Six Suffolk vineyard tours that take visitors behind the scenes of the county's wineries, with locations in Bungay and Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk is known for its roots in farming and stunning countryside, but many aren't aware the county is also home to several vineyards and wineries.
Offering tours and taster sessions, these make for a great day out and one that is not to be missed by locals and visitors to the county alike.
Here's a list of six Suffolk vineyard tours and visits that take you behind the scenes of the county's wine offering.
1. Flint Vineyard, Bungay
Flint Vineyard is found at Camphill Farm in Earsham, Bungay, and was founded in 2016 and boasts 'ultra-premium, low volume still wines'.
Visitors can opt for a guided tour through the vineyards and winery, which will show them the science behind the production of Flint Wine.
Lunch can also be enjoyed at the vineyard, of course with a glass of wine, and all meals are served with local produce from within a 15 mile radius of the farm.
Wines from this vineyard can be ordered online and start at £18.49. To order or to book a tour, visit the website.
2. Shawsgate Vineyard, Framlingham
Located on Badingham Road in Framlingham, Shawsgate Vineyard prides itself on being one of East Anglia's oldest vineyards.
The winery produces a range of white, red and rosé wines as well as sparkling options.
Visitors are invited to do a self-tour of the vineyard free of charge. Their website states staff will provide visitors with an information sheet and vineyard map on arrival.
The wine shop is open October to April Friday and Saturday 11am to 4pm and May to September Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.
Wine can also be purchased via their online shop, here.
3. Wyken Vineyards, Bury St Edmunds
Wyken Vineyards in Bury St Edmunds covers seven acres of south-facing slope and was planted in 1988.
Visitors are free to walk around the vineyard on a route from the Leaping Hare restaurant over the meadow to some stunning woodland.
Pre-booked vineyard tours and tastings are also available for groups of 10 or more on certain days. For more information, email groupvisits@wykenvineyards.co.uk.
4. Giffords Hall, Harest
Giffords Hall is found in Hartest, a village close to Bury St Edmunds, and offers a range of wines including award winning roses and fruity Pinot Noir.
Several types of tour are available at Giffords Hall and visitors can add a picnic box of bread, cheese and olives for £16.50 to enjoy on their trip.
The Giffords Hall website states: "Our tour gift vouchers provide a wonderful way of enjoying our informative, entertaining tours, either for yourself or as a great gift for friends or family.
"We also cater for parties and always look forward to welcoming visitors to our beautiful vineyard."
To book a tour for yourself, visit their website.
5. Valley Farm Vineyards, Wissett
Valley Farm Vineyards is located in Rumburgh Road, Wissett. The eight-acre site has 3,000 newly renovated vintage vines and offers tours and tasting.
The website states the vineyards specialise in producing quality grapes for still white and rosé, sparkling white, and sparkling blush wines.
Tours and tastings can be booked online and wines can be ordered to your door on the website.
6. Shotley Vineyard, Ipswich
Shotley Vineyard in Frogs Alley, Ipswich, offers a professionally-led tour and tutored tasting to its visitors.
The tasting will include Shotley Vineyard's Bacchus and Pinot Noir and you will have the option to add a grazing box or afternoon tea to your visit.
To book, visit the vineyard website.
