England’s answer to the Napa Valley. After 15 years of tilling the soil (very sandy, good drainage), Thomas’s 75 acres of Gloucestershire hillside now produce 300,000 bottles a year. There are regular tastings, a shop in which to buy a bottle or two, and paths that weave through the vines – a perfect stroll after a good meal. What’s more, three fabulous lodges wait down by the lake, all with decks and walls of glass. You’ll find claw-foot baths and comfy beds, so camp out in grand savannah style and listen to the woodpeckers. Rooms up at the restaurant are smart and spacious with terraces that overlook the vineyard. They come with padded bedheads, walls of colour, leather armchairs, flat-screen TVs and good bathrooms. Finally, the restaurant: claret walls, lovely views, sofas in front of an open fire. Excellent food waits, perhaps twice-baked Gloucester soufflé, fillet of bream with rocket and watercress, rhubarb crème brûlée with lemon shortbread. World wines are on the list, but you’ll want something from the vines that surround you; there’s a microbrewery, too. Perfect.
I enjoyed a Birthday treat here - tasted delicious wines from sparkling at the tasting session through to dessert by the fire, along with dinner served by a lovely team. Following a very comfortable night's sleep, waking up to a beautiful landscape view of the vineyard was very special - I hope to return in the not too distant future to stay and to stock up on some wine!