Woodchester Valley Vineyard: A Single-Estate Winemaker in the South Cotswolds
Introduction
Tucked into the limestone valley of Woodchester, near Stroud in the South Cotswolds, Woodchester Valley Vineyard is one of England's quietly remarkable boutique wineries. From a single experimental acre of vines planted in 2007 it has grown into a 58-acre, single-estate operation producing more than 100,000 bottles of still and sparkling wine every year. The vineyard is a member of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain, holds five-star reviews on both Tripadvisor and Google, and is run by founder Fiona Shiner together with winemaker Jeremy Mount and a tight-knit team.
The estate has three vineyard sites - Amberley, Woodchester and Doverow Hill at Stonehouse - all of which are predominantly limestone and full of fossils. Sitting in the spacious Tasting Room and looking out over the slopes, it is easy to believe you could be somewhere in the Loire Valley. Today the vineyard welcomes visitors for tours and tastings, has a thriving wine club, runs a cellar door shop seven days a week and offers a portfolio of vineyard accommodation.
The Story of Woodchester Valley
Woodchester Valley was established in 2007, when Fiona Shiner planted a single acre on the family's Amberley property to test whether the land could grow vines. Her mother-in-law had observed that the Romans could once have grown grapes in the area, and the inspiration stuck. The first vintage, a crisp dry Bacchus, came from the 2010 harvest, and Fiona found herself studying viticulture and learning how to drive a tractor. From that first acre the estate expanded steadily: a further planting at Amberley in 2011, the larger Woodchester site of 20 acres in 2012, Doverow Hill (a 20-acre site at Stonehouse) in 2013, and finally the on-site winery in 2016.
The arrival of winemaker Jeremy Mount in 2016 transformed the business. For the first time, Woodchester Valley could press, ferment and bottle every drop of its own fruit on the estate - the very definition of single estate. Today the vineyard does not buy in grapes and does not sell grapes, which means the team controls the entire journey from vine to bottle. The results have not gone unnoticed: WineGB West named the 2024 Tenterhook Best Blended White Wine, and Jancis Robinson has awarded both the Bacchus 2023 and the Orpheus Bacchus 2023 scores of 16.5/20.
Single-Estate Vineyards and Winery
The three vineyard sites each bring something different to the blend. Woodchester and Amberley are classic Cotswold brash - shallow, stony soils over Oolitic limestone that are free-draining and especially suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Stonehouse, by contrast, has deeper clay-rich soils well matched to the Bacchus vines. Every slope faces south, east or south-west, and the limestone itself is highly fossiliferous: the team regularly unearths scallop shells, trigonia and ammonites while working the rows.
The grape portfolio is broad, with twelve varieties across the estate: Bacchus, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Regent, Seyval Blanc, Siegerrebe, Solaris, Sauvignon Blanc and Ortega. Still wines are pressed in a four-tonne press under a nitrogen blanket to exclude oxygen, fermented cool to preserve primary aromas, and held in tanks with a positive nitrogen blanket to protect them through ageing. Sparkling wines are made by the traditional method with a minimum of two years on the lees.
The Wines
Woodchester Valley's wines are sold direct through the online shop and the Cellar Door. A 5% discount applies to orders of six or more bottles, and mainland UK delivery is complimentary on orders over £150. Local GL5, GL6, GL8, GL10 and GL11 postcodes qualify for free delivery on orders of £75 or more. Below is the current lineup.
White Wines
- Culver Hill 2023 - £17.00. A vibrant dry white blend of Bacchus, Ortega, Siegerrebe, Pinot Blanc and Solaris. Aromas of ripe cantaloupe and citrus with a refreshing, saline finish.
- Bacchus 2023 - £18.25. The estate's bestselling wine. Elderflower, cut grass, lime leaf and passionfruit on the nose, with gooseberry and zippy acidity on the palate. Vegan-friendly.
- Tenterhook 2024 - £20.00. A 50/50 Ortega and Siegerrebe blend with apricot, grapefruit and orange blossom aromas. Awarded 93 points and Best Blended White Wine by WineGB West.
- Orpheus Bacchus 2023 - £26.00. A limited release from the oldest Bacchus parcels. Gooseberry, elderflower and pink grapefruit with elegant stone-fruit depth.
- Sauvignon Blanc 2025 - £28.00. The newest still white, described as opulent, distinctive and classic.
