Shawsgate Vineyard - Suffolk's Long-Established Estate near Framlingham
Tucked into the gentle rolling countryside between Framlingham and Badingham in Suffolk, Shawsgate Vineyard is one of East Anglia's oldest commercial vineyards. From a single, well-signposted site on the Badingham Road it produces a complete range of still and sparkling English wines, sells them direct to visitors from its on-site shop, and welcomes guests onto guided tours and longer Experience Days across the year.
Where Shawsgate sits
Shawsgate is located on the B1120, between the historic market town of Framlingham and the village of Badingham. The vineyard is well signposted from across Suffolk with brown tourist signs, and is straightforward to reach from the A14, A140 and the A12 coast road:
- From the West: A14/A1120 at Stowupland - approximately 22 miles.
- From the South: A140/A1120 at The Stonhams - approximately 16 miles.
- From the Suffolk Coast (South): A12/B1116 at Wickham Market - approximately 8 miles.
- From the Suffolk Coast (North): A12/A1120 at Yoxford - approximately 13 miles.
No public transport passes the vineyard. Buses do run into Framlingham, which is then a steady 1.5-mile walk along the Badingham Road, so visitors planning to attend a tour or event should book a taxi in advance. The postcode for sat-navs is IP13 9HZ; the team notes that, on occasion, postcode look-ups land on a neighbouring field entrance, so it is worth continuing along the B1120 if you suddenly find yourself surrounded by nothing but crops. There is also more than one Badingham Road in the area, so follow the postcode and the B1120 road number rather than the road name.
The vineyard at a glance
Shawsgate is one of East Anglia's oldest commercial vineyards, with more than 18,000 vines under vine across the estate. It produces a range of White, Rosé and Red wines, alongside a small portfolio of Quality English Sparkling wines. Tasting notes for every wine accompany the listings in the online shop, where bottles and gift packs can be ordered for collection or delivery.
The Shawsgate team works the vineyard by hand through the year. In winter the team is busy pruning over 18,000 vines, and in summer they are serving over 10,000 visitors to the shop and tours - which gives a clear sense of the scale of the estate and the volume of footfall that comes through in season.
Shop and cellar door
The on-site shop stocks the full Shawsgate range and is the natural place to begin or end any visit. Opening hours change with the seasons:
- Summer (May through September): Monday to Saturday, 10:00am to 5:00pm.
- Winter (October through April): Friday and Saturday, 11:00am to 4:00pm.
- The shop is always closed on Sundays.
The online shop runs around the clock and ships nationwide. It also offers a click-and-collect option on the shop's open days, so visitors can browse in person and have any extra cases brought out from the warehouse, or order online and pick them up at the cellar door. As well as individual bottles, mixed cases and gift packs, the online shop sells Experience Day and Vineyard Tour Vouchers, which make popular presents.
The vineyard trail - a self-guided option
For visitors who would rather wander at their own pace than join a guided group, Shawsgate runs a free, do-it-yourself Vineyard Trail. There is no charge to walk it, and the team provides an information sheet and a vineyard map so you don't lose your bearings among the rows. You are welcome to come at any time and watch the seasons change: bud break in spring, flowering in early summer, veraison and ripening through late summer and autumn, and the stark architectural beauty of pruned vines in winter. Keep an eye out for the wildlife and birds that also call Shawsgate home, and feel free to bring dogs on leads as long as they are accompanied by responsible owners.
Tours and experiences
For a deeper dive into Shawsgate's wines, the estate runs two structured experiences, both of which are available to buy as vouchers via the online shop and to book online once a voucher is in hand. Voucher holders can also renew or extend their vouchers if they cannot find a convenient date - the team operates a dedicated renewal and extension procedure.
