Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham Wine, has unveiled its brand new visitor centre, winery and restaurant nestled in the South Devon countryside on the east bank of the River Dart.
The visitor centre sits 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. Sandridge Barton will open its doors in early June 2022, in time for English Wine Week (20th – 28th June 2022).
Exeter-based, Circa will be the catering partner for the restaurant, which is based within the visitor centre. Open for lunches throughout the season, the on-site 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, Sandridge Barton will host a range of experiences, including guided and self-guided tastings, allowing visitors to learn about the different grape varieties grown on-site 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 and Sharpham Dairy cheeses, and other local produce to take home.
The 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.
The Sandridge Barton estate is 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. Rich in history, most of the land falls into the South Hams AONB.
Stony Field, a vineyard 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 an exciting future for the wines produced at Sandridge Barton.
Duncan Schwab, CEO and head winemaker of Sandridge Barton, 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.”
He added, “The visitor centre and restaurant will put us on the map as the must-visit destination this summer. We are really looking forward to sharing this new experience with guests from around the country and further afield.”
Sandridge Barton will be launching its new Summer Sparkling in time for the opening. Sharpham Summer Sparkling is a fun, fresh pink sparkling wine that is best enjoyed with friends on a hot summer day.
The Sandridge Barton estate also has self-catering accommodation. There are six bedrooms and an indoor swimming pool in the Main House, which is located close to the vineyard and overlooks the River Dart. The newly-renovated Farmhouse at Lower Well Farm has four bedrooms located by the winery and visitor centre. The Boathouse has two bedrooms and benefits from 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 all of Sandridge Barton’s news and developments, visit www.sandridgebarton.com.
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