This Spring marks the beginning of a new chapter at Heron Farm Vineyard, as a local family steps into custodianship of the much-loved vineyard, kitchen and events destination near Honiton, Devon.
“Taking over the farm this spring, we are building on everything that already makes Heron Farm special: the kitchen, the beautiful vineyard, orchards and kitchen garden, and the inspiring surrounding landscape. We have plans to gently expand over time to create a place where people can eat, explore and restore. We’re building on Heron Farm’s established reputation, you’ll start to see new experiences across the farm, from outdoor dining and creative workshops to wellness spaces and family-focused activities. Our vision for Heron Farm is to grow it carefully and invite more people to enjoy it. We’ve been very lucky to inherit a fantastic team so we’re excited for the season ahead.”
Nikki and her husband Toby bring a shared passion for food & wine, design and a love of the outside to Heron Farm. Nikki’s background is in the commercial side of the wine and hospitality industry, while Toby is a trained architect whose practical skills are already proving invaluable across the farm – from maintenance projects to hands-on work in the kitchen garden. Together, they were drawn to Heron Farm for its unique blend of food, land and community.
New additions on the horizon will include an evening dining offering, a sauna experience, fully refurbished wellbeing studio and children’s forest school sessions to name a few.
Heron Farm will continue to operate as a breakfast, brunch and lunch destination, serving up seasonal dishes using produce from local suppliers and the farm’s own kitchen garden. Alongside this, Heron Farm will collaborate with some of the South West’s most exciting food talent, including upcoming supper clubs with MasterChef: The Professionals Finalist and former River Cottage Head Chef – Chiara Tomasoni and her partner Connor of Half Penny Farm, and a headline event with South West legend, Mark Hix MBE on July 31st. Tickets for which are on sale now via the Heron Farm website.
“Working with Mark Hix feels like a natural extension of what we’re building at Heron Farm. His deep South West roots and commitment to honest, ingredient-led cooking align perfectly with our ethos. Mark has an incredible ability to let great produce speak for itself, whether that’s through foraging, kitchen gardens or championing local suppliers.”
Through the summer, the farm’s stretch tent and mezzanine space will host an expanded programme of creative workshops and small-scale events. Plans include woodcraft, floristry, painting, fermentation, bee-keeping and other land-connected creative days – alongside a Forest School for children and new wellness classes in the soon-to-be fully refurbished wellness studio.
“We want this to be a place where people come to eat well, restore themselves, and explore – whether that’s through creativity, time outdoors, or simply slowing down and spending time with friends and family.”
Heron Farm is home to an eco-holiday accommodation sleeping up to fourteen guests. The vineyard and orchard walks, Ouessant sheep, space for children to roam – including a play area, and private wood-fired hot tub make it an idyllic setting for multi-generational gatherings, private celebrations and retreats.
Thanks to the vision of the farm’s original visionary creator and food writer, Mark Diacono, Heron Farm is already home to an extraordinary mix of crops from medlars, quinces, pecans, to Sichuan pepper. Alongside approximately 3000 vines of Solaris, Pinot Noir and Seyval Blanc grapes. Bookable farm and vineyard tours – including the site’s unique beaver habitat – run from April to October. Spring sowing is finally underway, with summer harvests set to take centre stage later in the year. Rather than presenting a finished transformation, the new custodians are inviting the community to follow along as the next chapter unfolds.
“This is very much just the start of our journey. We’re learning as we go, building carefully, and feeling incredibly grateful to be here.”
Heron Farm is open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, with evening dining, wellness classes, workshops and events launching throughout the year. Guests are invited to visit, relax and become part of the evolving story, so look out for more details as the year unfolds. For updates, events and bookings visit: www.heron-farm.co.uk and follow along on Instagram.
