shop opening hours: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 5pm. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
- Tours: Guided tours run Tuesday - Saturday at 3pm (approx. 90 minutes); self-guided tours run daily 11am - 3pm. Book online or call the team.
- Accessibility: Full details are provided in the access statement; visitors are asked to call ahead if they need assistance.
Whether you arrive for a morning coffee on the terrace, an afternoon tasting flight, a Friday-evening street-food pop-up or a whole week in the holiday cottage, Polgoon offers a Cornish welcome with very few rivals. The wine, the cider, the setting and the people are all cut from the same cloth: small, family-run, fiercely proud of West Cornwall and quietly confident that what grows here deserves a place on any table.