Back to Blogs

Discover

Discover Vineyards and Locally Produced Wines in Bury St Edmunds

Roman legionaries enjoyed East Anglian postings because of the quality of its wine

East Anglia is fast becoming a recognisable wine growing region. In addition to areas of very favourable terroir, land prices and the driest climate in the UK, have resulted in Vines being grown commercially in the area from the first modern pioneers of the 40s.

This statistic doesn’t apply just to the present: there is strong evidence to support that theory that East Anglia supplied a third of the tithe of grapes to Rome from East Anglia, and their legionaries enjoyed the East Anglian posting because of ‘the quality of the wine’.

Hawkswood Vineyard

Irene and Michael Rhodes retired to Thurston in 2018 in order to follow a dream of having a vineyard and making wine, right here in Bury St Edmunds.

Just over 0.5 hectares of their garden is given over to 2,500 vines with four varieties; bacchus, pinot noir, solaris and rondo grapes.

They have a small winery on site, probably the smallest commercial winery in England, producing around 4,000 bottles of red, white and rose each year.

Hawkswood Vineyard is set in the grounds of Thurston Place which was originally the home of Nathaniel Hodson who designed the Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds and his expertise can be seen in the formal grounds that sit next to the vineyard.

The couple have won national awards for their wine and they are delighted to welcome guests by prior appointment for a tour of the vineyard and winery, a chance to meet their Hawk Ruby, and taste their award-winning wines.

Find out more on the Hawkswood Vineyard website.

Gifford's Hall Vineyard

Just 30 minutes from Bury St Edmunds, Giffords Hall is a charming family-owned vineyard set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. Spanning 19 acres, its unique sandy/clay soil nurtures exceptional grapes, rich in natural sugars and acids—ideal for producing crisp sparkling wines and beautifully aromatic still wines.

Alongside our vineyard, we have an on-site winery where we produce our wines in-house. Take a behind-the-scenes look and discover how our award-winning wines are made—from the refreshing Bacchus and Rosé to the locally loved St Edmundsbury Red, as well as our elegant Brut Reserve and Classic Cuvée. There’s a wine for every palate.

Vineyard tours run from March to October, every Thursday to Saturday. Come and explore the vines, visit our winery, and enjoy a guided tasting of our award-winning wines. Book your tour today and experience the beauty of Giffords Hall!

Find out more and book at Gifford's Hall Vineyard website.

Burnt House Vineyard

Burnt House Vineyard is a family run business in the heart of the Suffolk countryside and just 30 minutes from Bury St Edmunds.

Situated on a south facing slope, the vineyard consists of four varieties; Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Bacchus. Established in 2017 the vines are planted over a total of 22 acres.

Burnt House produces grapes for traditional method sparkling wine and still wine. While the vineyard has been operating as a commercial vineyard supplying other brands with grapes, Burnt House has now created their first release of Bacchus.

In 2022 Burnt House opened its cellar door and tasting room which is nestled along a quiet country road in Little Finborough, Stowmarket. Open for tours, tastings, various events, or just drop in to enjoy the vineyard and wines with local produce and food pairings.

Find out more at the Burnt House Vineyard website.

Wyken Vineyards

Planted in 1988 on a south facing slope, with some 12,000 vines on seven acres. The vines, trained in the Scott Henry style, thrive on the sandy loam over chalk. On average Wyken Vineyards produce some 12,000 bottles a year, and these are all sold through their Shop, Bull Pen and Restaurant.

You are free to walk to the vineyard from the Leaping Hare over theirHome Meadow and through a most beautiful ancient woodland.

They were the first vineyard restaurant in the UK and produce award-winning wines served in their restaurant.

For more information and to book a tour visit the Wyken Vineyards website.