If you’ve visited Heron Farm before, you’ll know it’s always been a very special place. Set amongst vineyards, orchards, kitchen gardens and beautiful East Devon countryside just outside Honiton, it’s somewhere people naturally slow down, reconnect and enjoy good food.
This spring, my husband Toby and I became the new custodians of Heron Farm, and we’re incredibly excited to continue its story.
Rather than changing what people already love, our aim is to build on it thoughtfully. We want Heron Farm to become one of the most inspiring places to eat, explore and restore in Devon – a place where exceptional seasonal food, beautiful surroundings and memorable experiences come together throughout the year.
Why We Fell in Love with Heron Farm
The moment we first walked around Heron Farm, we knew it was unlike anywhere else.
The vineyard, orchards, kitchen garden and surrounding landscape already had an incredible sense of place. There was a warmth to it that couldn’t be manufactured, along with a talented team who genuinely care about what they do.
For us, this wasn’t simply a business opportunity—it felt like becoming custodians of somewhere with real character and history.
My own background has always been in the wine and hospitality industry, while Toby trained as an architect before discovering he was happiest building, growing and fixing just about anything. Together we share a love of great food, thoughtful design and spending time outdoors, and Heron Farm brings all of those passions together.
Continuing the Legacy of Mark Diacono
One of the things that makes Heron Farm (then called Otter Farm) so unique is the extraordinary vision of its founder, food writer Mark Diacono.
Long before we arrived, Mark created a remarkable productive landscape filled with unusual and delicious crops – from medlars and quinces to pecans and fragrant Sichuan pepper – alongside vineyards planted with Solaris, Pinot Noir and Seyval Blanc.
Our job isn’t to reinvent that vision. It’s to nurture it, help it grow and invite more people to experience everything Heron Farm has to offer.
More Than a Vineyard
Although many visitors discover us through our vineyard, Heron Farm has become much more than that.
Whether you’re joining us for breakfast, brunch or lunch, enjoying a leisurely afternoon in the walled garden, booking a vineyard tour, staying in Heron House or simply stopping by on your way through Devon, we hope you’ll feel welcome.
Over the coming months we’ll also be introducing:
- Evening dining cooked over wood fire
- Seasonal guest chef collaborations
- Creative workshops throughout the year
- A fully refurbished wellbeing studio
- Sauna experiences
- Children’s Forest School sessions
- Family-friendly activities and seasonal events
Our vision is simple: to create somewhere people can return to again and again, whatever the season.
Food has always been at the heart of Heron Farm.
Our kitchen celebrates seasonal ingredients sourced from trusted local producers alongside produce grown in our own kitchen garden.
We’re also incredibly excited to welcome some of the South West’s most talented chefs throughout the year.
Upcoming events include collaborations with MasterChef: The Professionals finalist and former River Cottage Head Chef Chiara Tomasoni alongside Connor Reed of Half Penny Farm, as well as a very special evening with the legendary Mark Hix MBE.
Mark’s commitment to ingredient-led cooking and championing local producers perfectly reflects everything we’re trying to achieve here at Heron Farm.
Workshops, Wellness & Creative Experiences
We believe a visit to Heron Farm should nourish more than your appetite.
Throughout the year we’ll be expanding our programme of creative workshops and experiences, including floristry, willow weaving, fermentation, painting, woodcraft and beekeeping.
Our refurbished wellbeing studio will become home to yoga, Pilates and wellness classes, while our Forest School sessions will encourage children to explore, create and connect with nature.
Whether you’re looking to learn something new or simply take a break from everyday life, we hope Heron Farm becomes somewhere you can truly switch off.
Many visitors tell us they wish they could stay overnight—and fortunately you can.
Heron House, our eco holiday home, sleeps up to 14 guests and offers the perfect base for family gatherings, celebrations, retreats and long weekends in East Devon.
Guests can wander through the vineyard and orchards, meet our Ouessant sheep, relax in the wood-fired hot tub and enjoy everything Heron Farm has to offer at their own pace.
Discover Our Vineyard Tours in Devon
From spring through autumn we also offer guided vineyard and farm tours, giving visitors the chance to learn more about English wine, explore our productive landscape and discover one of Devon’s unique beaver habitats.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about life on a working vineyard, our tours offer a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into Heron Farm.
This Is Only the Beginning
Perhaps the most exciting thing is that we’re only just getting started.
We’re learning every day, building carefully and making thoughtful improvements as we go. Rather than presenting a finished picture, we’d love you to follow the journey with us.
Whether you visit for breakfast, an evening around the wood-fired oven, a vineyard tour, a workshop or simply a peaceful afternoon in the gardens, we hope you’ll feel part of Heron Farm’s next chapter.
We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Plan Your Visit
Heron Farm is open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, with evening dining, vineyard tours, workshops and seasonal experiences taking place throughout the year.
Whether you’re looking for a vineyard in Devon, somewhere special to eat near Honiton, a unique family day out in East Devon or simply a beautiful place to unwind, we’d love to welcome you.
Browse our upcoming events, book a table or plan your visit today.