Tamar Valley Vineyard: Award-Winning English Wines on the Devon Side of the Tamar
A Family Vineyard on the Devon Side of the Tamar
Tucked into the Devon slopes of the River Tamar, two miles south-west of the village of Bere Alston, Tamar Valley Vineyard is a small, family-run English wine estate with a view that stretches across the water into Cornwall, all the way to Brunel's famous double-arched railway bridge at Plymouth and around the bend in the river towards the historic Cotehele Estate. The aim of the team is to grow high-quality grapes and produce outstanding wines while conserving, enhancing and promoting the natural and historic landscape of the Tamar Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that has been shaped for centuries by mining, market gardening and the river itself.
The vineyard feels both remote and secret. It is roughly twenty minutes from the historic market town of Tavistock, on the western edge of Dartmoor, and around forty minutes from the bustling Atlantic city of Plymouth. Visitors with the What3Words app can pinpoint the site at racked.dreamer.responded, a deliberately apt reference for a winery.
The Story So Far
Tamar Valley Vineyard currently has 1,400 vines of Madeleine Angevine, a grape originally from France's Loire Valley that is also widely planted in Germany. Madeleine Angevine ripens early and is well suited to cooler climates, which makes it a dependable performer in the relatively mild, maritime climate of West Devon. The team plans to add more varieties in the near future.
The first harvest, in 2019, was turned into a dry, light and refreshingly crisp sparkling wine by the team at Haygrove Evolution. The 2021 vintage was the first wine the vineyard made entirely on its own, a still white wine that went on to take a bronze medal at the Wine GB West competition and a bronze from Wine GB in 2022. From the 2022 harvest came the elegant still white that has become the estate's signature, with further parcels held back for traditional-method sparkling production.
Alongside the vines sits an orchard of traditional Tamar Valley apple varieties. From it the team has been making cider for family and friends for more than ten years, and the same heritage fruit now underpins a small but acclaimed range of bottled ciders and traditional-method sparkling cider.
The Wines
Redshank 2025 - Still Red Wine
The newest red in the Tamar Valley cellar, Redshank 2025 is named after the wading bird with bright red legs that frequents the estuary sites along the river. The Independent English Wine Awards judges described it as a bright and expressive lighter red with sour cherry, wild strawberry and violet notes: fresh, elegant and designed to be enjoyed slightly chilled, with further fruit depth and persistence giving an already charming and highly drinkable style even more lift. In the glass it shows plum and blackcurrant with light tannins; on the nose, cherry, damson and a hint of pepper. A medium-bodied, smooth, fruity red at 12% ABV, it pairs naturally with red meats and hearty dishes. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians. £15.00 per 75cl bottle.
Buy Redshank 2025 from the Tamar Valley Vineyard online shop.
Madeleine Angevine 2025 - Still White Wine
The estate's signature white, the 2025 Madeleine Angevine, has just collected a Silver medal at the Independent English Wine Awards. The judges praised it as a bright and aromatic Madeleine with citrus, floral and stone fruit notes: fresh, lively and gently textural, with plenty of personality and a distinctive, highly appealing style. Light-bodied, with hints of green apple, lemon and lychee and a clean finish, it carries white blossom and stone fruit on the nose. The winemaking team recommends pairing it with seafood, grilled chicken and light pasta dishes. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, 11% ABV. £15.00 per 75cl bottle.
Buy Madeleine Angevine 2025 from the Tamar Valley Vineyard online shop.
Madeleine Angevine 2024 - Still White Wine
The previous vintage is still available while stocks last. Described by the IEWA judges as a lovely floral wine with a touch of spice, nice on the palate and with fresh acidity, the 2024 Madeleine Angevine is crisp, dry, delicate and fresh, with citrus and stone fruit on the palate and pear and green apple on the nose. A natural partner for fish, pasta and white meats. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, 11% ABV. £15.00 per 75cl bottle.
Buy Madeleine Angevine 2024 from the Tamar Valley Vineyard online shop.
Royal Sovereign Rosé 2023 - Still Rosé
A dry, crisp rosé with a vibrant cerise hue, made from hand-harvested Rondo grapes grown in the Tamar Valley. The wine carries hints of strawberries, raspberries and summer fruits. Royal Sovereign was one of the most popular strawberry cultivars grown in the Tamar Valley market gardens during the first half of the twentieth century and was famously served to Elizabeth II at her coronation banquet. Fruity, light and dry, it is a natural match for salads, light pasta and rice dishes, shellfish, grilled fish and goat's cheeses. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, 10% ABV. Currently sold out. £15.00 per 75cl bottle.
