Chet Valley Vineyard

A Premier English Vineyard Experience

Chet Valley Vineyard stands as a destination winery in South Norfolk, established in 2010 by owner-winemaker John Hemman and his wife Bridget. Spanning over 10 hectares of sun-soaked fields in Bergh Apton, the vineyard produces award-winning artisan wines using traditional techniques optimised to British terroir. The operation encompasses both vineyard and winery facilities on-site, where all grapes are hand-picked, pressed, fermented, and bottled in-house. This vertical integration ensures complete quality control from vine to bottle, reflecting the family's commitment to excellence and sustainability.

Wine Selection and Production

The vineyard cultivates both white and red cool-climate grape varieties, including Solaris, Phoenix, Schönburger, Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Cabernet Noir, and Regent. The wine portfolio ranges from award-winning Charmat-style sparkling wines like 'Skylark' to the flagship Méthode Champenoise 'Horatio', alongside varietal stills including the 'Redwing' regent rosé. Wines are named after local birds that visit the vineyard, reflecting the family's connection to the natural landscape. Bottles are priced from £19 for still wines to premium offerings exceeding £170, catering to diverse palates and budgets.

Visitor Experiences and Tours

Wineyard tours and tastings operate seasonally from April through October on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11am and 3pm, with each session lasting approximately two hours. Tours begin at the cellar door before progressing into the vineyard where guests walk amongst the vines during an interactive presentation. Visitors then move to the modern winery to observe the sparkling wine production process firsthand. Tour and tasting packages cost £30 per person, with optional vineyard lunches available at £26 per person, served at 1:30pm on the newly built winery balcony overlooking the vines. Groups of 10 or more can arrange bespoke tours by advance booking. Children attend free, and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. The vineyard also offers virtual wine tasting kits and online sessions for those unable to visit in person.

Venue Hire and Events

The Wine Hall, located above the winery with panoramic vineyard views from its expansive windows and balcony, accommodates up to 50 guests for weddings, celebrations, corporate events, and private functions. The venue features modern aesthetics with state-of-the-art stainless steel tanks visible from the reception space, creating a distinctive industrial-meets-elegant atmosphere. In-house catering starts from £37 per head, with wine allowances beginning at £19 for still wines and £32 for sparkling wines. External caterers are permitted, and food trucks can be arranged. The on-site Vine House holiday cottage sleeps six across two double rooms and one twin room, all on one level with wide access doors and a terrace overlooking the vines, ideal for guests extending their vineyard experience.

Seasonal Activities and Sustainability

Each October, the vineyard welcomes volunteers for the grape harvest, typically spanning two weekends in early October. Participants receive coffee, cake, lunch, and a harvest supper in the Wine Hall with Chet Valley wines. The vineyard has been recognised as Best Sustainable Lifestyle Business in the Muddy Awards 2023, reflecting John and Bridget's commitment to protecting local wildlife and the surrounding environment. The operation prioritises sustainable practices throughout production and visitor engagement, from hand-harvesting methods to on-site bottling that eliminates transport emissions for finished products.

Facilities and Accessibility

The vineyard operates a cellar door shop for direct wine sales, though advance phone contact is recommended as staff may be engaged in vineyard or winery operations. A Wine Meadow area features the Skylark Bar by the pond, open Friday and Saturday afternoons in summer, offering wine flights at £12 for three 50ml glasses with knowledgeable staff providing food pairing guidance. The location is accessible by car with on-site parking available, and situated within cycling distance of Norwich via scenic rural lanes.