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Sandridge Barton
Posted on
21 Jun 2022
Following huge anticipation, Oz Clarke OBE officially launched Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham Wine, on Friday 17th June. The new visitor centre, winery and restaurant are nestled in the South Devon countryside on the east bank of the River Dart. The impressive destination is a must-visit this English Wine Week (18th – 26th June 2022) and throughout the summer and autumn months.
Commenting on the official opening, Oz says: “I am thrilled to be a part of such a momentous moment on the English wine scene. Devon is booming in terms of its winemaking and Sharpham’s new home at Sandridge Barton is another really big step forward in the region gaining national and international recognition. I am looking forward to tasting the new vintages produced at this fabulous new winery and visiting again in the near future.”
Duncan Schwab, CEO and head winemaker, adds: “It was a huge privilege to have Oz officially launch Sandridge Barton. We have waited a long time for this moment and all the team here have worked incredibly hard. The results have far exceeded everyone’s expectations and we are excited about sharing this incredible new site with visitors from around the world. We are also looking forward to launching our new vintages of existing favourites as well as introducing additional styles from the Sandridge Barton site.”
The visitor centre has been created within the traditional buildings of the historic Lower Well Farm, with the central courtyard providing an exceptional seating area overlooking the surrounding countryside, including a spring-fed tributary leading to the River Dart nearby.
Exeter-based Circa was named as its catering partner and brings an exciting menu that will change with the seasons. During June, the restaurant is open for lunches from Thursday to Monday with a reduced bar snack menu available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, before fully opening every day from July onwards. The on-site restaurant will offer a relaxed atmosphere, both inside and on its south facing sun terraces, using only the best local and seasonal produce. Booking for the restaurant can be made at sandridgebarton.com.
Sandridge Barton hosts a range of experiences including guided and self-guided tastings, allowing visitors to learn about the different grape varieties grown on site and the techniques used in the winery to craft each style of wine. A self-guided wine tasting flight is served in handmade baskets and is available 7 days a week. There are walking trails through the estate and vineyards to explore as well as the opportunity to enjoy wines by the glass in the gallery bar or lunch in the courtyard. Booking for tours and tastings can be made at sandridgebarton.com. The on-site shop stocks their full range of wines as well as Sharpham Dairy cheeses and a selection of local produce to take home. Shop online at sandridgebarton.com.
Vines were first planted at Sandridge Barton in 2008. Pinot Noir, Bacchus, Chardonnay, Madeleine Angevine and Pinot Gris are now grown in the vineyards which spread across 32 acres of the 400-acre estate. The Sandridge Barton estate is positioned just south of the village of Stoke Gabriel, which is a few miles upriver from the ever-popular town of Dartmouth and a few miles downriver from Totnes. Rich in history, most of the land falls into the South Hams AONB.
A vineyard called Stony Field, which is on a limestone ridge, was recently planted. Some of the premier wine districts in the world are planted on limestone and this, coupled with the increase in popularity of English Wines, sets an exciting future for the wines produced at Sandridge Barton.
To celebrate the opening, Sandridge Barton has released its new Sharpham Summer Sparkling wine – a fun, fresh pink sparkling wine best enjoyed chilled with friends on a hot summer’s day which pairs delightfully with goats cheese salad, grilled prawns, scallops and white fish.
The renovation is a collection of craftsmanship by Rob Christie of Devon Building and Renovation, wood printing and etching specialists Inspirwood, wood specialists Bespoke Oak Timber, plasterwork by StuccoLux and lighting by Amos Lighting and Pooky Lighting. The concept was designed and styled by Elaine Woodcroft from The Woody Fox who says “it’s been a dream to work with the friendly team at Sandridge Barton, helping them bring to life what was originally a dairy farm. The design reflects the earthy surroundings upon where the grapes, used to create their exquisite wine, are grown.”
The Sandridge Barton estate also offers self-catering accommodation. In the Main House, which is located close to the vineyard and overlooks the River Dart, there are six bedrooms and an indoor swimming pool. The newly-renovated Farmhouse at Lower Well Farm has four bedrooms located by the winery and visitor centre. The Boathouse has two bedrooms and is located in total seclusion on the bank of the River Dart. All guests will have the opportunity to experience the offerings of the visitor centre. Bookings for accommodation can be made at sandridgebarton.com.
To keep up to date ‘like’ Sandridge Barton Wines on Facebook, ‘follow’ Sandridge Barton Wines on Instagram or Sandridge Barton (the home of Sharpham Wines) on Twitter or visit sandridgebarton.com.
To keep up to date with all Circa’s news ‘follow’ @circa.sandridge_barton on Instagram or visit sandridgebarton.com/restaurant.
