Cornish wine and Cornish vineyards: Unique experiences at our holiday cottages in Cornwall
Some of our most cherished evenings at The Cornish Place are spent outdoors, savouring a glass of crisp, locally-produced wine. Cornish vineyards, renowned for their award-winning wines, have earned an excellent reputation for quality. Since the first vineyard opened in the 1970s, Cornish viticulture has thrived, with some vineyards achieving international protected status. Join us in our exploration of the best wine in Cornwall, where we celebrate the best of this stunning region.
Based in the heart of Cornwall, The Cornish Place offers more than just a tranquil retreat. Here, amidst the rolling farmland and scenic landscapes, guests can enjoy a delicious variety of traditional Cornish wines. Cornwall’s mild climate and unique soil has led to its recent emergence as a notable region for wine production. From sparkling rosés to full-bodied reds to crisp white wines, there are a broad range of award-winning tipples on offer.
Whether you're a wine connoisseur or simply looking to indulge in a unique and flavourful experience, join us as we introduce you to the delightful world of Cornish wine and the exceptional vineyards and varieties Cornwall has to showcase. Discover how our holiday cottages in Cornwall create the perfect setting for enjoying this local treasure, and learn why Cornish wine has become a beloved feature of the weddings and special occasions hosted here.
Wine at The Cornish Place
We pride ourselves on providing our guests with a true taste of Cornwall. Whether you’re sipping a glass of locally-produced wine on your cottage deck, enjoying a carefully curated wine and cheese night, or enjoying one of our on-site weddings or events, there is ample opportunity to sample the region’s wares. Here are our favourite places to enjoy Cornish wine at The Cornish Place:
The Paddock
The Paddock at The Cornish Place
Enjoy a welcome drink at our purpose-built chill space, surrounded by the greenery of the Cornish landscape. Complete with Moroccan-inspired seating, a pizza oven and a barbecue, The Paddock is also the perfect space for outdoor cooking events or small wedding parties. Complete with our fully-licensed Butt Ugly Bar, which we lovingly crafted from a disused trailer, it’s a relaxing spot for enjoying a glass of the good stuff. Our stock includes wine from our favourite suppliers, plus locally-produced gin and cider.
The Piggery
Group dining in the Piggery event space
Our central courtyard and hangout place – The Piggery – is another fantastic place to enjoy a glass of wine after a Cornish day out. Stocked with board games, cakes and ice creams too, it is your area to both treat yourself and unwind. The Piggery can also be used as an event space, for small parties, work events or even pop-up spa days. Found right next to our luxurious holiday cottages, it is a space to use exactly as you wish.
Wine tasting events at The Cornish Place
We’ve built great relationships with local suppliers through hosting weddings and events. We are therefore delighted to host exclusive Cornish wine tasting events in collaboration with local vineyards, offering the perfect introduction to Cornwall’s wine scene.
Private wine tasting evenings in Cornwall
Expect to taste a diverse selection of delicious locally-produced wines, guided by those who create them. Become an expert in Cornish wines as you learn about the winemaking process, the nuances of growing wine in Cornwall, and the stories behind each bottle. Wine tasting at The Cornish Place is an intimate and relaxed setting, where you can ask questions and discover your new favourite tipple.
Cheese and wine nights at The Cornish Place
One of our favourite ways to enjoy Cornish wine at The Cornish Place is during our cheese and wine nights. Pairing our favourite tipples with an artisan cheese is for us, nothing short of heavenly. Sample Cornish yarg, Helford blue and a range of other high-quality cheeses paired perfectly with a carefully selected range of wines. Enjoyed al fresco or in one of our indoor nooks, it’s the ultimate night in at your home away from home.
If you’d like to learn more about our wine tasting events, please get in touch.
What makes Cornish wine special?
Now we’ve told you our favourite ways to enjoy wine at The Cornish Place, you may still be wondering: but is Cornish wine really that good? With a growing number of award-winning bottles and vineyards being gifted Protected Designated Origin status, we can confidently say – yes! A lot of it has to do with the unique Cornish climate, soil quality and the artisan approach local vineyards take towards production. There is also a strong focus on sustainable practices amongst Cornish vineyards, including organic farming and preserving local biodiversity.
