Two Beacons Vineyard: Award-Winning English Wines at the Foot of the Malvern Hills
Tucked between the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Beacons, on the lower slopes of one of England's most celebrated landscapes, sits a small family vineyard whose wines have, in only a handful of vintages, earned a national reputation. Two Beacons Vineyard is the story of a Herefordshire family turning a passion for English wine into a much-awarded estate, producing limited batches of still Bacchus, still Pinot Noir Précoce and traditional-method Sparkling Rosé Pinot Noir - all hand-harvested, hand-sorted and bottled within sight of the Malvern Hills.
A vineyard born between two beacons
The vineyard takes its name from its geography. Established in 2018, Two Beacons sits within the Mathon Court Estate, a 250-acre patchwork of woodland and wildlife habitat at the foot of the Malvern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that straddles the Herefordshire - Worcestershire border. The plot lies between its two namesakes - the Herefordshire Beacon and the Worcestershire Beacon - and it is this exact spot that gives the estate both its name and its character.
From the outset the family wanted more than a commercial vineyard. Their stated aim was not only to preserve but to actively foster the local flora and fauna. The vines are managed with minimal negative environmental impact; native trees and shrubs surround the rows; boundary hedgerows provide nesting habitat for whitethroats, blackcaps and goldfinches; and the grasses and wild flowers encouraged to grow between the vine rows attract bees, grasshoppers, dragonflies and damselflies. Above the canopy, swifts, swallows and house martins hawk for insects across the south-facing slopes.
A south-facing site with ancient soils
Two Beacons' position is no accident. The vineyard faces south, capturing the warmth it needs to ripen cool-climate varieties in what is, by any wine-growing standard, a marginal climate. Beneath the vines lies a fascinating soil profile: although the underlying geology of the Malvern Hills is Silurian limestone and calcareous mudstone, the vineyard itself sits on a thick layer of glacial till and boulder clay deposited between 12,000 and 15,000 years ago as the last ice cap retreated. The result is a free-draining, nutrient-rich mixture of clay minerals, finely ground rock flour, sand and gravel - exactly the kind of balanced substrate that rewards careful viticulture with concentrated, expressive fruit.
It's in our nature: the philosophy
The estate's strapline - "It's in our nature" - captures the philosophy of owner-vintners Phipps & Company Limited, the family business behind Two Beacons. Their vision is to work closely with nature to bring out the authentic flavours of the grapes, producing wines that tell the story of the land they come from rather than imposing a particular house style.
For the family, wine is an experience as much as a product: a way to connect people to the natural beauty of the Malvern Hills, to spark conversation and to celebrate the simple joys of life. The focus is on sustainable practices, on preserving the environment for future generations, and on sharing the simple pleasure of great English wine with visitors, friends and family.
That ethos is reflected in every aspect of the operation, from the wildlife-friendly vineyard management to the small-batch production, from the walk-in Tasting Room on St. Ann's Road to the seasonal guided tours through the rows themselves.
The wines: three varietals, four vintages and growing
Two Beacons produces three styles of wine from two grape varieties:
- Still white - Bacchus
- Still red - Pinot Noir Précoce
- Traditional-method Sparkling Rosé - Pinot Noir
Every wine is 100% varietal, meaning each bottle showcases a single grape, and every bottle carries a vintage. Production is deliberately limited, the grapes are hand-harvested and hand-sorted, and the wines are crafted to reflect the unique character of each growing season.
White wines - Bacchus
Bacchus is the signature aromatic white of English wine, and Two Beacons has made it a cornerstone of the range. Three vintages are currently available, with an older release kept in the cellar clearance:
2022 Bacchus - 12% ABV - £14.00
A crisp, refreshing, unoaked white with classic English hedgerow aromatics: gooseberry, elderflower and nettle, layered with subtle apple and pear and finishing with a long, clean line. A textbook cool-climate Bacchus and the most accessibly priced bottle in the range. Buy the 2022 Bacchus.
2023 Bacchus - 11% ABV - £16.00
Dominant lime zest on the nose, with nettles, grassiness and blossom; the palate delivers refreshing citrus over a base of kiwi fruit and a hint of white pepper. A great food wine or a satisfying glass on its own. Silver at the 2025 WineGB Awards and Silver at the 2023 WineGB West Awards. Buy the 2023 Bacchus.
2024 Bacchus - 11.5% ABV - £16.00
The current flagship white. Elderflower, grass and nettle leap from the glass; the palate is generous and rounded with grapefruit, lime and ripe pear, supported by nine months on the lees for extra texture and mouthfeel. Perfect with curries, fish or soft cheeses. 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards Silver Medal. Buy the 2024 Bacchus.
