Our charming region has become synonymous with a lot of things over the centuries: stunning natural beauty, scenic walks, the delectable Yorkshire Pudding… But sadly, wine isn’t yet one of those things – despite the fact that Yorkshire is home to a commendable 16 vineyards (and counting!).
Producing in excess of 100,000 bottles of wine every single year, Yorkshire’s wine export is nothing to be sniffed at – and despite not quite having the reputation of famous regions such as Marlborough, NZ and Bordeaux, France, God’s Own Country has a lot to offer wine lovers.
Pioneering awareness around Yorkshire’s incredible efforts, Ian Sargent – owner of one of East Yorkshire’s very own wineries, Laurel Vines – has teamed up with a number of locally-based winemakers within the region, creating the incredible new ‘Yorkshire Wine Trail’, which shines a bold spotlight on Yorkshire’s talented winemakers.
Trailing almost every corner of Yorkshire, vino fans can sample tipples from West, East and North Yorkshire – starting with Leeds’ very own Leventhorpe Vineyard.
Starting life back in 1985, the long-standing vineyard is pretty unique – as far as Yorkshire vineyards go, at least. Sitting within the Leeds City boundary, the five-acre location offers a low altitude, South-facing location like no other, in comparison to the region’s remaining rural vineyards that grow within the rolling Yorkshire hills. And it’s the location that really helps them, too, producing beautiful wines thanks to the science of weather and altitude, including dry white wines, sparkling, and some extra special reds, too.
Leaving Leeds and heading for the East Riding of Yorkshire, which is surprisingly home to a vast number of wonderful vineyards, the trail then moves on to Carlton Tower’s idyllic Walled Garden, specialising in Auxerrois Colmar and Pinot Noir, before travelling up to the Wolds where guests can enjoy spectacular views at South Cave’s Little Wold Vineyard, and Driffield’s Laurel Vines.
Together, the latter wineries make up two of East Yorkshire’s most prominently loved vineyards, with Little Wold becoming well-known for its Solaris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and Laurel Vines finding success with an array of dry white wines, rosé and more.
Attracting the sunshine all day long at its South-facing vineyard, Little Wold offers the perfect excuse to see the region in all of its picturesque glory. Although “picturesque” is probably quite the understatement – with sunsets in the Wolds, in particular, providing views magnificent enough to be comparable to Italy. Yep, we went there. How could we not?
Found in the beautiful countryside on the outskirts of the popular market town of Beverley, both vineyards make for the perfect afternoon – whatever the season – with tours running regularly to help avid wine fans learn more about their tipple of choice.
Ending the trail in two historic corners of Yorkshire, guests can discover the likes of Malton’s Ryedale Vineyards for some specialist reds, whites, rosés, sparkling wines and tasty Yorkshire cider, before finishing up at York’s very own Yorkshire Heart – which, over the years, has carved out a reputation as one of Yorkshire’s finest, award-winning wineries.
A popular attraction within North Yorkshire, Yorkshire Heart produces some incredible wines to try, including dry whites, rosés, deep reds, and a range of fantastic sparklings to try, including a sparkling red.
Finding life just this past June, the Yorkshire Wine Trail can completed at your own pace whenever you choose, with plenty to keep you returning to Yorkshire throughout the year – and, in particular, those all-important summer months that are simply heaven on the vineyards.
To follow the trail and find out more, head to the website here.
Read more: The York ‘Speakcheesy’ Serving Wine & Cheese From A Secret Garden