Vineyard Tour and Tasting for Two
A focused, 1 hour 45 minute introduction to Shawsgate. The team guides visitors through the vineyard, explains how the grapes are grown and the wines made, and leads a tasting of the estate's wines. It is offered in pairs and works equally well as a first encounter with English wine or as a relaxed afternoon out for friends, family or couples. Bookings are taken through the secure online booking system.
Current availability - Vineyard Tour and Tasting
- Friday 28th August 2026, 10:00am
- Saturday 5th September 2026, 10:00am (Limited Availability)
- Friday 11th September 2026, 10:00am
- Saturday 19th September 2026, 10:00am
- Saturday 26th September 2026, 10:00am (Limited Availability)
Latest availability: Vineyard Tour and Tasting booking page.
Experience Day for Two
A more immersive four-hour experience, including lunch. The Experience Day takes guests through the vineyard and winery in greater depth, with more time spent at the tasting stage and a sit-down meal as part of the day. It is the estate's flagship offering for visitors who want to understand the full journey from vine to glass.
Current availability - Experience Day
- Saturday 15th August 2026, 10:15am
- Saturday 15th August 2026, 2:00pm (Limited Availability)
- Saturday 12th September 2026, 10:15am
- Saturday 12th September 2026, 2:00pm (Limited Availability)
- Saturday 3rd October 2026, 10:30am
Latest availability: Experience Day booking page. Further dates are typically added later in the year.
Cheese and Wine Event for Two
Shawsgate's long-running Cheese and Wine Event for Two is no longer being sold as a new voucher, but existing voucher holders are fully supported. Shawsgate runs a number of dedicated dates throughout the year for any vouchers that remain unredeemed, and any unredeemed voucher is also accepted at one of the standard Vineyard Tour and Tasting events - simply choose the tour and tasting option in the online booking system and enter the voucher number when prompted. Holders with questions can call the team on 01728 724060.
Booking, vouchers and renewals
All Shawsgate tours and experience days are available as vouchers via the online shop, making them popular gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and corporate hospitality. Vouchers are booked online via the secure booking system, where live availability for each experience is displayed.
If a voucher is about to expire, or no published date suits, Shawsgate offers a renewal and extension service. The team can only renew vouchers that they have issued themselves; vouchers from third-party providers (such as older Groupon vouchers) need to be handled with the original issuer. To request a renewal, send the original voucher, a covering note with contact details and a stamped addressed envelope to:
Voucher Renewals
Shawsgate Vineyard
Badingham Road
Framlingham
Woodbridge
Suffolk IP13 9HZ
Allow up to 28 days for the new voucher to arrive, and send the original by recorded post, keeping a photocopy for your own records.
Visiting the vineyard
Shawsgate welcomes visitors year-round on the self-guided Vineyard Trail, and during shop opening hours for wine purchases and advice. The team recommends allowing a little extra time to walk the rows, take in the views across to Framlingham Castle, and watch the working vineyard in action. Because there is no public transport to the gate, a car or a pre-booked taxi is the most practical way to arrive.
A few practical notes from the team:
- Bring sensible footwear for walking between the rows; the chalky Suffolk soils can be slippery after rain.
- Dogs are welcome on leads, accompanied by responsible owners.
- Taxi firms are available for events but should be booked well in advance.
- The estate notes that, during harvest, response times to email queries may be slower than usual.
Getting in touch
For tour and event bookings, voucher queries and Experience Day questions, the team can be reached at bookings@shawsgate.co.uk. For general enquiries, trade and winery services, tourism and consultancy, the address is wines@shawsgate.co.uk. The team is small - in winter they are pruning 18,000 vines, and in summer they are welcoming over 10,000 visitors - so a little patience is appreciated.
By phone, the number is 01728 724060. There is an answering machine if no one is available; leave a name and contact number and a member of the team will call back as soon as possible.
Postal correspondence should be addressed to Shawsgate Vineyard, Badingham Road, Framlingham, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 9HZ, with the specific recipient (for example, Tour & Tasting Bookings or Voucher Renewals) on the envelope.