Encounter Vineyard

A working vineyard housed inside a converted church near Tewkesbury - it's one of those places that shouldn't work on paper but absolutely does. You walk in expecting hymns and pews; instead there are vines climbing the interior walls and the smell of fermentation hanging in the air. The setup is genuinely clever, with the nave repurposed as the production space and the chancel opened up for tastings.

It's not a massive operation, which is rather the point. The wines are English, mostly white and dessert varieties that do well in Gloucestershire's climate. The staff know what they're talking about without being pretentious, and you can usually have a proper chat with whoever's pouring. The building itself carries the weight of its former life - stone walls, high ceilings, that particular acoustic you only get in old churches - which gives the whole experience something more interesting than your standard vineyard visit.

Allow an hour if you're just tasting and browsing; longer if you want to ask questions or buy a bottle. It works best as a detour between Tewkesbury and Winchcombe, particularly if you're staying at Winchcombe Camping & Caravanning Club nearby. The tasting fees are modest, though I'd confirm current prices and opening times before heading over, as independent places like this can be a bit fluid with their hours.

Not for people wanting rows of vines and rolling vineyard views - that's not what this is. But if you appreciate quirky spaces and decent English wine, it's well worth the stop.