Holy Vale Vineyard, Isles of Scilly: England's Most Southerly Vineyard
Holy Vale Vineyard - England's Most Southerly Vineyard
Perched at the southwestern tip of the British Isles, on the windswept island of St Mary's in the Isles of Scilly, Holy Vale Vineyard is the southernmost vineyard in England and one of the most singular wine estates anywhere in the United Kingdom. Seven thousand vines of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris are cultivated across roughly seven acres of prime Scillonian land, planted in the spring of 2009 by Star Castle Hotel owner Robert Francis in partnership with the renowned Austrian winemaker Willi Opitz. The vineyard's micro-climate, shaped by the Gulf Stream and the islands' unique maritime geography, allows the team to ripen Burgundy-style varieties that have traditionally been considered too delicate for British growing conditions.
Holy Vale's story is inseparable from that of the Star Castle Hotel, the sixteenth-century fortress that sits on the fortified Garrison Hill above Hugh Town and has been family-run by Robert and Theresa Francis for many years. The grapes grown at Holy Vale flow directly into the kitchens and dining rooms of the castle, where they appear on the award-winning wine lists of The Vine Restaurant and the Castle Dining Room. For visitors, the vineyard offers one of the most intimate and beautiful wine experiences in Britain - a tasting room and exhibition housed in a converted old barn, surrounded by vines, lobster pots and sea views.
A Microclimate Shaped by the Sea
The Isles of Scilly sit roughly 28 miles southwest of Land's End, scattered across the Celtic Sea and washed by a branch of the Gulf Stream. The mildest climate in the British Isles is found here: winters are virtually frost-free, and the maritime influence moderates summer temperatures, producing a long, even growing season with very few extreme highs or lows. For wine growers, this combination of mild winters, cool summers and abundant sunshine is unusual - and it is precisely why Holy Vale is able to cultivate varieties more often associated with the slopes of Burgundy or the volcanic hillsides of Austria than with the British mainland.
Robert Francis recognised this potential early. With the technical guidance of Willi Opitz, who ranks among Europe's most respected producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, he set about planting parcels of vines across St Mary's, choosing Burgundian grape varieties over the Germanic cultivars - Müller-Thurgau, Ortega, Bacchus - that had previously dominated English viticulture. The gamble paid off: Holy Vale is now described as one of only a handful of UK estates producing fine still Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, and as the only one in the country reliably producing Pinot Gris. World-renowned wine expert Michael Broadbent, author of Vintage Wine: 50 Years of Tasting, has described the site as "one of the most beautiful vineyard sites in the world".
The Grape Varieties
Three varieties are cultivated across the vineyard's seven acres, all chosen for their ability to ripen in the Scillonian micro-climate while retaining the fresh acidity that makes for elegant still wines.
- Pinot Noir - the most demanding variety of the three, and the one that has built Holy Vale's reputation. The vineyard's two Pinot Noir bottlings - a Classic and a Reserve - are the result of meticulous site selection and careful handling at every stage of the winemaking process.
- Chardonnay - the white Burgundy grape that has transformed English sparkling wine in the last two decades. At Holy Vale it is made in a still, mineral style under the Silver Carn label.
- Pinot Gris - a variety scarcely seen in British vineyards. Holy Vale is, by Robert Francis's own account, one of the only UK producers making a still Pinot Gris of note.
The Wines of Holy Vale
Five wines are produced from the 2014 and 2015 vintages onwards, divided between two labels. The white wines carry the Silver Carn name, while the reds and rosé are bottled under the Holy Vale label. All five are served at the Star Castle's restaurants and are available for tasting at the vineyard.
Silver Carn Chardonnay
A still Chardonnay from the warmest parcels of the vineyard, the Silver Carn Chardonnay combines the variety's characteristic orchard-fruit richness with the brisk coastal acidity that the Scillonian climate imparts. Cool fermentation in stainless steel preserves the wine's freshness, while a brief élevage on fine lees adds weight and texture.
Silver Carn Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris from Holy Vale is something of a British rarity. The grape's naturally fuller body and gentle stone-fruit aromatics are particularly well suited to the vineyard's cool maritime climate, which retains acidity while still allowing full phenolic ripeness. The result is a textured, food-friendly white that pairs beautifully with Scillonian seafood.
Holy Vale Rosé
Made from Pinot Noir pressed off quickly to retain its pale salmon colour, Holy Vale Rosé is a dry, refreshing style redolent of red berries, sea spray and wild herbs. It is a natural partner for the lobster and crab that owner Robert Francis pulls from the surrounding waters each morning.
Holy Vale Pinot Noir Classic
The Classic is the first of the two Pinot Noir bottlings, designed to be approachable in youth while still showing the fine structure and aromatic complexity that have made red Burgundy famous. Cool fermentations in small lots and a measured use of new French oak give the wine its hallmark balance between fruit, savoury and tannin.
