Warden Abbey Vineyard invites visitors to celebrate English wine at open day
Warden Abbey Vineyard is delighted to announce its annual open day and wine sale, taking place on Sunday, September 13 from 11am to 4pm. It will offer visitors the opportunity to explore Bedfordshire's historic vineyard while enjoying English wines, guided tours, tastings, local food and family entertainment.
The day will showcase the remarkable story of the vineyard's medieval origins, its replanting in 1986 during the revival of English winemaking, and its continued success today as a community project and social enterprise producing acclaimed wines.
This year's event will mark the launch of some new wines, including the 2025 Reformer (a blend of Reichensteiner and Müller-Thurgau grapes) alongside the 2025 Bacchus. Visitors will also be able to purchase the vineyard's popular 2021 English Fizz and exclusive 2023 Pink Fizz.
As well as wine tasting and sales, guests can enjoy walks among the vines, a range of local food and craft stalls, an ice cream van and family-friendly activities. Subject to favourable weather conditions, Animal Edge Petting Farm and Hemlock Morris will also be returning to entertain visitors throughout the day.
Wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to take part in the popular pop-up wine school, led by Mark Horton of Cambridge Wine, Ampthill. This year's tutored tasting sessions will focus on wine blends and food pairings, with three sessions running at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. Tickets are limited to 15 participants per session and must be booked in advance.
Visitors can also enhance their day with guided vineyard tours, gaining further insight into the vineyard's history, grape growing and winemaking journey.
Admission tickets are available online for £4 per adult, with entry on the gate priced at £5. Children under 16 receive free entry.
For tickets and further information, visit wardenvineyard.org.uk/event/open-day-2026/ or email [email protected]
Warden Abbey Vineyard is run by Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity who have developed it as a unique resource for the local community. The vineyard is mainly run by volunteers who work hard all year round to nurture and care for the vineyard. On top of this, they carry out historical research, run vineyard tours and picnics throughout the summer months, and of course run the annual Open Day.