Wickham Estate

Step into a vineyard where the vines stand unusually wide apart, a charming legacy of the apple-picking machinery that once roamed these very grounds.

https://www.wickhamestate.co.uk/

Wickham Estate Vineyard, Botley Road, Shedfield, Southampton SO32 2HL. Get directions

Nearest station: Botley (1.6 miles).
Approx walking time: 35 minutes.

Tasting room

Dog friendly

Child friendly

Disabled access

Award-winning

Hosts weddings

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

What's the vibe

Wickham Estate offers a charming and elegant vineyard experience, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Praised as a "hidden gem" by visitors, it provides an intimate setting, perfectly complemented by a dedicated and attentive team.

Visiting information

General Access: Wickham Estate primarily operates as a wedding and private functions venue, meaning general drop-in visits are not usually possible. All visits to the site should be pre-booked directly with the office team.Tours: Audio-assisted tours are available, allowing visitors to explore the vineyard and learn about the winemaking process at their own pace. For a more in-depth experience, guided tours can be arranged by prior booking, suitable for groups.

Dining: There is a restaurant on-site offering a seasonal menu, with views overlooking the vineyard.

Special Events: The estate regularly hosts "Wine Tasting & Dinner Experience" evenings, offering a tutored wine tasting followed by a two-course meal in the historic Old Winery. They also hold showcase events for prospective wedding and event clients. During the summer, the estate may feature open-air performances.

Accommodation: Beautiful on-site accommodation, including a bridal suite and four guest bedrooms, is available. This is primarily renovated for couples and their close guests attending events at the estate.

Dogs & Children: Both dogs and children are welcome at Wickham Estate.

The Wine

Wickham Estate produces a diverse range of wines, including red, white, and sparkling varieties. Their vineyards cultivate 15 different grape varieties, predominantly of German descent, such as Dornfelder, Bacchus, Reichensteiner, Seyval Blanc, Pinot Noir, Schonburger, Siegerrebe, Madeleine Angevine, Huxelrebe, Regent, and Rondo.

The wines have garnered national and international recognition, with several awards over the years. Notably, their Wickham Medium 2009 secured a Silver Medal at the International Wine Challenge 2011, and the Wickham Vintage Selection Dry 2010 received a Bronze Medal at the UKVA Awards 2011. Their sparkling wines are also described as award-winning.

The estate operates its own winery on site, where the grapes are crushed and fermented within a specially converted 200-year-old barn that has been upgraded to modern standards. This allows for the entire winemaking process to take place on the estate, from grape to bottle. The vines are grown using a Geneva double curtain system, which helps optimise sun exposure and provides natural frost protection.

Getting here

By Car:

Wickham Estate is located at Botley Road, Shedfield, Hampshire, SO32 2HL.

By Public Transport:

The nearest train station is Botley. From Botley Station, a taxi ride to Wickham Estate takes approximately 6-7 minutes, or it is about a 35-40 minute walk.

What's nearby

Notable Restaurants:
- The Crown Inn – A well-regarded pub and restaurant offering excellent food in a traditional setting in nearby Wickham.
- The White Lion – A charming village pub and restaurant in Botley, known for its hearty meals and welcoming atmosphere.
Notable Hotels:
- Meon Valley Hotel, Golf & Country Club – Situated just 0.63 miles from the estate, offering comfortable accommodation and golf facilities.
- New Place Hotel – A historic country house hotel located 1.44 miles away, providing a peaceful escape amidst beautiful grounds.
Notable Attractions:
- Meon Valley Trail – A scenic nine-mile path along the old Meon Valley Railway Line, perfect for walking or cycling, starting from Wickham.
- The Chesapeake Mill – A historic Grade II listed building with a unique past, offering an eclectic mix of antiques, gifts, and home furnishings in Wickham.