Nestled in the rolling hills of South Devon, overlooking the tranquil sweep of the River Dart, sits Sandridge Barton Wines — a winery that proves the English can do more than talk about the weather… they can make very good wine from it.
Formerly known as Sharpham Wine and Cheese, the winery made a rather elegant move down the river to the Sandridge Barton Estate. Think of it less as a relocation and more as a strategic upgrade: more vineyard space, more room for visitors, and a setting so picturesque it almost feels unfair on the rest of the country.
The Dart Valley itself is a rather useful ally when it comes to growing grapes. The river moderates the temperature, the slopes catch the sunlight, and the Devon air keeps things fresh. In other words, it’s exactly the sort of place vines quietly thrive while the winemaker nods knowingly and pretends it was all part of the plan.
The team at Sandridge Barton specialise in English varieties that suit the climate rather than fighting against it. Bacchus, Madeleine Angevine and other cool-climate grapes flourish here, producing wines that are crisp, aromatic and refreshing — the sort of bottles that make you question why anyone insists England only produces drizzle.
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But the real charm of Sandridge Barton lies in its personality. This is not a stiff, overly serious winery wrapped in tradition and ceremony. Instead is approachable, welcoming and quietly confident — the kind of place where you can enjoy a glass overlooking the vineyards while convincing yourself that you can taste the river breeze in the wine.
Visitors arriving at the estate quickly discover that it is more than just a vineyard. There is a restaurant, a wine shop, sweeping views of the Dart and enough countryside calm to make you forget all that rubbish in the capital. The setting alone is worth the journey, though a glass of wine in hand tends to improve the experience considerably.
What struck me about Sandridge Barton is that English wine has grown up. wines are polished, expressive and increasingly confident. The winery sits comfortably among the growing wave of producers proving that England is not just dabbling in wine — it’s becoming rather good at it.
So if you ever find yourself wandering through Devon wondering whether the English really can make wine worth drinking, head to Sandridge Barton. Stand on the terrace, look out across the Dart Valley, take a sip… and accept that the French might have some competition after all. Failing that order from me and let Sandridge barton into your life. you wont be dissapointed !
These prices are offered due to the highly competitive positioning of the wines and represent exceptional value within the range. They are available strictly on a case basis—either as 6 bottles of sparkling wine or 12 bottles of still wine — from Sandridge Barton. However, flexibility remains for larger purchases, and orders can still be placed as a mixed selection of 12 bottles or more.