Holy Vale Pinot Noir Reserve
The Reserve is the pinnacle of the Holy Vale range, made only from the very best parcels in the very best years. Following the first harvest, the inaugural Reserve bottles were set aside by Robert Francis to present to a very special guest - The Duchess of Cornwall, during the Royal visit of July 2015.
The Winemaker's Vision
Holy Vale Vineyard is, in many ways, a lifetime project. Robert Francis, the owner and wine grower, has long been a serious wine lover and collector. His ambitions for the vineyard were guided from the outset by Willi Opitz, the Austrian producer famed for his work with Pinot varieties in the Neusiedlersee region. Opitz provided support through the early stages of the wine-making process and has helped to ensure the wines reach the quality levels Robert demands.
The vineyard is worked by a small, dedicated team. Star Castle's Graham Drew - whose official title might best be described as "everything" - rebuilt the vineyard tractor and has played a pivotal role in keeping the estate's mechanical and viticultural operations running day-to-day. The vineyard itself is laid out in parcels across St Mary's, each parcel chosen for its exposure, soil and aspect, and managed individually to bring the harvest in at optimum ripeness.
From the outset, the philosophy has been uncompromising: low yields, hand harvesting where possible, careful sorting, and a winemaking approach borrowed from the finest Pinot producers of the Old World. The result is a small but serious portfolio of wines that have already earned the respect of critics, royalty and restaurateurs.
A Royal Visit: The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall
On Tuesday 21st July 2015, the Holy Vale Vineyard received perhaps its most distinguished visitors. The Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) and The Duchess of Cornwall (now Queen Camilla) arrived on St Mary's as part of a wider tour of the Isles of Scilly, and visited the Star Castle's vineyard during the day. Robert Francis presented five bottles from his very first harvest to The Duchess, fulfilling a promise made at Highgrove several years earlier, when the 7,000 vines had only recently been planted.
The visit was particularly fitting: The Duchess of Cornwall is patron of the United Kingdom Vineyards Association, and the Holy Vale site, with its sea views and ancient granite outcrops, was described by Michael Broadbent as "one of the most beautiful vineyard sites in the world". In his account of the day, Robert Francis recalled: "The first bottle of each wine was set aside for this very occasion and I am delighted that we have been able to present it so soon, just a month after the first bottling. It was such a pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness to the vineyard. She genuinely appeared delighted with the setting of the winery and was very complimentary about all the wines, too, which was wonderful".
Visiting Holy Vale Vineyard
The vineyard is open to visitors from March to October, with free admission to the winery and grounds. It has been cleverly converted from an old barn, and houses both a tasting area and a permanent exhibition titled "The Story of Wine", which tells the story of a year in the life of a vineyard and the winemaking process.
Self-guided Visits
Visitors are welcome to drop in and explore the vineyard free of charge during the main season (Monday to Friday, 12:30 - 16:30; weekends by appointment). The site itself, with views across St Mary's to the sea and the off-islands, is widely regarded as one of the most photogenic vineyard settings in the British Isles.
Hosted Wine Tastings
Robert Francis personally hosts tastings at the vineyard. Each tasting includes five wines - some from the vineyard itself, others selected from around the world to illustrate particular styles - paired with a series of small tapas chosen to complement each wine. The tastings last up to 90 minutes and cost £18.50 per person. They are an excellent way to understand both the Holy Vale range and the broader world of fine wine.
The Lobster Lunch
For a uniquely Scillonian pairing, the vineyard offers a Lobster Lunch that can be pre-booked and includes a glass of Holy Vale wine with a fresh lobster caught by Robert himself that morning. The lunch draws together two of the islands' most celebrated products - Holy Vale wine and Scillonian lobster - in a setting that looks out over the vines towards the sea. The vineyard also occasionally acts as a pop-up restaurant in the summer, serving the celebrated "one-mile lunch" that combines Holy Vale wine and lobster with potatoes and rocket grown in the restaurant kitchen garden.
Where to Stay: Star Castle Hotel
Most visitors to Holy Vale stay at the Star Castle Hotel, a family-run, 4-star boutique property with 38 bedrooms spread between the original sixteenth-century castle and country-cottage-style garden buildings. Built in 1593 by order of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I as a fortress for the defence of the Isles of Scilly, the castle sits on the fortified Garrison Hill above Hugh Town and commands panoramic views of the sea and surrounding islands. The Dining Room occupies the original officer's mess, and the property still carries the unmistakable atmosphere of "the age of Drake and the sea-dogs".
The bedrooms fall into four categories, each with its own character.
Superior Castle Rooms
The largest rooms in the original castle, with beamed ceilings, two-poster beds and guaranteed sea views. They feature a bath with shower over and are set within the castle walls.
Castle Rooms
Cosy and characterful rooms depicting the original features of the castle. Most are located on the second floor, giving guests superb sea views.
Garden Rooms
Bright, cottage-style rooms with views over the castle gardens, located a stone's throw from The Conservatory restaurant and the indoor pool. Dog-friendly.