Red wines - Pinot Noir Précoce
English red wine is hard to produce, easy to enjoy. It accounts for only around 5% of total UK production, and the grape that delivers it most reliably is Pinot Noir Précoce - an early-ripening mutation of Pinot Noir also known as Frühburgunder. It ripens two to three weeks earlier than its parent, suiting England's cool, unpredictable climate, and produces lighter, more aromatic reds defined by finesse rather than power.
Two Beacons has championed the variety and now offers four vintages of Pinot Noir Précoce:
2021 Pinot Noir Précoce - 11.5% ABV - £24.00 (currently sold out)
The estate's debut red and the wine that announced Two Beacons to the wider English wine world. Notes of ripe wild strawberry, redcurrant and cherry, with clove spice and a vanilla finish, light tannins and bright acidity. 2024 WineGB Gold Medal and Best Newcomer Trophy; 2023 WineGB West Silver; 2022 WineGB West Bronze. View the 2021 Pinot Noir Précoce.
2022 Pinot Noir Précoce - 11% ABV - £24.00
A distinct expression with ripe wild strawberry, redcurrant, cherry and clove spice, finishing on a vanilla note. Soft, rounded texture and good structure with light tannins and bright acids. Hand-harvested and sorted. Buy the 2022 Pinot Noir Précoce.
2023 Pinot Noir Précoce - 11.5% ABV - £24.00
Dried rose and lavender on the nose, redcurrant and cherry with herbal notes and a peppery lift. Rounded texture, structured tannins and a bright, redcurrant-fruit acidity on the finish. Notes of bay leaf, dried thyme and sun-dried tomato. 2025 Decanter Bronze Medal; 2025 WineGB Silver; 2023 WineGB West Bronze. Buy the 2023 Pinot Noir Précoce.
2024 Pinot Noir Précoce - 12% ABV - £24.00
The current vintage - concentrated cherry and blackcurrant fruit with a rich crimson colour. 50% aged in French and American oak barriques, which has smoothed the tannins and added hints of pepper and sweet spice. 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards Silver Medal. Buy the 2024 Pinot Noir Précoce.
Sparkling wines - Pinot Noir Rosé
The sparkling range is built around a traditional-method rosé crafted from the estate's Pinot Noir. The wines pour a delicate pink with a fine mousse and offer bright berry aromas, a creamy texture and the crisp, elegant finish that has become Two Beacons' hallmark.
2021 Sparkling Rosé Pinot Noir - 11% ABV - £29.00 (currently sold out)
Delicate yet vibrant pink with a fine mousse; aromas of raspberry, strawberry and warm red apple skin; a palate of summer berries and red cherry with mouth-filling creamy fizz and crisp acidity. WineGB Silver Medal, June 2024. View the 2021 Sparkling Rosé.
2022 Sparkling Rosé Pinot Noir - 11.5% ABV - £29.00 (currently sold out)
Bright raspberry, strawberry and warm red apple skin lead onto a palate of berries and fresh red cherry. A crisp acidity gives elegance and length. A fantastic partner for canapés, creamy risottos, salads or sushi. 2025 Decanter Bronze; 2025 WineGB Silver; 2023 WineGB West Bronze. View the 2022 Sparkling Rosé.
2022 Late Release Sparkling Rosé Pinot Noir - 11.5% ABV - £33.00
An additional 12 months on lees has added complexity, structure and finesse to the mousse, with biscuit flavours coming to prominence. Bright strawberry, raspberry and warm red apple skin aromas give way to a palate of berries and fresh red cherry. 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards Silver Medal. Buy the 2022 Late Release.
Cellar clearance: making space for the new vintage
To prepare for the new release of the 2024 vintage, Two Beacons runs a cellar clearance on older wines, with older Bacchus vintages reduced to make space. It's a useful entry point for anyone keen to taste Two Beacons' earlier style at a lower price, while stocks last.
Visit the Tasting Room in Great Malvern
The Two Beacons Tasting Room sits in the heart of Great Malvern at 2 St. Ann's Road, WR14 4RG - a short walk from the famous Malvern Theatres and an easy stop before a show. It's walk-in only, with local wines by the glass or bottle, served with a savoury snack board.
Opening hours are Friday and Saturday, 15:00 - 21:00, making the Tasting Room a relaxed spot to begin an evening out. The Tasting Room is also available for private hire - private tastings, birthdays, hen and stag dos, and corporate events can all be arranged by emailing Pedro at Pedro@twobeacons.co.uk or calling 07935 119217.
Vineyard Tour & Tasting - £30.00 per person
For a deeper experience, the Vineyard Tour & Tasting is a relaxed, guided walk through the vineyard itself. Led by the team behind the award-winning wines, it includes:
- A conversation about wine, vine and nature
- Time to meet the growers and winemakers
- A tasting of selected vintages, with an explanation of how time and weather shape each wine's flavour
- A complementary snack board
- Dogs are welcome
The cost is £30.00 per person, and wellies or appropriate footwear are essential. Tours are bookable directly through the website.
