Vineyard Tours in Devon

If you’re looking for vineyard tours in Devon, you’ll quickly discover that our county is becoming one of England’s most exciting wine regions. With a mild climate, passionate winemakers and beautiful countryside, Devon offers the perfect setting to discover English wine.

At Heron Farm, just outside Honiton in East Devon, we invite you to experience our vineyard a little differently. We don’t just pour you a glass of wine and send you on your way. We want to share the story behind every bottle – from the vines themselves to the people who care for them, the changing seasons and the landscape that makes this place so special.

Whether you’re completely new to English wine or already a devoted enthusiast, our vineyard tours are designed to be relaxed, informative and, above all, enjoyable.

A Vineyard with a Story

Heron Farm is more than a vineyard.

It’s a family-run destination where food, wine, gardens and nature come together. Surrounded by orchards, a productive kitchen garden, wildflower meadows and our beautiful walled garden, we’re creating somewhere people can slow down and reconnect with the countryside.

When Toby and I took on Heron Farm, we fell in love with its incredible setting. We wanted to create somewhere that celebrated everything we love about the Southwest: seasonal food, beautiful landscapes, local produce and warm hospitality.

That philosophy is reflected in everything we do, from breakfast in the restaurant to our seasonal workshops, and farm and vineyard tours.

Our motto is simple: Eat. Explore. Restore.

A visit to Heron Farm is about spending time somewhere you’ll want to linger a little longer.

Meet Our Vineyard

Our vineyard sits within seventeen acres of beautiful East Devon countryside.
We grow three grape varieties that thrive in our local climate:

Solaris

Solaris is one of the stars of our vineyard. It ripens early and produces wonderfully aromatic wines with flavours of elderflower, ripe stone fruit and citrus. Solaris has good resistance against fungal diseases and frost so it’s perfectly suited to Devon’s growing conditions. It gives wines which have fruity and perfumed aromas with hints of banana and hazelnuts, with medium acidity – vibrant wines that pair beautifully with seasonal food.

Seyval Blanc

Seyval Blanc, often likened to Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc,  has long been one of England’s most reliable grape varieties. It creates elegant wines with bright acidity, crisp apple notes and refreshing citrus flavours. Visitors are often surprised by just how fresh and expressive these wines can be. Seyval Blanc wines are noted for their aromas of green apple, citrus, and pear, often with a touch of minerality. On the palate, the wines are crisp and refreshing, with flavours of lemon, grapefruit, and sometimes a slight herbaceous or floral quality. The elegant flavour profile is enhanced by fruity notes, making it an appealing choice for warm summer evenings and perfect for pairing with light dishes.

Pinot Noir

Perhaps the most famous grape in the vineyard, Pinot Noir is one of the world’s great wine varieties. Here at Heron Farm it contributes elegance, delicate fruit and structure, particularly in sparkling wines, while also producing beautifully expressive still rosé.

During your tour we’ll explain why each variety is grown, how they’re managed throughout the year and how every vintage develops differently depending on the weather.

A Different Approach to Growing

One of the things visitors often find most interesting is how closely our vineyard works with nature.

Because of our location close to the River Otter, we work with nature wherever possible. We also avoid cultivating the soil unnecessarily, allowing grasses and wildflowers to flourish naturally between the rows.

The result is a vineyard that’s alive with insects, birds and biodiversity throughout the growing season.

Every walk through the vineyard feels slightly different depending on the time of year.

In spring you’ll see fresh shoots emerging.

Summer brings lush green canopies and tiny developing bunches.

Autumn is harvest time, when months of careful work finally come together.

Even in winter, the vineyard tells its own story, revealing the careful pruning that lays the foundations for next year’s crop.

What Happens During a Vineyard Tour?

Our tours are designed to be relaxed and welcoming rather than overly technical.

You’ll begin with a guided walk through the vineyard where we’ll introduce the grape varieties, explain how English vines are grown and talk about the seasonal work taking place.

There is plenty of opportunity to ask questions along the way, whether you’re curious about growing grapes in Britain or simply interested in learning a little more before tasting the wines.

Wine Tasting

As we explore the vineyard, we’ll taste a selection of Heron Farm wines (and other produce), helping you discover the different grape varieties, styles and winemaking techniques.

There’s no intimidating wine language or pressure to identify obscure tasting notes.

Instead, we’ll show you how to taste wine confidently and help you understand why each wine tastes the way it does.

Pairing Wine with Seasonal Food

For us, wine and food belong together.

That’s why many guests choose to stay for breakfast, lunch or one of our seasonal evening events after their tour.

Our menus change regularly, celebrating ingredients from our kitchen garden alongside produce from local farmers, growers and fishermen.

Our restaurant is the perfect place to continue your visit with a leisurely meal and another glass of wine.