Suffolk vineyards near The Firs: summer tours and tastings

Suffolk's vineyards are at their best in summer, and The Firs sits within easy reach of some lovely ones — including Valley Farm Vineyards at Wissett, barely 15 minutes away. A vineyard tour and tasting is a perfect grown-up afternoon out from our countryside retreat. We're 2 hours from London and 45 minutes from Norwich.

Valley Farm Vineyards at Wissett, near Halesworth, is the closest and a real local gem. This eight-acre, family-run vineyard produces award-winning single-estate still and sparkling wines — its Madeleine Angevine is a favourite. Owner Adrian leads relaxed, knowledgeable guided tours followed by a tasting, with options that add a picnic in the vines or a build-your-own wood-fired pizza. It's an unhurried, sunny-afternoon kind of experience. You can find tour options and times at valleyfarmvineyards.co.uk.

A little further afield, Flint Vineyard near Bungay (just over the Norfolk border) is another well-regarded spot for tours and tastings — worth checking their website for current opening and tour times before you set off.

The beauty of a vineyard afternoon from The Firs is the evening that follows. Bring a bottle home, fire up the pizza oven, and enjoy your Suffolk wine around the firepit as the sun goes down — or save it for a soak in the wood-fired hot tub under the stars.

For summer UK stays that pair countryside calm with a taste of local wine country, this countryside stay is a quiet Suffolk secret.

Planning a summer wine-tasting break? Check availability and book direct.