Chilford Hall Vineyard is one England's oldest vineyards and one of the largest in East Anglia. There are approximately 17,000 vines and 9 varieties. From the grapes to the glass, all is done at Chilfor Hall. The winery building at Chilford was rescued from near Linton as it was scheduled for demolition in 1976. There are several tour options available and the vineyard is open March- Oct. Thursday- Sunday (Mar/Apr Saturday and Sunday only). Just a short trip from Cambridge. Just beware, there were several signs posted that thieves operate in the area...
English Whisky Co. St. George's Distillery
England's first traditional whisky distillery in over 100 years! The last English whisky company ceased operations in 1905, most likely due to high taxes. 100 years later, the idea to re-establish English whisky began and in 2006, St. George's Distillery brewed it's first batch resulting in 29 barrels. The whisky is made by hand without the use of computers in copper stills made in Scotland. The whisky is then stored in oak barrels purchased from America, specifically Jim Beam in Tennessee for maturation in bourbon soaked barrels. Some whiskys are also matured in sherry barrels as well. The barley comes from East Anglia, of which, Norfolk is a major producer and the distillery rests atop an aquifer which provides plenty of water. The ground is chalky which supposedly results in a smoother and sweeter finish to the whisky compared to Scotch whisky's harsh burn.
I would highly recommend a tour with Joy. She will tell you that she doesn't like whisky, but don't let that put you off. She is quite knowledgeable and entertaining. On the tour, you are told the history of the place, people, and whisky. The tour takes you around the copper stills and fermentation process, to the barn where the barrels are stored (of which 2 are were purchased by the Queen's son Prince Charles and are stored there), and ends in the main shop where you get to sample a few selections.
Wyken Vineyards
Saturdays, Wyken vineyards hosts a farmer's market next to their farm shop/cafe. Also at Wyken, several variety of grapes are grown to be made in to wine. While the grapes are grown here, they are then shipped elsewhere to be made into the wine that is sold at Wyken. There is a public footpath to the vineyards that you can walk to as well as a few farm animals to enjoy. When we visited, they were shearing sheep. They do have wine tasting, but only if booked in advance.
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