- Verjuice - £14.95. A traditional, alcohol-free cooking and mocktail ingredient made from unripe grapes.
Red and Rosé Wines
- Pinot Précoce 2023 - £28.00. The estate's sole red wine release, an ethereal, smooth early-ripening Pinot.
- Pinot Rosé 2025 - £22.00. A dry, ripe and balanced English rosé made from Pinot Noir.
- Rosé Brut 2022 - £40.00. A traditional-method sparkling rosé with delicate red-fruit character and a crisp finish. February's Wine of the Month.
Sparkling Wines
- Cotswold Classic 2023 - £29.50. A delicate, flavourful traditional-method sparkling made for everyday celebrations.
- Reserve Cuvée 2021 - £37.00. The flagship sparkling - elegant, flavourful and aged on the lees for at least two years.
- Blanc de Blancs 2019 - £48.00. A 100% Chardonnay sparkling with a decadent, zesty and elegant profile.
- Trigonia Blanc de Blanc - £70.00. A limited edition sparkling named for the fossilised trigonia shells found in the vineyard soils.
Magnums
- Magnum Cotswold Classic - £65.00. A 1.5-litre limited edition of the Cotswold Classic sparkling.
- Magnum Reserve Cuvée - £75.00. The flagship Reserve Cuvée in magnum format.
- Magnum Rosé Brut - £85.00. The 2022 Rosé Brut as a limited-edition magnum.
Curated Collections and Gift Sets
For anyone wanting a guided introduction, the Collections range groups wines into themed sets:
- Taste of the Cotswolds - £75.00. A trio of signature wines: one Bacchus, one Pinot Rosé and one Cotswold Classic.
- Cotswold Sparkling Collection - £110.00. A celebratory trio of Cotswold Classic, Rosé Brut and Reserve Cuvée.
- Sauvignon-esque Trio - £70.00. Three wines chosen to show an evolution of Sauvignon Blanc character.
- Woodchester Essentials - £106.00. A versatile mix-and-match starter set.
- Signature Woodchester - £161.00. The "quintessential Cotswolds" selection.
- Medal Winning Trio - £102.00. Three award-winning wines from across the range.
- Medal Winning Collection - £178.00. The full medal-winning line-up in one box.
- Luxury Collection - £177.00. The estate's most refined, expressive set.
Bespoke Gift Packaging
The Create Your Own Gift Set lets visitors build their own present. The empty Duo or Trio Wine Gift Box is £7.50, the Single Wine Gift Set is £3.50, and the Wine & Riedel Glasses Gift Set - which includes a pair of Riedel Veritas English Wine Glasses - is £47.50. Each gift set is finished with a hand-tied ribbon and a personalised message. Pre-built gift bundles include the Bacchus Gift Set (£109) and the Reserve Cuvée Gift Set (£145).
The Cellar Door Shop
Woodchester Valley's Cellar Door Shop is a separate location to the Tasting Room and is handily placed on the A46 at Inchbrook Trading Estate, Bath Road, Woodchester, Stroud GL5 5EY. It is open Monday to Saturday 10am - 6pm all year round, and 10am - 5pm on Sundays from March to December (closed on Sundays in January and February). The shop stocks the full range of wines, gift vouchers and gift packaging, and you can sample wines by the glass or order online to collect in person.
From 10am to 5pm on Sundays, the shop hosts informal tutored Sunday Tastings - 30-minute introductions to the wines at £15 per person, ideal for anyone who doesn't have time for a full vineyard tour. Children and dogs on leads are welcome. Limited parking is available outside the shop, with additional spaces a short walk away. Tel: 07523 967 219.
Vineyard Tours and Tasting Experiences
All vineyard tours start at the Tasting Room on Convent Lane, Woodchester, Stroud GL5 5HR, which has panoramic views over the valley. The vineyard team explains that no two visits are the same and that the experience goes well beyond a simple walk through the vines - this is a working winery, and guests see the whole journey from grape to glass. Standard tours run all year round, with a wider schedule during the summer months (April - October). Dogs, with the exception of the Vineyard Tour & Dog Walk, are not permitted, and tours are for over-18s only.
Classic Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting - £30
Ideal for first-time visitors, the Classic Tour takes guests through the vineyard, into the winery and into the glass, with a guided tasting of still and sparkling wines in the Tasting Room. It runs on Tuesdays (April - October only), Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Book a Classic tour.