Garden Suites
More apartment-like in layout, with a cloakroom entrance, bedroom and separate lounge. The lounges look out across St Mary's Harbour and the sea beyond. Each suite has its own outdoor space and a small fridge. Dog-friendly.
All rooms include tea and coffee facilities, television, hairdryer, dressing gowns and slippers, and fluffy bath and hand towels. Ironing boards and irons are available on request. Dogs are welcome across much of the property for an additional charge of £15.00 per dog per night; a dog pack with bowls and towels is provided.
Award-Winning Dining
The Star Castle's restaurants are intrinsic to the Holy Vale experience. Guests can enjoy the vineyard's wines alongside a menu built around locally caught seafood, the hotel's own garden produce and meat sourced from named Cornish and Scillonian farms. Two restaurants and a character bar share the property, each with its own atmosphere.
The Vine Restaurant
Open during the summer months and set in the light, airy conservatory adorned by a magnificent vine, The Vine Restaurant specialises in seafood and offers a more relaxed dining experience than the Castle Dining Room. A four-course dinner showcasing the Holy Vale wines alongside the day's catch is the headline experience. Breakfast is served from 8:00 to 10:00, dinner from 18:30 with last seating at 20:30. Non-residents can enjoy breakfast at £19.50 per person - booking is essential.
The Castle Dining Room
Set in the original officer's mess, the Castle Dining Room is the more formal of the two restaurants and continues to win accolades at the Cornwall Tourism Awards and Taste of the West Awards. The wine list is chosen from some of the finest vineyards from around the world, with Holy Vale wines taking pride of place.
The Dungeon Bar
Four hundred years ago, the castle's most notorious prisoners were incarcerated in the dungeon. Today, the Dungeon Bar serves Scillonian real ales, fine wines, spirits, champagne and cocktails. Open for lunch from 12:00 until 14:00 and from 18:00 in the evening, it is the ideal spot for a pre-dinner aperitif or an after-dinner cognac.
Local Sourcing
Star Castle's kitchens pride themselves on local sourcing. Robert Francis personally catches the hotel's lobster and crab - guests can order at breakfast and have it served in either restaurant the same evening. Lobster is supplied by Salakee Farm on St Mary; duck and eggs come from local family farms; meat is supplied by Brian Etherington in Redruth (Cornish beef and venison). Over 10,000 seeds a year provide the restaurants with fresh fruit and vegetables from the hotel's own Island Market Garden at Carn Friars Farm, and Tresco's Boro Farm supplies asparagus in season.
Getting to the Isles of Scilly
Getting to Holy Vale is part of the adventure. The Isles of Scilly are accessible only by air or sea, and the Star Castle Hotel offers a 10% discount on travel booked with Isles of Scilly Travel and Penzance Helicopters to guests staying at the hotel.
Flying to St Mary's
Skybus flights depart from three mainland airports: Land's End (15 minutes from Penzance), Newquay (30 minutes) and Exeter (around one hour). The Land's End route operates year round, the Newquay route on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, and the Exeter route from mid-March to mid-October, Monday to Saturday.
The Scillonian Ferry
The Scillonian III passenger ferry departs from Penzance Quay with a crossing time of around two hours and 45 minutes. It sails from mid-March to mid-October. Dogs are welcome aboard with their owners.
Penzance Helicopters
For those seeking the most dramatic arrival, Penzance Helicopters offers a 15-minute flight from just outside Penzance. Parking is available and bookings can be made directly through the operator.
On arrival at St Mary's, the hotel can arrange courtesy transport from the airport or quay, allowing guests to begin their stay without delay.
Awards and Recognition
Holy Vale Vineyard and the Star Castle Hotel have earned a string of awards over the years, reflecting the quality of both the wines and the wider guest experience.
- Gold Award - Small Hotel of the Year, Cornwall Tourism Awards 2025/26.
- Silver Award - Restaurant of the Year, Cornwall Tourism Awards 2017.
- Gold Award, Taste of the West Awards 2016, with the Star Castle restaurant also named as one of just two Cornish finalists in the Best Restaurant category.
The vineyard itself has been singled out for praise by Michael Broadbent, who described the site as "one of the most beautiful vineyard sites in the world".
Plan Your Visit
Holy Vale Vineyard is open March to October, Monday to Friday from 12:30 to 16:30, with weekends available by appointment. Self-guided visits are free; hosted wine tastings cost £18.50 per person and last up to 90 minutes. The Lobster Lunch with Holy Vale wine can be pre-booked. For the full Holy Vale experience, the Star Castle Hotel offers accommodation in 38 rooms across the castle and gardens, with award-winning dining and a 10% discount on travel booked through Isles of Scilly Travel or Penzance Helicopters. Enquiries and bookings can be made by calling +44 1720 422317, emailing info@star-castle.co.uk, or via Holy Vale Wines.