We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we have been awarded GOLD for best café in Devon at the 2022/23 Devon Tourism Awards.
Just over two years since we swung open the doors to our new kitchen, shop and winery we have been awarded not one, but two huge accolades – a gold for best café in Devon and silver for New Tourism Business of the Year.
We’ve had an ‘interesting’ first few years here at the vineyard to say the least. Opening during a global pandemic certainly didn’t get a mention in the business plan and like many new businesses, this has of course thrown a few spanners in the works along the way. We’ve held fast and persevered and used our time well to perfect what we can offer.
To be able to say we won gold for best café in Devon is a huge moment for us. Our entire team has worked so hard and it’s a huge accomplishment to have even been named a finalist. To say we are chuffed, is beyond an understatement and we will be celebrating for some time!
Taking home a silver award for the New Tourism Business of the Year award is also a major milestone. For us, our business has never been ‘just a vineyard’ or ‘just a kitchen’. The vineyard came first, nearly 15 years ago and has developed and nestled itself into the stunning landscape on our family farm in Devon. From day one we grew our passion for the vines and our small part in the evolution of the story of English wine. Now, we not only produce the fruit but create the wine that we serve each day in our new, shiny winery. You can see this process for yourselves on one of our vineyard and winery tours, the flagship element to the experience of joining us here at the vineyard. We guided over 2000 people around the vineyard on tours in 2022 alone!
You may well be surprised to know that opening our kitchen and shop is something of a first for the whole team. With previous backgrounds in construction, horticulture, graphic design and marketing, we’ve learnt a lot since opening our doors. Another reason we are so pleased to receive these awards – it’s great to know we are on the right track!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful team, who are truly fantastic people. We couldn’t be more thankful for all their hard work! Huge thanks also to the Devon Tourism Awards for thinking so highly of us, to the judges and everyone involved in the process. A special mention to the other finalists on the night, including Lydford Gorge Alpacas and Ocean View at the Dome.
Most of all we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has visited us over the first few years of our story – to everyone who visited us for a tour, to buy a bottle (or two) or who have joined us for a bite to eat in our now award-winning café.
Here’s to 2023! Cheers!
