Castlewood Vineyard

Beneath ancient Musbury Castle, Castlewood Vineyard crafts distinctive wines, with some even aged in unique clay amphorae.

https://www.castlewoodvineyard.co.uk/

Castlewood farm, Musbury, Axminster EX13 8SS Get directions

Nearest station: Axminster (3.7 miles).

Public tours

Private tours

Self-guided tours

Tasting room

Dog friendly

Child friendly

Online shop

Winery on site

Walking trail

Hosts weddings

Organic or sustainable

While we update listings frequently, we suggest confirming important details with the vineyard to avoid any surprises.

What's the vibe

Castlewood Vineyard offers an authentic, boutique experience nestled beneath the ancient Musbury Castle hill fort in East Devon. It provides a serene setting where visitors can discover minimal intervention wines amidst a working farm.

Visiting information

Booking & Tours: The cellar door is open for wine sales by appointment. Tours and tastings are primarily pre-booked, with specific dates often available in conjunction with Glebe House for a tour, tasting, and lunch experience on select Fridays. Private tours for groups of six or more can also be arranged. Visitors are welcome to explore the vineyards independently but are encouraged to notify the vineyard in advance.Facilities: While there isn't a dedicated on-site restaurant, some tour packages include seasonal lunches provided by Glebe House.
Special Events: Castlewood hosts an annual Wine Festival (though 2025 is a 'fallow year' for this event) and occasionally partners with River Cottage for other events.
Accommodation: Two holiday cottages are available for rent on the vineyard estate, offering an immersive stay.
Accessibility: Children are welcome, and the vineyard is also dog-friendly.

The Wine

Castlewood Vineyard specialises in producing both sparkling and still wines from its south-facing Devon hillside. Their range includes classic sparkling varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, alongside still wines predominantly featuring Bacchus. Noteworthy releases include Castlewood Brut Reserve NV, Brut Rosé, Blanc de Blancs, and the Bacchus-based Artefact and Devon Minnow. The winemaking philosophy at Castlewood focuses on quality over quantity, with a commitment to minimal intervention. Their wines are made without filtration or fining chemicals, allowing for natural clarification and protecting the wine's integrity through gravity-only bottling.

The vineyard prioritises sustainability in its practices. This includes careful management of the vineyard's aspect to ensure a frost-free environment and using close grass cover to aid soil structure and prevent erosion. Wines like Castlewood Artefact are also vegan-friendly. Grapes are processed quickly at their on-site winery, minimising oxidation and ensuring freshness.

Getting here

By Car: Castlewood Vineyard is located in rural Musbury, East Devon, close to the Dorset border. Access is primarily by car.

By Public Transport: Direct public transport links to the vineyard are limited. Visitors relying on public transport should plan to use local taxi services from nearby towns.

What's nearby

Notable Restaurants:
Glebe House: A farm-to-table restaurant renowned for its seasonal, low-waste cooking and commitment to organic principles, often collaborating with Castlewood for vineyard tours and lunches.
Notable Hotels:
Lympstone Manor Hotel: A highly-rated, luxurious country house hotel located a scenic drive away.
Notable Attractions:
Musbury Castle: An Iron Age hill-fort offering breathtaking views over the vineyards and Axe Valley, frequently incorporated into vineyard tours.
River Cottage: A well-known culinary brand that occasionally holds events in conjunction with Castlewood Vineyard.