South East Cornwall Vineyards
When you think of Cornwall, stunning coastal cliffs, charming fishing villages, and fresh seafood are usually what come to mind. But there’s a hidden gem gaining serious attention – its wine scene.
We’re lucky to have a number of local vineyards within an hour of Blue Monkey Cornwall, producing world-class wines. Read on to discover our top five South East Cornwall Vineyards: Tamar Valley, Calancombe Estate, Looe Valley, Camel Valley, and Trevibban Mill.
1. Tamar Valley Vineyard
Located along the serene banks of the Tamar River, Tamar Valley Vineyard combines old-world tradition with contemporary techniques. The vineyard’s history stretches back to the Domesday Book, giving it centuries of heritage.
What makes Tamar Valley special:
Award-winning sparkling wines: The vineyard produces exceptional sparkling varieties that rival more established regions across England and beyond.
Sustainability focus: Tamar Valley is committed to sustainable practices that respect the unique terroir of the area. The combination of soil, climate, and landscape that gives wines their distinctive character.
Breathtaking riverside setting: The views across the Tamar Valley make this an ideal spot for visitors seeking both wine education and natural beauty.
Tours and tastings: If you’re interested in how traditional winemaking methods blend with modern innovation, Tamar Valley is essential. The estate offers tours and tastings that explore the full winemaking journey.
2. Calancombe Estate: Family-run vineyard
Nestled in the rolling hills of South East Cornwall, Calancombe Estate is a family-run vineyard that focuses on quality in every bottle.
What makes Calancombe Estate special
Surroundings: This family-run vineyard benefits from a favourable microclimate created by surrounding woodlands. The sheltered valley creates ideal growing conditions for premium wine production. Their team focuses on quality over quantity, and it’s evident in every bottle, making it a beloved destination for wine connoisseurs seeking a taste of Cornwall’s unique terroir.
Visitor experience: Expect personalised tastings and conversations with the winemakers themselves. The intimate setting makes Calancombe perfect for those wanting to understand the “why” behind each vintage.
3. Looe Valley Vineyard
Located near the charming coastal town of Looe, Looe Valley Vineyard transcends the typical winery experience.
Why Looe Valley stands out
Looe Valley Vineyard functions as a vibrant cultural destination offering far more than tastings:
- Wine tastings: Regular events featuring their own production and guest vintners
- Art exhibitions: Local artists showcase work in the vineyard’s gallery spaces
- Live music: Seasonal performances set against vineyard backdrops
- Community events: From harvest celebrations to seasonal festivals
Best time to visit: Summer months offer the most activity, though spring and autumn provide quieter, equally rewarding experiences. Check out their instagram account to keep up with events scheduled
4. Camel Valley Vineyard:
No tour of South East Cornwall’s vineyards is complete without Camel Valley Vineyard, renowned for its world-class sparkling wines.
What makes Camel Valley Vineyard special
International recognition
This vineyard has been instrumental in establishing English sparkling wine as a serious competitor on the global stage. Their achievements include:
- Multiple international awards recognising quality and innovation
- Export success: Camel Valley wines are now stocked in premium venues across Europe and beyond
- Consistent excellence: Year after year, their releases receive critical acclaim
The vineyard brings together three essential elements: a favourable climate, skilled winemaking, and a commitment to excellence. South East Cornwall’s maritime conditions provide an ideal environment for cultivating Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes used in sparkling wine production. This natural advantage is complemented by a team with decades of experience, continually refining its craft through innovation. At every stage of production, a rigorous focus on quality ensures exceptional results.
Perfect for: Those seeking a vineyard tour of world-class sparkling wines and wanting to understand how a small English vineyard achieved international success.
5. Trevibban Mill:
Located within a restored apple orchard, Trevibban Mill takes a holistic approach to winemaking that respects both craft and environment.
What makes Trevibban Mill special
Sustainability as core practice
Trevibban has sustainability built it into every operational decision:
- Organic viticulture: No synthetic pesticides or herbicides – the vineyard works with nature
- Solar power: On-site solar facilities reduce the vineyard’s carbon footprint
- Land stewardship: The team actively manages the surrounding orchard and woodland ecosystem
- Waste reduction: Composting and recycling programs minimise landfill impact
The Visitor Experience
Trevibban offers something special: spectacular panoramic views combined with wines crafted with meticulous care. Many visitors describe it as a meditative, restorative experience rather than just a wine tasting.
The setting within an orchard means you’re not just tasting wine, you’re experiencing the complete agricultural landscape that produces it.
Planning your wine trail from Blue Monkey
Blue Monkey is located at Kingsand/Cawsand – ideally positioned as your base for exploring South East Cornwall’s wine region. The cottage sits in the heart of this charming area, giving you easy access to all five featured vineyards.
Complete vineyard planning table
Use this comprehensive guide to plan your wine tour from Bluemonkey:
| Vineyard | Distance from BM | Best For | Opening Hours | Tour Times |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Looe Valley Vineyard | 20-25 mins | Community-focused, hands-on experience, cultural events | Easter-October | Mon 4 pm, Thu & Sat 2:30 pm (2 hours) |
| Tamar Valley Vineyard | 25-30 mins | Historic charm, riverside views, award-winning sparkling wine | Seasonal – check website | Guided tours available (book in advance) |
| Calancombe Estate | 30-35 mins | Fine dining + wine, elegant restaurant, quality-focused | Fri-Sat 9 am-5:30 pm (seasonal) | Guided tours 11:15 am, Grand Tour 12 pm |
| Trevibban Mill | 30-35 mins | Sustainable practices, cider tasting, panoramic views | Tue-Sat 12-5 pm (seasonal) | Guided tours Wed-Sat 3 pm (book ahead) |
| Camel Valley Vineyard | 35-40 mins | World-class sparkling wines, international awards | Mon-Fri 10 am-5 pm, Sat Easter-Sep | Mon-Fri 10:30 am, Wed 5 pm Grand Tour |
Important Notes:
- All times are current as of April 2026
- Always book tours in advance, especially May-September when availability is limited
- Most vineyards close from November to February, so plan accordingly
- Grand Tours offer more in-depth tastings and last 1.5-2+ hours
- Standard tours typically include 3-5 wine tastings plus information
Making the most of your wine tour
Before you leave Blue Monkey:
- Check each vineyard’s opening hours and book tours in advance
- Print or save their locations in your phone’s GPS
- Have breakfast – you’ll be tasting all day
- Designate a driver or arrange transportation (taxi services available locally)
During your tastings:
- Pace yourself: Space tastings across your day (1-2 hours between stops is ideal)
- Ask questions: Winemakers love talking about their craft and the unique Cornish terroir
- Take notes: Keep a small notebook or use your phone to remember favourites – you’ll want to reorder later
- Eat properly: Have a proper lunch between morning and afternoon tastings (local restaurants in Looe or Torpoint work well)