Royal Sovereign Rosé 2023 at the Tamar Valley Vineyard online shop.
Ag 2022 - Sparkling White Wine
Awarded bronze at the Independent English Wine Awards in June 2024, the Ag 2022 is a dry, crisp sparkling white with a light straw colour and small, robust bubbles, made from hand-harvested Madeleine Angevine grapes in the méthode traditionelle. Hints of green apple lead to a bready finish. The judges wrote of vibrant acidity, a crunchy fresh nose with crisp crab apple aromas and a lovely nose. Drink with seafood, chicken dishes or simply as an apéritif. The name, Ag, is the chemical symbol for silver; in the nineteenth century the South Hooe mine on which the vineyard sits was one of the most productive silver mines in the UK, and the chimney of the engine house once stood close to the site of the modern winery. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, 11.5% ABV. Currently sold out. £27.50 per 75cl bottle.
Ag 2022 at the Tamar Valley Vineyard online shop.
The Ciders
PNJ 2023 - Traditional Method Sparkling Cider
Made in the traditional method from heritage apple varieties grown in the vineyard's own orchard and matured on the lees for seventeen months, PNJ 2023 is a naturally sparkling cider with a rich and refreshing taste. Refreshing, crisp and fruity, it works brilliantly as an apéritif. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, 7.5% ABV. The name stands for Percival Norton Johnson, the Captain of South Hooe Silver Mine during its most productive years, and a figure worth toasting. £15.00 per 75cl bottle.
Buy PNJ 2023 from the Tamar Valley Vineyard online shop.
Bal Maidens - Devon Cider, Medium Sweet
A refreshing, fruity medium-sweet cider with a clean after-taste, made from traditional Tamar Valley apple varieties grown on site. The name honours the women who worked above ground at South Hooe silver mine, breaking ore with heavy hammers while wearing long protective bonnets and aprons. Many started work aged around ten and only left when they married. 500ml bottles, ABV 5.8%, sold in cases of 12 for £39.00. Suitable for vegans. Local delivery only.
Buy Bal Maidens from the Tamar Valley Vineyard online shop.
The Knockers - Devon Cider, Medium
The dry counterpart to Bal Maidens, The Knockers is a refreshing, fruity medium cider with a clean after-taste, again made from traditional Tamar Valley apple varieties grown on site. The name nods to the goblins said to live in the mine: when miners heard knocking, the Knockers were warning them of an impending collapse, and every miner threw his pasty crust into the workings in thanks for keeping them safe. 500ml bottles, ABV 5.8%, sold in cases of 12 for £39.00. Suitable for vegans. Local delivery only.
Buy The Knockers from the Tamar Valley Vineyard online shop.
Mixed Case - 6 Bottles of Bal Maidens + 6 Bottles of The Knockers
A balanced case pairing the medium-sweet Bal Maidens with the medium-dry Knockers, so you can decide which style suits the occasion. 12 × 500ml bottles, ABV 5.8%, £39.00 per case. Produced and bottled by Tamar Valley Vineyard, Bere Alston.
Buy the Mixed Cider Case from the Tamar Valley Vineyard online shop.
Visiting the Vineyard
The vineyard is open on Fridays and Sundays from 12 noon to 3 pm for wine by the glass and, from 2026, the new cheese and charcuterie boards. Additional openings are advertised on the vineyard's Facebook page and Instagram feed.
Wine by the Glass
Pull up a spot on the lawn and enjoy a glass of Tamar Valley wine while looking out over the picturesque River Tamar. No booking is required during the regular Friday and Sunday openings: just turn up.
Cheese and Charcuterie Boards
New for 2026, the vineyard is now serving carefully selected local meats and cheeses on a sharing board to enjoy with a glass of wine. £14.50 per platter, advance booking required. To reserve, either message the team directly through Facebook or email office@tamarvalleyvineyard.co.uk.
Guided Tours
Tamar Valley Vineyard runs guided tours from Easter to the end of August each year, with 2026 dates available to book via Eventbrite. Each tour lasts around two hours and combines the story of the site (the industrial heritage of South Hooe silver mine, the long history of market gardening on the Tamar, and the wildlife of the valley) with a tasting of award-winning wines paired with locally sourced cheeses.
