Cornish Summer in a Glass: Camel Valley & Knightor Winery
When I first wrote this post in July 2018, Cornwall was basking in glorious sunshine and I had Cornish wine on my mind. Long sunny days, epic sunsets and something cold in a glass – it felt like a pretty good combination.
The weather may be rather less dependable, but the idea still stands. Cornwall has become increasingly well known for the quality of its food and drink, and our vineyards are very much part of that story.
So I thought it was time to revisit one of the original stars of this post, Camel Valley, and add another Cornish winery that has caught our eye since – Knightor.
Camel Valley Vineyard, near Bodmin
Camel Valley has been producing wine in the Camel Valley since Bob and Annie Lindo planted their first vines in 1989. Their son Sam later took over as winemaker, making this very much a Cornish family story as well as a wine one.
The awards have certainly followed. Camel Valley wines have collected national and international medals for decades, but when this article first appeared they were enjoying a particularly glamorous spell.
In 2017, Camel Valley wine was served at the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace for the King and Queen of Spain. Their Cornwall Brut was also selected for British Airways First Class – quite a journey for wine made on a farm just outside Bodmin.
For me though, the loveliest thing about Camel Valley has always been that it doesn’t feel remotely stuffy. This is not a snobbish vineyard, just people who love Cornwall and are passionate about their wine.
You can visit the vineyard, learn about the growing season and winemaking on a guided tour, or simply book a table and enjoy a glass on the terrace overlooking the valley. Sitting there with Cornish wine on a summer afternoon sounds rather difficult to improve upon.
Knightor Winery, near St Austell
Knightor Winery, at Trethurgy above St Austell Bay, first appeared on the Cornwall Blog in 2023. Back then we picked out their Chilli and Beer Blowout with Harbour Brewing as one of our April events to try.
That particular evening is long gone, but Knightor itself deserves a more permanent mention. It is a working winery producing still and sparkling wines, using grapes from English vineyards as well as its own vines at Portscatho and Seaton on Cornwall’s south coast.
You can visit the cellar door for a tasting, while guided winery tours run seasonally and follow the journey from grape to bottle before finishing, appropriately enough, with a tasting. Knightor also has a busy programme of food, drink and other events throughout the year.
I rather like that both these wineries feel like places to visit rather than simply labels on a bottle. Camel Valley gives you the vines, valley views and that wonderful terrace; Knightor has the atmosphere of an old Cornish farmstead and a working winery.
If you would rather make a day of it without having to think about the driving, Cornwall Discovery's private wine, beer and cider tours can be shaped around vineyards, breweries and cider farms, with both Camel Valley and Knightor among the possible stops.
A Cornish summer in a glass
There is just so much to commend Cornwall in the summer – clotted cream teas, every variety of ice cream imaginable and some of the freshest seafood you could wish for – but a glass of Cornish wine as the sun starts to sink still takes some beating.
And even if the Cornish weather isn’t playing along, at least the wine can be relied upon.
Tours, tastings, opening days and events change throughout the year, so check the Camel Valley and Knightor websites before making a special journey.
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