Wine tasting is a fun and interesting experience and one that is great to do with your nearest and dearest.
Designed to try a variety of different wines in a beautiful vineyard, it’s a great day out and one you won’t forget.
With its rolling hills and temperate climate, Dorset has become home to some fantastic vineyards.
Vineyards that produce high-quality, award-winning wines.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just enjoying a relaxing day out amidst beautiful landscapes, these vineyards offer something special for every visitor.
This guide will introduce you to seven must-see locations, each with its unique charm and offerings.
From intimate family-run estates to well-known names in the wine industry, Dorset’s vineyards promise delightful tours, tastings, and unforgettable experiences.
Discover the rich flavours and scenic beauty that make Dorset a top destination for wine lovers.
Table of Contents
1. English Oak Vineyard
English Oak Vineyard sits perfectly in the English countryside. The vineyard is known for its 23,000 Pinot and Chardonnay vines, which produce award-winning sparkling wines.
Visitors are greeted by an enchanting koi pond at the entrance, creating a charming first impression.
The tour, led by the vineyard owners, starts in a scenic oak amphitheatre.
During the tour, you’ll walk through the endless rows of grapevines while learning about the detailed work of growing grapes in the UK’s challenging climate.
Back at the visitor centre, you’ll delve into the process of making sparkling wine and sample four delicious wines, each with unique flavours and aromas.
It is also a spectacular place to host a wedding, with beautiful backdrops of the countryside and great wedding packages.
📍 Flowers Drove, Lytchett Matravers, Poole BH16 6BX
2. Furleigh Estate
Furleigh Estate, located in the south-west corner of Dorset, is well-known for its stunning wines.
Beautiful countryside surrounds the vineyard and has lots of opportunities to spot the local wildlife, such as buzzards, pheasants and deer.
Tours are available from Wednesday to Sunday, as well as on Bank Holidays, and must be booked in advance.
Visitors can choose between the Summer Grand Tour or the Summer Classic Tour.
The Summer Grand Tour includes a stroll through the vineyard, a look inside the advanced winery, and a seated tasting of their wines, costing £30 per person.
The Summer Classic Tour is a shorter experience but also covers the vineyard walk, winery visit, and guided wine tasting.
This tour costs £20 per person and lasts about 90 minutes.
Visitors can also drop in for a tasting session from Tuesday to Sunday without needing to book. Tastings are £10 per person.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a lead; however, they’re not allowed in the winery.
📍 Furleigh Farm Salwayash, Bridport DT6 5JF
3. Little Waddon Vineyard
Little Waddon Vineyard is a charming, small-scale vineyard located near Weymouth on the iconic Jurassic Coast.
It focuses on producing low-intervention, organic wines without using synthetic pesticides or chemicals.
The vineyard is nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, ensuring breathtaking views.
Visitors can enjoy guided tours and tastings throughout the summer.
These tours provide insight into the vineyard’s story, growing methods, and wines.
The tours culminate at the terrace and tasting room, offering beautiful vistas over the vines.
Different tasting boards are available, each paired with the vineyard’s finest wines.
Options include “Fizz at the Vineyard” with sparkling white wine and scones, “Traditional Bubbles” pairing cheese and bread with sparkling and still wines, and more.
There’s also the option of staying on the vineyard with the choice of a cosy cabin or a cool shepherd’s hut.
Dogs on leads are welcome.
📍 Winter’s Ln, Waddon, Weymouth DT3 4ER
4. Langham Wine Estate
Langham Wine Estate is nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of rural Dorset.
This charming spot offers captivating views and a peaceful environment. It’s a place where you can relax and enjoy quality time.
Tours at Langham Wine Estate are educational and fun. The guided tour, lasting around two hours, takes visitors through the vineyard and winery.
Guests learn about the process of making traditional method sparkling wines.
For those seeking a deeper insight, the Winemaker’s Tour is a perfect choice.
Guided by Head Winemaker Tommy Grimshaw, visitors hear about the estate’s growth and winemaking process.
This exclusive tour includes tastings of rare and limited-edition sparkling wines.
Visitors can also embark on self-guided tastings and vineyard walks.
Discover informative signs scattered throughout the vineyard and enjoy tasting three of Langham’s wines.
This experience is a relaxing way to explore at your own pace.
Events are also held throughout the year, such as Fizz Friday, a night celebrating Dorset seafood, wine and live music.
📍 The Tasting Room, Crawthorne Farm, Crawthorne, Dorchester DT2 7NG
5. Bride Valley Vineyard
Nestled in the hills of the Bride Valley, known for its scenic landscape, the Bride Valley vineyard offers a unique wine-tasting experience.
The tour includes a walk through the picturesque 10 hectares of vineyard.
The passionate wine team shares fascinating insights about grape growing and winemaking.
The tasting session is held in the charming Tasting Tent. Guests can enjoy sampling both still and sparkling wines while soaking in the lovely vineyard views.
The amazing surroundings will add to the enjoyable experience; well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
📍 Bride Valley Vineyard, Litton Cheney, Dorchester DT2 9GE
6. Melbury Vale Winery
Melbury Vale Winery is nestled in the beautiful Dorset hills near Shaftesbury.
The winery features 2000 vines on a picturesque hillside, creating a serene atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy pre-booked tours, which include wine tastings and lunches made from local produce. Tours are available on Fridays and Saturdays from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm.
The winery is also open to passing trade from 10 am to 4 pm.
The option to stay on the vineyard is there with a lodge and glamping options available.
📍 Foot’s Hill, Cann, Shaftesbury SP7 0BW
7. Louma Farm and Retreat
Louma Farm and Retreat offers a delightful experience with its 30-acre vineyard.
The vineyard is nestled in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Visitors can embark on a guided tour of the vineyard. During the tour, they can learn about the five varieties of still and sparkling wines produced here.
Each wine is crafted from hand-harvested grapes. This ensures the highest quality.
Guests are invited to explore the Wine Cellar. Here, they can taste these wines and enjoy the unique flavours.
This journey through the senses highlights the vineyard’s connection to the rolling hills and the gentle sea breeze.
📍 Louma Farm and Retreat, Bridport DT6 6DF
