The Best Vineyards Near Cambridge

Limestone and chalk soils abound in this high quality region

If you’re in Cambridge and looking for a great day out tasting English wine, there are several fantastic vineyards you can visit very close to the city. The wine region of Cambridgeshire isn’t as developed as some counties in the south-east, but its best vineyards include several planted on the limestone and chalk soils often associated with top quality wine production.

Visiting Cambridge

Cambridge is a city synonymous with top-tier education. Those visiting Cambridge will likely visit the colleges of Cambridge University, an institution founded in 1209 that has since produced more Nobel Prize recipients than any other.

One of the most relaxing ways to see Cambridge is via river punting. While this is an activity seen in very few places in the UK, in Cambridge it is a major means of sightseeing as the river Cam passes nearby many of the most famous university colleges. When you visit one the excellent vineyards near Cambridge, make sure you buy a bottle and enjoy it afterwards on a guided punt tour of the city.

Four of the Best Vineyards Near Cambridge

Gutter & Stars

Gutter & Stars isn’t technically a vineyard – but it is arguably the best place to find English wine in the Cambridge area. In fact it is a fully operational urban winery found in the basement of a decomissioned windmill in the outskirts of Cambridge! Don’t make the mistake of discounting Gutter & Stars just because they don’t own a vineyard – this tiny winery sources fruit from some of England’s best growers, and makes some of the highest-rated still wines in England.

Owner and winemaker Chris Wilson holds regular tastings – and you can buy his wines direct on Marasby Market, at the same prices available at the winery itself.

Saffron Grange

Safford Grange is a short 25-minute drive from central Cambridge and sits upon chalky soil, very similar to that found in France’s Champagne region. Guided by nature and the ground beneath their feet, the Saffron team has spent the last 10 years improving their range of English Sparkling Wines.

This prolonged effort has found Saffron Grange recipients of numerous Decanter World Wine Awards, most notably the double-award winning 2018 Cuvée.

Visit Saffron Grange

Chilford Hall

Chilford Hall is a family-run estate found tucked away in the idyllic setting of the Cambridgeshire Downs. Having identified suitable soils and a fantastic climate for growing grapes, the first vines were planted in 1972, making it one of the oldest vineyards in England.

Today the vineyards cover nearly 20 acres with the capacity to produce 18,000 bottles of their range of still and sparkling wine. For those visiting Chilford Hall, there is the option for afternoon tea on the terrace, or a tour of their winery and vineyard followed by a tasting, ensuring that there is a fantastic day out available for everyone.

Visit Chilford Hall

The Rutland Vineyard

The south-facing slopes of The Rutland Vineyard are made of limestone-rich soils particularly suitable for grape growing. Rutland has carefully selected a range of grape varieties which complement the soil and climate, and these produce both still and sparkling wine.

These wines can be explored and tasted on The Rutland Vineyard’s comprehensive tours delivered by a Master of Wine, making them one of the only UK vineyards to offer this service.

Visit The Rutland Vineyard

Join the 1%

The Cambridge region has fantastic soils and an excellent climate for grape growing, yet its vineyard scene is still in its infancy. However, there are several award-winning vineyards you can visit just a few miles from the city, and a tour and tasting can give a fantastic flavour of the Cambridgeshire countryside.

Despite the fantastic quality of wines coming from Cambridge and elsewhere in England and Wales, 99% of the wine we drink in the UK is still imported. Buy wines direct from the winemaker at vineyard prices on Marasby Market, sign up to our mailing list, and join the 1% leaning into local, sustainable and delicious English wine.