Premium Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting - £40
An upgrade that pairs premium wines with carefully chosen nibbles and goes deeper into the winemaking process. Runs on Mondays, Thursdays (April - October only), Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Book a Premium tour.
Classic Tour & Tasting with Grazing Lunch - £50
The popular Classic tour plus an optional locally sourced lunch hamper with a glass of your favourite wine. Runs on Wednesdays year-round and on Fridays from April to October. Book the Grazing Lunch tour.
Vineyard Geology Tour - £55
A one-off summer event with resident geologist Rachel BSc(Hons), who guides guests through the rocks and soils that shape the wines, with a chance to hunt for fossils among the vines. The tour finishes in the Tasting Room with a wine flight and a picnic-style dinner of locally sourced cheese and charcuterie. Date: Wednesday 12th August 2026, 5:30pm. Book your space.
Vineyard Tour & Dog Walk - £20
The only tour at Woodchester where dogs are welcome. A welcome drink in the Tasting Room is followed by a walk through the vines and a flight of three wines on your return. Dates: Tuesdays 21st July and 18th August 2026, 6:15pm. Book the Dog Walk tour.
Fizz & Chips - £45
A sparkling wine tasting in partnership with award-winning Simpson's Fish & Chips, finishing with a portion of fish and chips and a glass of your favourite sparkling wine. Last Friday of the month, 6:30pm. Book Fizz & Chips.
Sunday Tastings at the Cellar Door - £15
Half-hour, informally tutored introductions to the wines at the Cellar Door Shop. Sundays only; for weekday tastings call 07523 967 219. Book a Sunday tasting.
Private and Group Tours
For groups of six or more - perfect for friends, family, clubs, hen and stag dos or team away days - Woodchester Valley offers Private Events. Choose from the classic or premium tours, or build a bespoke experience with a light meal. Prices start from £40 per person with a £400 minimum. Bookings are taken outside the public tour schedule; email tours@woodchestervalleyvineyard.co.uk.
Corporate Events
Corporate enquiries are handled by the Trade & Corporate Sales team at corporate@woodchestervalleyvineyard.co.uk. The Tasting Room hosts up to 35 guests with vineyard views, and the team can arrange cold-buffet lunches, wine tastings at your own venue, corporate gifting (including branded packaging, ribbon and hand-written messages), and free delivery to GL5, GL6, GL8, GL10 and GL11.
Wine Club Membership
The Woodchester Valley Wine Club is an open membership designed to immerse members in the full life of the vineyard. Joining costs £50 and includes a complimentary New Member Welcome Pack (RRP £85) containing a bottle of Reserve Cuvée in an exclusive presentation box and a £50 Tour & Tasting voucher.
Membership brings:
- Two seasonal cases a year - in June and November - personally curated by Fiona Shiner and Jeremy Mount, charged at £150 - £175 per case (a minimum 10% discount) and delivered to your door.
- Bespoke service - personal wine advice from the qualified Wine Club team, priority access to new releases, limited editions and special events.
- 5% off wine all year round, with an extra 5% off when buying six or more bottles (so up to 10% in total).
- 10% off tours, tastings and events, and 10% off stays in the Vineyard Barns, The Retreat and Woodchester Valley House.
Membership auto-renews after the initial 12 months but can be cancelled at any time by emailing wineclub@woodchestervalleyvineyard.co.uk; an administration fee of £35 may apply if cancelled within the first year.
Stay at the Vineyard
Woodchester Valley offers three self-catering properties in and around the vines, all with their own booking links and full property details.
Vineyard Barns (sleep 2)
Romantic suites for two among the vines, with vineyard and valley views. The base for the Midweek Summer and Harvest Stay Packages.
The Retreat Farmhouse (sleeps 4)
Two-bedroom, dog-friendly farmhouse next door to the working winery, with two log burners, a fully equipped kitchen, a private drive and an enclosed garden. Rates start from £200 per night (weekend rate includes a late Sunday check-out and a discounted Sunday night of £100). Minimum stay: two nights midweek, three nights at weekends. A £100 cleaning fee applies. 25% discount on stays of seven nights or more.
Woodchester Valley House (sleeps 12 - 14)
A contemporary, architect-designed six-bedroom house set within the vineyard estate, with two living rooms, a 12-seat dining table, six bedrooms (four en-suite), a large private garden, secure parking for six cars, an EV charger (pay-per-use) and optional hot tub hire. Minimum stay: three nights April - October, two nights November - March. £250 cleaning fee and £500 refundable security deposit. Current special: complimentary hot tub hire for July and August 2026 bookings.