Cornish climate and terroir
Cornwall’s climate is milder than other parts of the UK, making it fantastic for both holidaying and viticulture. This means winter frosts are less likely to damage vines and moderate temperatures make the region more favourable for growing. These milder temperatures also lengthen the growing season, giving grapes more time to ripen. The result is the development of more complex flavours, which are often light, fruity and refreshing.
The soil also plays a significant role in the success of Cornish wine, with plenty of granite and slate found in the region. This, combined with sandy soils, helps to add minerality to the grapes, whilst also providing adequate drainage. The terrain is complemented by the hilly Cornish landscape, which prevents waterlogging and improves air and water circulation. All together these elements create an excellent growing environment which sets Cornish wine apart from the rest of the UK’s.
The best wine in Cornwall
Around two thirds of Cornish wine produced is of sparkling variety, with some being compared to champagne. However, there is a growing catalogue of grapes growing here, which will appeal to fans of still white, red and rosé too.
Here are our favourite Cornish vineyards and Cornish wine varieties not to be missed, including bottles we sell via The Cornish Place shop.
Camel Valley
Camel Valley - a popular Cornish Vineyard
A family-run business on the outskirts of the wild Bodmin Moors, Camel Valley is perhaps the most famous Cornish vineyard. Its wine has won awards at both the national and international level and son Sam is recognised as ‘UK winemaker of the year’. They have received particular attention for their sparkling varieties and were the first UK vineyard to be awarded Protected Designated Origin status.
Camel Valley ‘Cornwall’ Brut: A fresh and fruity sparkling wine served in Rick Stein and Nathan Outlaw’s Michelin star restaurants. Expect fine bubbles, crisp acidity and hedgerow scents with a touch of honey.
Camel Valley Pinot Noir Rosé Brut: A delicately balanced rosé sparkling wine with undertones of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of cream. 2020 winner at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships.
Camel Valley Atlantic White: A crisp and fresh white with flavours of lush apricot and green fruits. It’s the perfect accompaniment to seafood dishes and is served in many Cornish restaurants.
Trevibban Mill
Trevibban Mill Vineyard near Padstow
Found next to the stunning fishing village of Padstow, Trevibban Mill is a working vineyard which produces a variety of exemplary wines. Trevibban is known for its commitment to organic farming and sustainable practices, favouring quality over quantity. They also produce a delicious sparkling cider which we stock at our bar.
Trevibban Mill Constantine: A complex, medium bodied organic Chardonnay, aged in new French Oak, this award-winning bottle also comes with aromas of butter, acacia flowers and sweet spice.
Trevibban Mill Pinot Noir Rosé Sparkling: A light sparkling rosé, complete with delicate bubbles. Expect undertones of strawberries and cream which are irresistible to tastebuds.
Trevibban Mill Red: A tantalising red wine with delicate flavours of cherry, blackcurrant and a gentle spice. It is an excellent example of red wine’s potential in a cooler climate, with aromas of dark berries, cooked plums and damsons.
Knightor
Knightor Vineyard on the Roseland Peninsula
A working winery and exclusive wedding venue set on the picturesque Roseland Peninsula, Knightor is known for its minimal intervention approach to viticulture. All of their wines are vegan-friendly and low in sulphates, with natural sweetness being added from fruit, not sugar. They tend to have short runs of wine, before producing new batches, to allow each harvest to sing its own praises.
Knightor Bacchus: This aromatic white wine offers intense aromas of elderflower, grapefruit and Mediterranean herbs. Its crisp acidity and delicate flavours also have a touch of gooseberry and white pepper.
Knightor Brut Classic Cuvée White: This sparkling white is light and elegant with a lively mousse. With flavours of ripe apple and citrus, the fruit characters really come to the forefront.
Knightor Pinot Noir Rosé: A dry, crisp rosé with a delicate palate of raspberry, vanilla and cream, this refreshing bottle also has subtle aromas of strawberry and violet.
Knightor Madeleine Angevine: An aromatic and bone dry palate with flavours of fresh apple, pear and elderflower, Madeleine Angevine is the perfect aperitif or serves well with seafood.
A Cornish sunset over the Courtyard at The Cornish Place
The best way to enjoy Cornish wine is when paired with a Cornish sunset. Book your stay at our holiday cottages in Cornwall, for a chance to experience this winning combination. If you’re interested in enjoying one of our on-site wine experiences, get in touch to learn more.