The family-run Waresley Park Estate has released its first wine made entirely from grapes grown on the property, marking a notable addition to Cambridgeshire’s emerging small-scale wine production.
From newly planted vines to a finished bottle
The vineyard was established in 2023 and planted with Bacchus grapes. Following last year’s harvest, the estate produced a modest quantity of wine that has now been bottled as its maiden vintage.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Year vines planted | 2023 |
| Total bottles produced | 203 |
| Initial bottles for wine club | 100 |
Flavour and distribution
The small run of bottles, derived from the Bacchus variety, is described by the estate as showing hints of peach and garden mint. The first 100 bottles will be an exclusive release to members of the estate’s newly launched wine club.
- Vines planted: 2023
- Grape variety: Bacchus
- Produced bottles: 203 (100 reserved for wine club)
“English wine has earned a growing reputation for its quality and character, and we are incredibly proud to be releasing our first vintage at Waresley. This wine has been years in the making and reflects both the care that has gone into the vineyard and the unique qualities of the landscape,”
Ben Griggs, managing director of Waresley Park, said the release was a source of pride and part of the estate’s broader ambition to produce seasonal, locally rooted food and drink. The estate already distils its own gin, drawing inspiration from its walled gardens.
Local context and outlook
While the output is small, the move aligns with a wider pattern across southern England where growers are experimenting with varieties suited to the changing climate and local terroir. For Waresley Park, the wine release is both a symbolic milestone and a potential stepping stone should demand grow.
Residents and visitors interested in tasting or joining the wine club should contact Waresley Park Estate directly for membership and availability details.
