It’s a Wrap on Grape Harvest
It is official. The grape harvest at Calancombe is complete, and every bunch of fruit from this year’s vintage is now safely in the winery. It has been a brilliant season, and we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined the picking team this year. Your hard work and enthusiasm made this vintage possible.
The real magic is just beginning. Some grape varieties are already fermenting in the winery, including this year’s Chardonnay, one of the first to begin its journey from grape to glass. The process takes time. The still wines will be ready to enjoy from mid-2027, with sparkling wines following in 2028. Bottling, careful monitoring and patience are all part of what goes into every glass.
In the meantime, there is plenty to explore from previous vintages, and our online shop is a great place to discover what Calancombe has already produced while you wait for the 2026 harvest to make its way to bottle.
Back out in the vineyard, the work does not stop once the fruit has been picked. The canopy still needs attention, with foliar feeds applied to help the vines draw nutrients back into the trunk before winter. There is also drainage management to keep on top of, along with grass cutting through the rows. The vines are looked after all year round, not just during harvest.
Apple harvest has begun, and this year Calancombe is open through October and November for the very first time. It is a brilliant opportunity to see the orchard in action and discover how our Sparkling Cyder is made, at a time of year that feels genuinely special on the Estate.
Celebrate the Season with Us
December is shaping up to be a wonderful month too. Festive lunches are available Fridays and Saturdays from 4th to 19th December, with evening dining on 11th and 18th December until 8pm. Every guest arrives to a complimentary glass of Carobella Sparkling Wine before sitting down to a seasonal three-course menu.
For businesses, the Estate also offers Christmas parties, winter meetings and private hire, with the option to include a wine tour or tasting. A working vineyard in South Devon makes for a genuinely different kind of festive venue, and that is exactly what our guests tell us. One recent visitor put it perfectly:
“The food was absolutely incredible, the surroundings were beautiful, and it was clear that every detail had been carefully thought through. Your warmth, hospitality and attention to detail created the perfect environment. It was a genuine pleasure to spend time in such a welcoming and inspiring setting. A truly memorable experience.”