Wellhayes Vineyard
Clayhanger, Tiverton, EX16 7NY
Member Overview
Wellhayes Vineyard – Award‑Winning English Sparkling Wine from the Heart of Mid Devon
Wellhayes Vineyard is a small, family‑run vineyard set in the rolling hills of Mid Devon, on the edge of Exmoor between Wiveliscombe and Bampton. Founded and run by Simon and Alison Routh, the vineyard produces high‑quality English sparkling wine, all made on site from grapes grown exclusively in their south‑facing, one‑hectare vineyard of 2,500 vines.
The vineyard is especially renowned for doing everything in‑house—from growing and harvesting to traditional‑method winemaking in their converted stone barn winery.
Grape Varieties & Terroir
Wellhayes grows classic sparkling wine varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, along with Reichensteiner, particularly well‑suited to English sparkling wine. The site benefits from Sheltered south‑facing slopes and Deep, well‑drained red Devonian soil over shillet, providing ideal vine nutrition.
Signature Sparkling Wine
Wellhayes produces an elegant traditional‑method sparkling wine praised for its gentle mousse, light acidity, and Notes of strawberry, raspberry, green apple, and white grapefruit, with a long, expressive finish.
Ageing 2–3 years on the lees gives the wine depth, richness and complexity.
Awards include:
- Bronze – Independent English Wine Awards
- Bronze – International Wine Challenge
- Gold – Taste of the West
Vineyard Tours & Tastings
Tours run on Wednesdays and Sundays at 3 pm from May to September and must be booked in advance.
Each tour includes:
- A guided walk through the vineyard
- A visit to the winery and wine store
- Insight into the challenges and techniques of sparkling‑wine production
- A glass of Wellhayes sparkling wine
- A traditional Devon cream tea
- Luxury handmade chocolates made on‑site from their own spirit
Visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes for the vineyard walk, and parking is available on site.
Music @ Wellhayes
Uniquely, Wellhayes Vineyard also hosts summer classical concerts in their atmospheric upstairs tasting room, which doubles as an intimate concert hall.
These events combine professional performances with glasses of estate sparkling wine—an experience celebrated by locals and visitors alike.
These events combine professional performances with glasses of estate sparkling wine—an experience celebrated by locals and visitors alike.
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Where to find us
