Lurgashall winery began fruit wine production in 1985

Housed in a complex of 17th and 19th century rustic farm buildings on a 38-acre estate, the Lurgashall Winery is a family-run business specialising in fruit wines and meads. However, inside, it’s anything but rustic, being self-contained with fermentation, maturation and bottling vats, and modern, high quality equipment in a sterile bottling room and fully equipped laboratory – all elements of the process that will be learned about when taking a tour around the facility.

Lurgashall has come a long way since it began production in 1985 and produced a thousand bottles. Annual production is up to half-a-million bottles and the visitor experience is thriving.

With 10 meads, nine fruit liqueurs and nine fruit wines, including the delicate Rose Petal Wine and more decisive Silver Birch Wine, there’s no monoculture here. Visitors will find out about the way that time-honoured recipes are followed as closely as possible, in the continued quest for authentic flavours.

There’s even been the recent creation of some tasty spirits under a new name, BlackDowns – a gin and a delightful vermouth, based on owner Sarah Thompson’ own special recipe, including Silver Birch wine.

Eco-friendly initiatives

• Sustainable sourcing policy
• Recycled packaging used
• Food miles kept to a minimum

Full review to come after visit