Nestled in the South Devon countryside on the east bank of the River Dart, Sandridge Barton is making a name for itself as one of the region’s best destinations for wine enthusiasts and foodies alike, and is one of the best places to visit this winter for a taste of luxury.
Following huge anticipation, the new home of Sharpham Wine was officially launched by Oz Clarke OBE in June this year, and features a new visitor centre, winery and restaurant where foodies can get their fix of fresh and tasty seasonal fare made from only the finest locally sourced ingredients.
But the main draw is, of course, its host of bookable wine tasting sessions and walking tours, which will allow you to sample some of the estate’s finest and proudest productions whilst exploring the breath-taking surroundings and vineyards of Sandridge Barton’s sprawling grounds.
The all-new visitor centre has been created within the traditional buildings of the historic Lower Well Farm, with the central courtyard providing an exceptional seating area overlooking the surrounding countryside, including a spring-fed tributary leading to the River Dart nearby.
And last month, the destination celebrated a bumper harvest, with more than 80 tonnes of grapes – enough for approximately 80,000 bottles – picked over a four-week period with the help of paid workers and community volunteers.
The most recent haul included Pinot Noir – a red grape that thrives in cooler climates and is one of the three main varieties used to make Champagne and English Sparkling wine (along with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier). But shortly before that, the enthusiastic and willing community volunteers were also busy picking four tonnes of Madeleine Angevine – a white grape variety which grows well in cooler climates and can be eaten as well made into wines, which are typically light, dry and crisp with pleasant acidity.
Duncan Schwab, CEO and head winemaker at Sandridge Barton said, at the time, that the wine produced from the latest harvest was going to be “one of the best vintages to date. The grapes have a great fruit intensity, high sugars and balanced acidity.”
Dining at Circa
It’s been the latest in a long list of highlights since opening, with the estate not just welcoming a growing number of visitors for tours and tastings, but also to enjoy stunning food at its impressive on-site farm-to-table restaurant, Circa, and indulge in idyllic overnight stays at the gorgeous self-catering accommodation it offers to those who wish to stay a little longer.
Circa, which focuses on creative cuisine based around the finest and freshest locally sourced ingredients and draws inspiration from the seasons, is expanding its current offering for the winter with a new tasting menu, which will be available to those dining on Friday nights, as well as serving its mouth-watering and celebrated Sunday roasts during the colder months.
With sustainability at the heart of its ethos, the Circa team works closely with small, ethical producers and the estate’s farmer Phil Tully to showcase the wonderful South Devon beef and other rare-breed livestock, as well as foraging for ingredients on the wider estate – so you can be certain that you’ll be in for a treat.
Having originally launched in Exeter in 2015 before moving its operation to its new home at Sandridge Barton this summer, owner Rob Weeks says: “The main reason we decided to come here was the fact the estate is set in its own 450 acres. We’re all keen for the new restaurant to showcase the quality of the produce grown here.”
The restaurant certainly offers visitors yet another reason to visit the home of Sharpham Wine – if they needed one – and with a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere both inside and on the south-facing sun terraces, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy some delicious cuisine alongside a glass or two of Sharpham Wine.
Staying longer at the on-site accommodation
And best of all, you won’t have to argue about who is driving home afterwards and refrain from indulging in said wine, as the estate now also offers self-catering accommodation on site that makes for the ultimate luxury home away from home.
The Main House, located close to the vineyard and overlooking the River Dart, offers six stylishly-decorated bedrooms and an indoor swimming pool, while the Boathouse also boasts two bedrooms and is located in total seclusion on the bank of the River Dart for those craving extra peace and tranquillity.
The newly-renovated Lower Well Farmhouse, meanwhile, is also now available to book, and features four bedrooms located by the winery and visitor centre – so if you like the idea of a food and wine-themed getaway with friends or a cosy family hideaway this winter, then there’s plenty of space to accommodate everyone provided you book well enough in advance.
The Estate
Sandridge Barton might have only welcomed Sharpham Wines this year, but its history in grape growing goes back much further. Vines were first planted on the estate back in 2008, and today, varieties including Pinot Noir, Bacchus, Chardonnay, Madeleine Angevine and Pinot Gris are grown in the vineyards which spread across 32 acres of the 450-acre grounds.
Positioned just south of the village of Stoke Gabriel, just a few miles upriver from the ever-popular town of Dartmouth and a few miles downriver from Totnes, the estate is steeped in history, with most of the land falling into the South Hams AONB.
Sandridge Barton hosts a range of experiences including guided and self-guided tastings, allowing visitors to learn about the grape varieties grown on-site and the techniques used in the winery to craft each style of wine. A self-guided wine tasting flight is served in handmade baskets and is available seven days a week.
As well as some beautiful and scenic walking trails through the estate and, of course, vast vineyards to explore, visitors are also treated to the opportunity to enjoy wines by the glass in the gallery bar, or luxuriate over a decadent lunch in the courtyard.
The newest walking trail up to ‘Stony Field’ – a newly established eight-acre vineyard planted on a raised limestone bed in 2021 – has been attracting wine enthusiasts from across the country who are eager to learn about the history of the area and admire the vines, where Burgundian and Champagne clones of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, which thrive in limestone soils, grow.
Although it has only been operating for under six months in its current incarnation, things are certainly looking good for Sandridge Barton, and while 2022 has been a challenging year for most, it’s been a positive start for the offering.
“The number of visitors is growing following our move over the river from the original Sharpham Wine site. Feedback on our new home has been incredible, with tours and tastings taking place in beautiful surroundings and buildings,” says Duncan.
“The weather over the summer certainly helped attract visitors with our south-facing courtyard proving a real success. Another huge hit is our new restaurant, Circa, which has wowed customers with its stunning menus featuring foraged food and produce from the estate, as well as fish and seafood from nearby Brixham Fish Market.”
Factbox
Address: Lower Well Farm, Waddeton Rd., Stoke Gabriel, Totnes TQ9 6RL
Phone: 01803 732203
Website: sandridgebarton.com
