New campaign launched to showcase Suffolk vineyards
Funded by the visitor economy teams at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils and West Suffolk Council, a new Suffolk Wine Trail, hosted on the Visit Suffolk website, has been created to support this 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 coincides with English Wine Week (20th June – 28th June), a celebration of British viticulture.
Vineyards being spotlight 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 of 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.
Nick Watson, chair of WineGB East and responsible for Coopers Croft Vineyard, based in Suffolk, commented:
Councillor Tim Weller, Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture & Wellbeing at Mid Suffolk District Council, said:
It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase bring well-deserved attention to some of the county’s best-kept secrets.”