Public Guided Tours
- Price: £20 per head (18+)
- Children: welcome; please book them a free ticket
- Dogs: welcome
- Booking: via Eventbrite
- Gift certificate holders: book through Eventbrite and enter your voucher code on the booking screen
Private Group Tours
- Price: £18 per head
- Minimum: 8 people
- Maximum: 30 people
- Payment: in advance
- Booking: by email to office@tamarvalleyvineyard.co.uk to arrange a date and time
Guided Tour e-Gift Certificate
An electronic gift certificate for the guided tour experience, a thoughtful present for any wine lover. £20.00 per person, only suitable for 18+, valid for the entire guided tour season (Easter to end of August). Gift certificates are sent electronically by email after purchase.
Buy a Guided Tour Gift Certificate.
Adopt a Vine
For a one-off gift that keeps on giving, the Adopt a Vine package lets you name a specific vine in the vineyard, which the team will mark with a personalised copper tag. Vines are adopted for a period of five years, and the recipient can come and visit their vine in person. £30.00.
Stocked Locally
Tamar Valley wines are stocked in a handful of independent farm shops, delis and cafés across West Devon and East Cornwall:
- Harlings Café and Farm Shop, Bere Alston, PL20 7JD
- Roots and Vines Farm Shop, 12 West Street, Tavistock, PL19 8AD
- Tre Pol and Pen Farm Shop and Restaurant, Lezant, Launceston, PL15 9NN
- Chings Alley Beer and Wine, 3 Chings Court, Launceston, PL15 9TD
- Tavistock Farmers' Market, Bedford Square, every second Saturday of the month
Summer and Harvest Markets in 2026
The team takes Tamar Valley wines and ciders on the road throughout the spring, summer and harvest months. Confirmed appearances in 2026 include:
- Saturday 8 August 2026 - Tavistock Farmers' Market, Bedford Square, 10 am - 2 pm
- Sunday 23 August 2026 - Totnes Eats Festival, Steam Quay and Longmarsh, 10 am - 4 pm
- Sunday 4 October 2026 - Exeter Gate to Plate Festival, Quayside, 10 am - 4 pm
- Wednesday 14 October 2026 - Goose Fair, Butcher's Hall, Tavistock, 9 am - 6:30 pm
- Saturday 10 October 2026 - Tavistock Farmers' Market, Bedford Square, 10 am - 2 pm
- Saturday 17 October 2026 - Bodmin Eats Festival, Town Centre, 10 am - 4 pm
How to Get There
The vineyard sits at South Hooe, Hole's Hole, Bere Alston, Devon, PL20 7BW. The team warn that a sat nav will not take you directly to the vineyard, so use the Google pin or the What3Words reference racked.dreamer.responded. From Bere Alston village, head south-west for about two miles; from Tavistock allow roughly twenty minutes; from Plymouth around forty minutes.
Awards and Recognition
The Tamar Valley team are quietly proud of the medal haul their small range has accumulated in recent years. Highlights include:
- Silver at the Independent English Wine Awards for the 2025 Madeleine Angevine still white
- Bronze at the Independent English Wine Awards for the 2025 Rondo still red (Redshank)
- Bronze for the 2024 Madeleine Angevine still white at the Independent English Wine Awards
- Bronze for the 2021 Madeleine Angevine still white at Wine GB West and Wine GB
- Bronze in June 2024 from the Independent English Wine Awards for the Ag 2022 sparkling white
Volunteer in the Vineyard
There is never a dull moment in the vineyard. While harvest is the obvious highlight, there are jobs to do almost every week of the year: tying-in canes in the depths of winter, de-budding in spring, canopy reduction in high summer and harvesting in early autumn. Even one day of volunteering makes a real difference, and the rewards include fresh air, peace and the chance to spot buzzards, butterflies and slow-worms along the valley. Volunteers can email office@tamarvalleyvineyard.co.uk.
Online Shop and Delivery
Wines, ciders, gift certificates and the Adopt a Vine package can all be bought from the Tamar Valley Vineyard online shop. UK delivery is charged at a flat £5, with free delivery on orders over £75 and free delivery to local postcodes PL1 to PL6, PL19 and PL20. A £5 local surcharge applies to PL10, PL12, PL17, PL18 and PL21, calculated at checkout. The two bottled ciders (Bal Maidens and The Knockers) are local delivery only and cannot be shipped.
Newsletter and Social Media
The vineyard publishes a regular newsletter with harvest updates, new releases and event news. Day-to-day updates and last-minute openings are posted on Facebook and Instagram, and questions can be sent by email to office@tamarvalleyvineyard.co.uk.