There’s an increasing awareness of vineyards across the south of the country – and Yorkshire is also starting to feature on English wine-lovers’ radars, but what about the bit in the middle? England’s heartland now boasts a new wine trail linking ten vineyards and wineries across the Severn Valley.
Visitors to Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire and even the centre of Birmingham can discover the region’s cellar door hospitality and winemaking talent. There’s a wide range of visitor experiences available to enable locals and tourists to explore the region’s award-winning wines.
The area has long attracted visitors to its scenic landscapes and is well-connected via major routes including the M5, M6, and M54, and has excellent rail links from Birmingham and beyond, making this an accessible region ready to be explored.
Cheers to Cheshire
It seems fitting that a county renowned for one of the oldest cheeses in the country is now producing wine. Goldford Wines is a boutique vineyard in the south of Cheshire planted in 2018 and open by appointment. Just three miles from the centre of Chester, sits Vines of Cheshire. It celebrated its first vintage in 2025 and now opens for tours, tastings and special events.
Staffordshire surprises
Staffordshire is world renowned for ceramics but it’s now time to take a closer look at their rich viticulture and winemaking. The well-established Halfpenny Green Wine Estate in Bobbington, South Staffordshire is open 7 days a week with a countryside restaurant and tea rooms. The site also boasts a craft village and Wild Zoological Park. From pre-booked tastings to a cheeky glass on the balcony overlooking the vines there’s plenty of reasons to visit. Just 20 minutes away by car is Pattingham Vineyard (in the village of the same name) with a modern tasting room open Wed–Sat for wines by the glass, cheese / charcuterie boards and sweet treats. You can also pre-book tours.
Head for the Shropshire Hills
From the Welsh border to the outskirts of market towns, the Shropshire wine scene has lots to offer. If you think a wine bar nestled amongst the vines sounds like your vibe head for Veenow Vineyard near Telford (open most Fridays and Saturdays).
Just outside Shrewsbury you’ll find Hencote Estate perched at the top of a hill with stunning views. Their bar, lounge and terrace are open Wednesday – Sunday and they do a wide range of bookable special events from Sunday roasts to picnics in the vines. You can also prebook tours and guided tastings. There’s luxury self-catering accommodation onsite for groups and you can even get married at the estate.
About 20 minutes away is the boutique Rowton Vineyard which hosts a range of events from food pop ups to arts and crafts like bottle painting and summer bouquets. You can visit the cellar door at Rowton Barns where there’s a cosy B&B – perfect for enabling visitors to stay and explore more of the area.
Planted on an ancient Roman site, Kerry Vale Vineyard on the Shropshire-Powys border opens 6 days a week. There’s a welcoming café (their pre-bookable afternoon teas are legendary!) and you can either pre-book a tour or take a self-guided tour. You can also adopt your own vine – the perfect gift for any wine lover.
Worcestershire’s wine pioneers
Located near Stourport on Severn, Astley Vineyard’s cellar door opens Friday-Sunday. The vineyard dates back to 1971 and today they are winning awards for their regenerative tourism. Tours & tastings can be booked, and you can also stay overnight in one of their beautiful Shepherd’s Huts.
Inner City winemaking
With the growth in popularity of urban wineries, the Severn Valley Wine Trail also includes Midland Press based in the trendy Digbeth area of Birmingham, making it easy to get close to the action. Many of their grapes are sourced from across the Severn Valley and if you book onto a tour you may get to taste from the barrel or tank. Watch out for pop up events too.
Rewarding experiences
Not only does the Severn Valley Wine Trail make it easy for you to explore the region at your own pace but each time you visit a member you can collect a stamp. Once you have six stamps you can claim a free bottle of wine. If you complete the full trail you’ll receive a second congratulatory bottle (valid for visits through to 31 March 2027).
Sometimes being in the middle is the best place to be and this is a wine region well worth exploring.
What is the Severn Valley Wine Trail?
A new wine trail linking ten vineyards and wineries across England’s heartland — spanning Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire and central Birmingham — showcasing the region’s cellar door hospitality and award-winning wines.
How does the Severn Valley Wine Trail reward scheme work?
Each time you visit a member vineyard or winery you collect a stamp. Six stamps earn a free bottle of wine, and completing the full trail earns a second congratulatory bottle. Valid for visits through to 31 March 2027.
Which counties does the Severn Valley Wine Trail cover?
Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire, plus an urban winery in the Digbeth area of central Birmingham.
Plan your visit
Featured photo credit: Astley Vineyard
