_New Wine Trail launched on Visit Suffolk to showcase Suffolk vineyards
Wine + vineyards
Suffolk Wine Trail
A new Wine Trail has been launched to help showcase Suffolk’s growing collection of local vineyards.
Funded by the Visitor Economy teams at District Councils across Suffolk including Mid Suffolk, Babergh and West Suffolk, a new Suffolk Wine Trail, hosted on the Visit Suffolk website, has been created to support our new generation of vineyards and help boost wine tourism.
Wine tourism is increasing across the UK according to industry trade body WineGB, as tourists seek out vineyard tours and the opportunity to sample local wines. There are more than 13 vineyards in Suffolk, with many offering tastings, regular tours and fine-dining experiences, with eight of the biggest being profiled on the Visit Suffolk website.
The launch of the Suffolk Wine Trail coincided with English Wine Week in June, a celebration of British viticulture.
Vineyards being highlighted as part of this campaign are:
- ARK Wines
- Burnt House Vineyard
- Coopers Croft Vineyard
- Giffords Hall Vineyard
- Hawkswood Vineyard
- Shotley Vineyard
- Valley Farm Vineyards
- Wyken Vineyards
Giffords Hall Vineyard and ARK Wines sit just outside Sudbury, with Coopers Croft Vineyard a little further west into the countryside. Hawkswood Vineyard and Wyken Vineyards sit to the east of Bury St Edmunds, while Burnt House Vineyard is just outside Stowmarket. The furthest south is Shotley Vineyard near Shotley, while Valley Farm sits the furthest north just outside of Halesworth.
The vineyards offer wines produced by a range of grapes, including Bacchus and Pinot Noir, leading to white, rose, red and sparkling varieties.
“Not only is this a great way to showcase the brilliant wine-offering here in Suffolk, but it is a great boost for local businesses and will do wonders for the local economy”
Nick Watson, chair of WineGB East and responsible for Coopers Croft Vineyard, based in Suffolk, said: ‘If you like wine, then Suffolk is a region to really get excited about. We have got near perfect conditions with the quality of our soil, the changing climate and our centuries of farming knowledge. That has really ramped up over the past few years to the point we are now creating truly world class wines. The Suffolk Wine Trail is just the start of our legacy as a leading English wine region.’
James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk, who has championed the initiative, said: ‘The time has come for more people to hear what Suffolk has to offer wine lovers. I want to support these small businesses and boost this opportunity for Suffolk to feel the wider economic benefit through increased visitor numbers.’
Holly Oakland of Visit East of England, which operates Visit Suffolk as well as managing the Suffolk and Norfolk Local Visitor Economy Partnership, said: ‘Visit Suffolk is the first touchpoint for potential visitors who want to know more about coming to our fantastic county, so the county’s official tourism website is the ideal location for this exciting Wine Trail. We’re thrilled to be hosting this initiative and it’s a pleasure to be working in partnership with stakeholders to help create England’s latest wine region.’
For more information on the campaign, including an interactive map:
Councillor Tim Weller, Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture & Wellbeing at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: ‘I am excited to see the launch of this new campaign and to really shine a light on some of the award-winning vineyards Suffolk has to offer.’
Councillor Derek Davis, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy at Babergh District Council, said: ‘Not only is this a great way to showcase the brilliant wine-offering here in Suffolk, but it is a great boost for local businesses and will do wonders for the local economy.’
Councillor Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council, said: ‘We are delighted to be supporting the new Suffolk Wine Trail. This is a brilliant way to celebrate what these businesses have on offer, from wine tastings to tours set in the beautiful Suffolk countryside.’
Councillor Sarah Whitelock Cabinet Member at East Suffolk Council with responsibility for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said: ‘Supporting the Suffolk Wine Trail helps showcase our fantastic local produce while attracting more visitors to enjoy the unique experiences our vineyards offer.’
For more information on the campaign, including an interactive map: