When most people think of the Isles of Scilly, they picture white-sand beaches, turquoise shallows and a slower pace of life. But tucked among the hedgerows and granite outcrops of St Mary’s is one of Britain’s most unexpected pleasures: a working vineyard flourishing just 28 miles off Land’s End.
Welcome to the wonderfully surprising world of wine on Scilly.
A Vineyard by the Atlantic
The heart of Scillonian wine production is Holy Vale Vineyard, a small, family-run vineyard set in a sheltered valley on St Mary’s. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the islands enjoy a mild, almost frost-free climate, creating ideal conditions for cool-climate grape varieties. The result? Crisp whites and delicate sparkling wines with a distinctly maritime character.
Arriving at Holy Vale feels like stepping into a secret garden. Sheltered by tall hedges and surrounded by subtropical planting, the vines stretch in neat rows across gentle slopes. It’s intimate, unpretentious and beautifully Scillonian.
The Tour Experience
A vineyard tour here is less about grand estates and more about passion, resilience and the quirks of island life. Guided walks through the vines explain how growing grapes on Scilly differs from mainland England. You’ll hear about salt-laden winds, careful canopy management, and the logistical gymnastics of bottling and distribution from a remote archipelago.
There’s something quietly magical about standing among ripening grapes with the Atlantic breeze drifting in from nearby beaches. The air carries the scent of wildflowers and sea salt, a combination you won’t find in Kent or Sussex.
Of course, the highlight is the tasting. Expect fresh, aromatic white wines and beautifully balanced sparkling bottles that reflect the vineyard’s cool coastal climate. Sipping a glass while overlooking the vines, knowing you’re surrounded by the sea on all sides, adds an extra layer of pleasure.
Pairing Wine with Island Life
One of the joys of vineyard visits on Scilly is how naturally they fit into a relaxed island itinerary. Spend the morning walking the coastal path between Hugh Town and Old Town Bay, pause for a swim in crystal-clear water, then head inland for an afternoon tour and tasting.
Many visitors combine a vineyard stop with lunch in Hugh Town, picking up local seafood to enjoy alongside a bottle purchased directly from the cellar door. Fresh crab, scallops or lobster paired with a chilled Scillonian white is about as local as it gets.
A Different Side of Scilly
The vineyard offers a refreshing contrast to the islands’ beaches and boating scene. It’s a reminder that Scilly is not just about wild beauty, but also about innovation and craftsmanship. Growing grapes in this remote corner of England takes determination, creativity and a deep understanding of the land.
For returning visitors who think they’ve “done” the islands, a vineyard tour reveals a new layer of Scillonian life, quieter, more intimate, and deeply rooted in place.
Planning Your Visit
Tours typically run during the growing season and into harvest time, but booking ahead is wise, especially in summer. Because the vineyard is small, numbers are often limited, which only enhances the personal feel of the experience.
There are vineyard tours and wine tastings available on St Martins at the St Martins Vineyard. Open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11am til 2pm (may close if the weather is bad), but no need to book. The self-guided tour and tasting combined costs £10 per person and under 16’s are free. If you just want to explore the vineyard the cost is £6 per person.
Island Gin
Or for something a little different, take a guided tour of the Scilly Spirit Distillery, where they produce Island Gin, or even spend some time at their Gin School, learning all about the history of gin, whilst you make your own recipe gin from over 60 botanicals on offer.
