Surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful oaks, award-winning Dorset vineyard ‘English Oak’ is located in a perfect bowl shape, ensuring an ideal microclimate for growing exceptional grapes.
Our Delightful Vineyard Tour
A leader in the production of delicious, high-quality, award-winning wine, English Oak is a boutique family vineyard in Dorset’s beautiful countryside.
Richard and I were kindly given a tour voucher by a family member, and without realising, we probably chose the perfect month for a tour, in September 2022, a week before grape harvesting!
Meet the Owners Andrew and Sarah
Comprising of 23,000 vines within a 23-acre site, the owners Andrew and Sarah are certainly passionate and very hardworking!
Planted in 2007, its foundation is a combination of Sarah’s experience in horticulture and Andrew’s marketing and business development.
When Richard and I arrived at the award-winning Dorset vineyard, our public tour began at the Oak Amphitheatre, where Andrew shared his interesting start up story.
A Stroll through the Vines
Next, Sarah joined us at the beginning of the vineyard and guided us through a relaxed and informative walk through the rows of Pinot and Chardonnay vines, rich in grapes ready to be picked.
The walk was not strenuous and was mostly on flat ground.
Sarah was a natural and engaging host. She enthusiastically shared her love and knowledge of planting the young vines, and she shared the tremendous effort that is involved in growing the grapes to the highest standard.
She spoke of the labour-intensive work to deliver an optimum quality crop, with the English climate representing the biggest challenge.
Sarah invited us to taste the grapes from the vines.
Delicious Wine Tasting
Following our amble in the vines, we strolled back to the Visitor Centre where we discovered more about the stages in bringing an international and award-winning sparkling wine to market.
In production they mirror closely the traditional Champagne wine making process, and they ensure careful picking by hand and gentle pressing to maximise the quality of the juice.
Finally, we experienced the high point to the tour, delicious wine tasting! We sampled three excellent British sparkling wines.
Of course, after tasting these wonderful wines, we carried home a couple of bottles, it would have been rude not to have done!
Their Green Business Model
English Oak Vineyard is committed to minimum negative impact on the surrounding environment.
The electricity used in the business is generated using solar panels, which also power electric vehicles used for local wine delivery.
Natural well water and recycled spraying equipment is also part of their commitment to a green business model.
Vineyard Tour Voucher and Vineyard Picnics
English Oak Vineyard offer gift vouchers Vineyard Tour Voucher.
Or if you would like to spoil a loved one to a special combined tour and vineyard picnic, you can do so here Vineyard Picnic.
Contact Details
English Oak Vineyard
Flowers Drove
Lytchett Matravers
Nr Poole
Dorset
BH16 6BX
Tel no. 01258 858205
See you soon
Richard and I had a wonderful visit to English Oak Vineyard. We hope after reading this, you can book a tour in the warmer months too!
You may also be interested in a 4×4 tour to Dorset Cider Farm. If you would like to find out more, you can do so by clicking on our blog ‘4×4 Tour with Purbeck Safari’.
If you have enjoyed reading this blog and would like to learn about latest updates, events in the area or last-minute availability at our Dorset B&B, Spurwing Guest House, then you can subscribe to our mailing list here.
