Dunesforde: Yorkshire's Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers

(written exclusively for Absolutely Yorkshire and published in their April 2025 edition)

SPOTLIGHT

Dunesforde: Yorkshire’s Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers

Most people wouldn’t look at the rolling Yorkshire countryside and think, “Perfect spot for a vineyard,” but the Townsend family did exactly that. In 2016, they planted 6,000 vines on four acres of land, determined to prove that great English wine isn’t just a southern affair. Fast-forward a few years, and Dunesforde Vineyard has become a northern powerhouse, producing elegant, cool-climate wines that challenge everything you thought you knew about Yorkshire and viticulture.

Specialising in early-ripening varieties like Bacchus, Solaris, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir Précoce, Dunesforde has turned its cooler climate into an advantage, crafting wines with bright acidity, delicate aromatics, and a real sense of place. And it’s not just local pride talking — their Pinot Gris 2022 won both a gold medal and the Best Single Varietal White Trophy at the WineGB Awards 2024, making history as Yorkshire’s first-ever wine to receive such an accolade.

Beyond the bottles, Dunesforde offers one of the most charming tasting experiences in the region. Their beautifully restored barn doubles as a stylish tasting room, where visitors can sip their way through the range while soaking in the vineyard’s story — all under the watchful gaze of a dramatic 27-foot mural of Roman Aldborough, a nod to Yorkshire’s (surprisingly long!) winemaking history. And with their vineyard terrace and guided tours reopening from 11th April, there’s no better time to visit, grab a glass, and toast to the start of the season.

LAUNCHES

Battle of Tastebuds

Brand new to the wine world, Wine Smash is here to shake up your sipping routine. This freshly launched tasting game turns drinking into a full-blown showdown — armed with an app and five expertly selected wines, players go head-to-head, rating each pour before matching their notes against the experts. Closest score wins. Expect laughter, surprises, and the occasional bruised ego.

A Slice of Greece

Longing for sun-soaked Greek terraces and a glass of something crisp? Grecian Artisan Wines delivers boutique bottles, hidden gems, and all the Assyrtiko your heart desires — at prices so good, I was tempted to keep this one to myself. Whether you're just discovering Greek wine or already fluent in Xinomavro, this is your fast track to a Mediterranean state of mind.

Ellie Goulding’s Next Hit

Pop star turned drinks mogul? Why not. Ellie Goulding has officially entered the booze business with Served, a premium hard seltzer brand that is all about crisp refreshment without the nonsense. Made with surplus wonky fruit and British spring water, it’s low-calorie, sustainably minded, and dangerously easy to drink. Consider it the perfect encore to a night out — or a reason to stay in.