Stay Packages
The current Accommodation Offers include:
- Midweek Summer Vineyard Stay with Wine Tasting - valid 1 June to 31 August 2026, Monday to Thursday. One-night stay £270 / two-night stay £450. Includes a Premium Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting for Two.
- Midweek Harvest Vineyard Stay with Wine Tasting - valid 1 to 30 September 2026, Monday to Thursday. One-night stay £265 / two-night stay £430.
- Build Your Own Package - from tickets to Painswick Rococo Garden to a bottle of Cotswold Classic in your suite on arrival. Email stay@woodchestervalleyvineyard.co.uk with your requirements.
Hard-copy Vineyard Stay Vouchers (from £260) can be posted by first-class post and are valid for 12 months, with options for one night midweek, two nights midweek, or two nights at the weekend, and luxury upgrades including a continental breakfast hamper, a local cheese and charcuterie hamper, and a bottle of Cotswold Classic.
Weddings and Gift Vouchers
Woodchester Valley does not offer a wedding venue, but does offer Wedding Wines & Toasting Packages, including personalised consultation, preferential pricing, sale-or-return on unopened cases, free UK mainland delivery and exclusive use of the grounds for photographs. As a wedding gift, the bride and groom receive a complimentary tour and tasting within 12 months of the wedding.
The Vouchers collection includes the Woodchester Valley Vineyard Gift Voucher (e-vouchers from £10, redeemable against wine, tours, tastings, events and accommodation), the Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting Vouchers (£30, hard copy) and the Vineyard Stay Vouchers (£260, hard copy).
The Area: History and the South Cotswolds
Woodchester is home to the world-famous Orpheus Roman pavement, a 2,200 sq ft mosaic that was the centrepiece of a 22-acre palace complex dating from AD 200 - 400 and is thought to have been the summer palace of the Roman Governor of western England and Wales. The Stonehouse site, on Doverow Hill at the edge of the Cotswold escarpment, sits below a hollowed-out stone quarry; in the Domesday Book of 1086 two vineyards are recorded at "Stanhus" - the original name for Stonehouse. By the 12th century William of Malmesbury was writing that Gloucestershire was "planted thicker with Vineyards than any other in England."
One wine, the Orpheus Bacchus 2023, is named in tribute to the Roman mosaic. Today's vineyard team regularly uncovers scallop shells, trigonia and ammonites while working the rows, which is the reason for the name of the Trigonia Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine.
Walking and the Local Guide
For a longer stay, nearby towns, days out and walks include:
- Nailsworth (5 minutes): independent shops, Hobbs House Bakery, Williams Food Hall and Egypt Mill.
- Stroud (10 minutes): the famous Saturday Farmers' Market, Museum in the Park and the Five Valleys Shopping Centre.
- Tetbury (20 minutes): antique shops, Highgrove Gardens, Chavenage House and Westonbirt Arboretum.
- Cirencester (25 minutes): the "Capital of the Cotswolds", Corinium Museum and Abbey Grounds.
- Days out: Bath, Cheltenham, Bristol and Bourton-on-the-Water are all within an hour.
- Walking: three vineyard walks are suggested - to Selsley Common (7.5km), to Nailsworth (6km) and to the Orpheus Roman Pavement (5.5km). The Cotswold Way and Stroud Valleys Trail both pass close by.
There is also a hand-picked Local Pubs & Restaurants Guide, plus a Cotswold Calendar of seasonal events and vineyard happenings.
Plan Your Visit
The vineyard is at Convent Lane, Woodchester, Stroud GL5 5HR. The Cellar Door Shop, which is open seven days a week during the season, is at Inchbrook Trading Estate, Bath Road, Woodchester, Stroud GL5 5EY - please note that this is a separate location to the Tasting Room and vineyard tours. Both are reached easily from the A46.
For general enquiries, email info@woodchestervalleyvineyard.co.uk or call 01453 621 700. Accommodation enquiries go to stay@woodchestervalleyvineyard.co.uk on the same number. Tours and events are arranged via tours@woodchestervalleyvineyard.co.uk, and the Cellar Door can be reached on 07523 967 219.
Woodchester Valley Vineyard is on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter). Detailed visitor reviews can be found on Tripadvisor, and the latest news and harvest updates are shared regularly.