Putt & Pour: a new way to explore the wines
For something altogether more playful, the estate has launched Putt & Pour - an afternoon that pairs 9 holes of mini golf with 9 different wines from the Two Beacons cellar. As guests work their way round the course they sample nine carefully chosen vintages, each with its own story, flavour and craft. Surrounded by vineyard views and rolling Worcestershire countryside, it's pitched as a relaxed, light-hearted experience equally suited to wine enthusiasts, casual golfers and anyone looking for an unusual day out. Pricing is arranged on booking via the website.
Malvern Hills Vineyards Group
Two Beacons is a proud founding member of the Malvern Hills Vineyards Group, a collective of six vineyards producing a wide range of still and sparkling wines around the hills. Each member vineyard has its own story and range of tours, tastings, restaurants and accommodation, and the group shares a common welcome and a commitment to showcasing the Malvern Hills as a serious English wine destination. Visit the Malvern Hills Vineyards Group.
Awards, medals and critical recognition
In only four vintages, Two Beacons has assembled a remarkable trophy cabinet:
- 2024 WineGB Awards - Best Newcomer Trophy (for the 2021 Pinot Noir Précoce)
- 2024 WineGB Gold Medal - 2021 Pinot Noir Précoce
- 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards Silver Medal - 2022 Late Release Sparkling Rosé Pinot Noir, 2024 Bacchus, 2024 Pinot Noir Précoce
- 2025 Decanter Bronze Medal - 2022 Sparkling Rosé Pinot Noir, 2023 Pinot Noir Précoce
- 2025 WineGB Silver Medal - 2023 Bacchus, 2023 Pinot Noir Précoce, 2022 Sparkling Rosé Pinot Noir
- 2023 WineGB West Awards - Silver for 2023 Bacchus, 2023 Pinot Noir Précoce, 2021 Pinot Noir Précoce; Bronze for 2022 Sparkling Rosé Pinot Noir
- 2022 WineGB West Bronze - 2021 Pinot Noir Précoce
- WineGB Silver Medal, June 2024 - 2021 Sparkling Rosé Pinot Noir
The estate has also been featured in The Drinks Business's Top 10 Cool Climate Wine Regions and reported on by the Hereford Times and the official WineGB Awards 2024 announcement.
Grapevine journal: a year in the life
The Two Beacons team keeps a regular "Grapevine" journal documenting the work of the season. Recent entries give a vivid picture of the year-round craft behind every bottle.
Spring awakens at Two Beacons
After winter dormancy, the team describes a mild winter with only occasional hard frosts - useful for naturally reducing pests such as spotted wing drosophila. Pruning begins in February, timed to coincide with rising sap flow and sealed with a garlic-based paste on larger wounds to protect against fungal ingress. An early, mild spring brought forward tying down the canes, with the team adopting a more conservative bud count to manage vine stress following last year's dry conditions. The younger second vineyard continues to establish itself, with many vines producing their first substantial canopy.
Good English red wine: hard to produce, easy to enjoy
A long-form piece explaining why English red wine is so rarely seen - cool temperatures, short seasons, unpredictable weather, naturally high acidity - and how Pinot Noir Précoce offers an answer. The piece celebrates the early-ripening, cool-climate nature of the variety and reflects on Two Beacons' own 2021 Pinot Noir Précoce, with its bright red fruits, clove spice and elegant, refreshing finish.
Here's to a sparkling summer at Two Beacons
News of the upcoming release of Two Beacons' first Blanc de Noir sparkling white - made from Pinot Noir grapes on the slopes below the Malvern Hills - alongside a new vintage of the celebrated Sparkling Rosé Pinot Noir. The piece also announces that vineyard tours and tastings are live for the summer.
Introducing the new Bacchus 2024
The launch announcement for the 2024 Bacchus - lower yields, exceptional quality, concentrated elderflower and nettle aromas, grapefruit and lime on the palate, nine months on the lees, and a tasting note from the co-founder: "We're hoping for more awards and accolades with this latest vintage. It's also fantastic value, as we've kept the price at just £16 a bottle."
Plan your visit
- Tasting Room: 2 St. Ann's Road, Great Malvern, WR14 4RG - walk-in, Friday & Saturday, 15:00 - 21:00.
- Vineyard Tour & Tasting: £30.00 per person, bookable via the website.
- Putt & Pour: 9 holes, 9 wines - enquire via the website.
- Private hire / events: Pedro@twobeacons.co.uk or 07935 119217.
- Online shop: Free delivery and 10% off first orders at the Two Beacons shop.
For a small family vineyard established only in 2018, Two Beacons has, in just a few vintages, established itself as one of the most exciting names in modern English wine - a beacon of what the Malvern Hills can do.