Delightful devon
How many vineyards are there in Britain? Six? A dozen? Maybe 20? No, in fact there are about 700 of them, would you believe – big and small, great and not so good.
Devon is home to many of the most renowned wine makers, and now you can visit them with an expert guide. One of the southwest’s top foodie hotels, the chic Magdalen Chapter, has launched an exclusive Wine Tours Package.
The short break, available all summer, costs from £449 per person for two sharing and includes two nights’ bed and breakfast, £40 to spend on dinner one evening at The Magdalen Chapter and a full day’s vineyard experience with South Devon Wine Tours. All guests will also receive a bottle of local wine in their room on arrival.
For the wine tour, guests will be picked up from the hotel and taken to three different vineyards. Pebblebed in Clyst St George, featured on television series Dragons’ Den, produces sparkling, white and rosé wines. The tour also takes in Old Walls Vineyard in Teignmouth and Lily Farm near Budleigh Salterton. Lunch will be served at From Devon’s vineyards to Egypt’s temples, soak up this week’s holiday highlights one of the vineyards.
South Devon Wine Tours is a new company, which aims to introduce visitors to Devon’s wine industry. Knowledgeable driver/guides tell guests about the wines, including how they are produced, plus throw in a bit of local history, too. Then, of course, you get to taste the wines and have an opportunity to buy some to take home.
You'll visit Pebblebed vineyards on the tour
Says owner Andrew Benham: ‘The Romans had vineyards around here nearly 2,000 years ago, and nowadays we are producing some great wines, which can hold their head up in any company. The southwest has a great climate for sparkling wines particularly, and these are now winning awards up against the best the French have to off er.’
Meanwhile, The Magdalen Chapter hotel, set within historic walled gardens, is very close to Exeter city centre so you can fit in some shopping too, and enjoy afternoon tea in the shade of the superb cathedral.
To book the Wine Tours Package: 01392-288171, www.themagdalenchapter.com
Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk
Prices are correct at the time of going to press
Devon is home to many of the most renowned wine makers, and now you can visit them with an expert guide. One of the southwest’s top foodie hotels, the chic Magdalen Chapter, has launched an exclusive Wine Tours Package.
The short break, available all summer, costs from £449 per person for two sharing and includes two nights’ bed and breakfast, £40 to spend on dinner one evening at The Magdalen Chapter and a full day’s vineyard experience with South Devon Wine Tours. All guests will also receive a bottle of local wine in their room on arrival.
For the wine tour, guests will be picked up from the hotel and taken to three different vineyards. Pebblebed in Clyst St George, featured on television series Dragons’ Den, produces sparkling, white and rosé wines. The tour also takes in Old Walls Vineyard in Teignmouth and Lily Farm near Budleigh Salterton. Lunch will be served at From Devon’s vineyards to Egypt’s temples, soak up this week’s holiday highlights one of the vineyards.
South Devon Wine Tours is a new company, which aims to introduce visitors to Devon’s wine industry. Knowledgeable driver/guides tell guests about the wines, including how they are produced, plus throw in a bit of local history, too. Then, of course, you get to taste the wines and have an opportunity to buy some to take home.
You'll visit Pebblebed vineyards on the tourSays owner Andrew Benham: ‘The Romans had vineyards around here nearly 2,000 years ago, and nowadays we are producing some great wines, which can hold their head up in any company. The southwest has a great climate for sparkling wines particularly, and these are now winning awards up against the best the French have to off er.’
Meanwhile, The Magdalen Chapter hotel, set within historic walled gardens, is very close to Exeter city centre so you can fit in some shopping too, and enjoy afternoon tea in the shade of the superb cathedral.
To book the Wine Tours Package: 01392-288171, www.themagdalenchapter.com
Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk
Prices are correct at the time of going to press