Tours, tastings, and telling stories.
The Hencote estate is simply too special for us to keep it to ourselves which is why we have an incredible group of guides dedicated to showing you our fabulous corner of Shropshire.
From trips through the vines to in-depth tastings of our wines, our tour team are an incredible array of story tellers and wine enthusiasts. Between them they know more about the Hencote estate than anyone and their passion for our wines shines through on every tour.
We’ve recently increased our tour diary to cover every day of the week so there’s always an opportunity to come and join them in admiring our award winning wines in the stunning Shropshire scenery. But don’t just take our word for it. Have a read below and you’ll see why our guides are so excited to work on the Hencote estate.
You can meet the team and read their insights below and if you’d like to join us on a tour, please head to the tour page on our website HERE to get yourself booked in. As well as our classic tours we have options for dinner, cheese pairings, and in October we’re launching our series of harvest tours where we will take you behind the cellar door and open the world of winemaking like never before. It’s your chance to taste grapes off the vine, juice from the press, and see just what it takes to make our ward winning wines. Places are limited so book HERE to avoid disappointment.
But for now, let’s leave it to the tour guides to share what they love about the Hencote estate.
Thomas Corbett (Wine Tour Manager) – Hencote is a delight to work at and to bring the story of Shrewsbury and its wine to life. Our tours really give us the chance to bring across the history and the story of the site, from the Anglo-Saxon’s to the Steven’s family involvement from 1997 to the present day. Tasting our wines and showing what we believe is the best we can produce is always a charming experience, making the balance between a fun and engaging tour with the wine knowledge and showing off a fully working winery, especially as we come into the period of harvest. Seeing the berries start to fully develop and ripen is the more dramatic part of the wine growing season and recent tours have been really spoiled with this close up view and the great warm weather we’ve had.
Brian – For me it has to be “The View” – and I don’t just mean the name of our restaurant. No matter what season or what time of day, the views are simply stunning. Far in the distance are the Shropshire landmarks of Clee Hill, Wenlock Edge, the Stiperstones and the Long Mynd. Then we have the most amazing view of Shrewsbury itself, with its castle and town walls, the cathedral, the abbey and its churches. Up close and personal is of course our vineyard of 23,000 vines on south facing slopes. It’s a view that makes me smile every single time I see it.
Will – Being a new addition to the hencote wine team, it’s already been extremely rewarding. The vineyard, nestled in the rolling hills of Shropshire, is a truly breathtaking view and a unique blend of history and modern elegance. Being able to guide visitors through the lush vineyards, and sharing the heritage of winemaking in a truly magical location, and watching the spark light up in my guests’ eyes when it “clicks” while tasting a wine makes it all worth it. Hencote’s great hospitality, gorgeous surroundings, and dedication to ensuring quality make it a must-visit location. Being part of this passionate team and showcasing Hencote’s excellence is a real treat that makes every day exciting.
Max – I first stumbled across Hencote 3 years ago and, as a wine enthusiast, I was blown away at the quality of wine that could be produced in my home county of Shropshire. My appreciation & admiration of this mammoth task has only exponentially grown as I have further studied this complex subject. Every day I come into work I am reminded of how lucky I am to be able to spread my passion for wine so close to home. The birthplace of Darwin and iron may have put us on the map but going forward our award-winning wine will be what makes us famous in the 21st Century!
Wes – What I love about Hencote is that it offers a unique experience, blending luxury and nature in the heart of the Shropshire countryside. Guests can enjoy immersive vineyard tours, savouring internationally acclaimed award-winning wines, while taking in stunning panoramic views. Our tour packages accommodate guests from all walks of life – whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a Friday night sipper, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The estate’s glamping lodges and luxury accommodation provide a serene retreat, perfect for relaxation. With a top-tier restaurant and wine bar, Hencote has become an ideal destination for food and wine enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable escape just outside Shrewsbury.
