Top vineyards in the Midlands and Shropshire

When it comes to vineyards, there are a fair few to choose from across the region

Commonwood Vineyard - Weavers Loft, Commonwood, Nonely, Wem

Situated around two miles from the small market town of Wem, this vineyard was first planted in 2002. Commonwood boasts one hectar acre of vines and produces rose, red and white wines.

Winery open by appointment only.

Kerry Vale Vineyard - Pentreheyling

This small, family-run vineyard lies on the Welsh/ English border and covers six acres of farmland, after its vines were first planted in 2010. It sits on what was once the Roman Fort of Pentreheyling.

Kerry Vale runs vineyard tours three times per week and its Wine Cafe and Cellar Door shop are open throughout the season, offering coffee, lunches and afternoon tea.

Ludlow Vineyard - Wainbridge house, Clee St Margaret, Craven Arms

Located on the lower slopes of the Brown Clee Hill, near Ludlow, this vineyard also boasts orchards with apples and walnuts, as well as a distillery.

Products produced on site encompass wine, spirits, cider, apple juice and green walnuts (fresh and pickled).

The vineyard is spread over 10 acres, has around 8,000 vines and produces both red and white wine.

Ludlow Vineyard and Distillery is not open to the public, but have occasional open weekends when visitors are welcome.

Halfpenny Green Vineyard - Tom Lane, Bobbington, Stourbridge

Boasting 30 acres of vines, Halfpenny Green Airport is a family-run firm located near Wolverhampton, Dudley and Stourbridge.

The first half acre of the site was first planted in 1983 by Martin Vickers, who still runs the company alongside his family today. Halfpenny Green is one of the largest vineyards in the UK.

The attraction runs a vineyard trail and wine tasting menu. It also has an award-winning tea room, serving coffee, lunch, afternoon teas and desserts. Breakfasts and an à la carte lunch menu is available in the restaurant with daily seasonal specials.

Penarth Vineyard - Pool Road, Newtown, Wales

Sat just above the River Severn, Penarth Vineyard combines combines the growing of classical grape varieties with the ‘traditional’ Welsh varieties. Vines were first planted at the site in 1999 and it now has 10 acres of land which bear fruit.

Varieties that are grown include German and French varieties such as Madeleine Angevine. However, the majority of the vines are the classical ‘sparkling wine grapes’- Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.

Guided tours of the vineyard are available.

Astley Vineyards - Astley, Stourport on Severn

This vineyard was first planted in the 1970s, making it the most notherly English vineyard at the time. Astley Vineyards offer wine tasting and a chance to walk around the five acres of vines. It also sells wine at its Cellar Door shop.

It is open throughout the year, but is closed Tuesday and Wednesdays.

Sealwood Cottage Vineyard - Sealwood Lane, Linton, Swadlincote

Sealwood Cottage is a Grade II listed holiday cottage, overlooking the vineyard and campsite, set in the heart of the National Forest in South Derbyshire.

The vineyard itself boasts 4,000 vines and comprises five varieties of new grape hybrids. It produces red and white wine and was first launched in 2008.

Sealwood offers vineyard tours and wine tasting.

Wroxeter Roman Vineyard - Wroxeter

This vineyard was first planted in 1991 on land adjacent to the Roman City of Uriconium (Wroxeter). The land on which the vineyard stands is part of a small holding and has been owned by the existing family for more than 60 years.

Wroxeter Roman Vineyard produces white, rose, red and sparkling wine, and cider.

It also describes itself as a specialist when it comes to giving 'interesting, informative tours' and even offers afternoon tea and tour packages.