Belvoir Castle Vineyard sits on a sheltered slope below the castle, where vines were replanted in 2019, reviving a tradition the estate traces back to Roman times. Today, Solaris, Pinot Noir Précoce, Siegerrebe and Seyval Blanc grow in ironstone-rich soils on the two-hectare site.
The grapes become a growing range of estate wines, including traditional-method sparkling white and rosé, alongside still white and red. Belvoir Sparkling Wine brings crisp apple and delicate floral notes, while Rutland White shows honeydew melon, citrus, honey and apricot. Rutland Red is bright with raspberry and strawberry.
For visitors, the Vineyard Experience starts at the Belvoir Castle Retail Village Farm Shop before travelling across the estate by Gun Bus. A guided walk through the vines explores the varieties, soils and microclimate, followed by a tasting of four estate wines. The whole experience lasts around two-and-a-half hours, with groups limited to 15.
Back at Belvoir Farm Shop, visitors can browse the wines and local produce. With sweeping views and a working vineyard beneath one of England’s great castles, this is a distinctive place to discover English wine locally.
