Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham Wine, is proud to unveil its brand new visitor centre, winery and restaurant nestled in the South Devon countryside on the east bank of the River Dart. The doors will open in early June 2022, in time for English Wine Week (18th – 26th June 2022).
Vines were first planted at Sandridge Barton in 2008. Pinot Noir, Bacchus, Chardonnay, Madeleine Angevine and Pinot Gris are now grown in the vineyards which spread across 32 acres of the 400 acre estate. Positioned just south of the village of Stoke Gabriel, which is a few miles upriver from the ever-popular town of Dartmouth and a few miles downriver from Totnes, the site is rich in history. Much of the land falls into the South Hams AONB.
A vineyard called Stony Field, which is on a limestone ridge, was recently planted. Some of the premier wine districts in the world are planted on limestone and this, coupled with the increase in popularity of English wines, sets a very promising future for the wines produced at Sandridge Barton.
Duncan Schwab, CEO and head winemaker, comments: “We are excited to welcome visitors to our new home. In the past, when we were positioned on the Sharpham Estate, we had around 20,000 people a year visit us and we expect a similar number of visitors at Sandridge Barton. With the investment in the new tanks, barrels and other vital pieces of winemaking equipment we are anticipating an excellent showcase of wines this year, amongst the very best produced here in England.” Duncan continues: “In 2023 we’re hoping to further increase the vineyard by 10 acres which will potentially allow us to produce 120,000 bottles a year. These wines will be an evolution of those produced on the Sharpham Estate, from which we have built our reputation.”
In time for the opening, Sandridge Barton will be launching its new ‘Summer Sparkling’ wine, a fun, fresh pink sparkling wine best enjoyed chilled with friends on a hot summer’s day.
The on-site visitor centre has been created within the traditional buildings of the historic Lower Well Farm, with the central courtyard providing an exceptional seating area overlooking the surrounding countryside, including a spring-fed tributary leading to the River Dart nearby.
Exeter-based, Circa, has been named as the catering partner for the restaurant. Open for lunches from May through to December, the restaurant will offer a relaxed atmosphere, both inside and on a south facing sun terrace, using only the best local and seasonal produce.
From June, a range of experiences including guided and self-guided tastings will be hosted at the new site, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the different grape varieties grown in the vineyards there and the techniques used in the winery to craft each style of wine. There are walking trails through the estate and vineyards to explore as well as the opportunity to enjoy wines by the glass in the gallery bar or lunch in the courtyard. There will also be a shop stocking the full range of wines as well as Sharpham Dairy cheeses and other local produce to take home.
The Sandridge Barton estate also has self catering accommodation. In the Main House, which is located close to the vineyard and overlooks the River Dart, there are six bedrooms and an indoor swimming pool. The newly-renovated Farmhouse at Lower Well Farm has four bedrooms located by the winery and visitor centre. The Boathouse has two bedrooms and is located in total seclusion on the bank of the River Dart. All guests will have the opportunity to experience the offerings of the visitor centre.
To keep up to date with news and developments ‘like’ Sandridge Barton Wines on Facebook, ‘follow’ @sharpham_wine – Sandridge Barton Wines on Instagram or Sandridge Barton (the home of Sharpham Wines) on Twitter or visit www.sandridgebarton.com.
