When I’m going away somewhere in England I now automatically check whether there are any vineyards nearby and I was delighted to find two within 40 minutes drive of Templecombe in rural Somerset.
Fenny Castle, just outside Wells, offers tours and tastings but our timings meant we were just dropping past the cellar door shop (which opens on request) en route to our accommodation. Gill the owner was extremely welcoming to the Aladdin’s cave which is the shop and production facility. We stocked up on a selection of their award-winning wines (and ciders) to enjoy that evening and she was very happy to let us wander around their small estate with rolling hills looking towards Glastonbury.
The next day we fancied lunch out and headed to Wraxall Vineyard near Shepton Mallet where they have a restaurant called The View. True to its name the glass fronted building looks out across the vines and, even on a wet and windy day in March, it still felt magical. There was a small menu of locally sourced tarts and savoury pastries (including great vegetarian options) and we enjoyed their wines by the glass, tasting the sparkling and rose. They have some lovely looking accommodation options too and it would be a great place to immerse yourself in the vines.
Somerset isn’t a County you traditionally associate with wines so it was a wonderful surprise to find these charming vineyards welcoming visitors.
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