All about Portesham Vineyard

About the owner

In a previous career, Peter Biddlecombe toured the world visiting vineyards, which planted the seed of the idea to begin his own. Portesham now grows Phoenix, Seyval and Chardonnay grapes for their white wines and Pinot noir and Regent for their reds. There are all sorts of ways to get involved at the vineyard while you're staying in the hut, but you're more than welcome to just sit back and enjoy the countryside and the breezy coastal walks.

Wildlife & environment

After reclaiming the land from the horses that had lived there for 30 years, the vineyard was established in 2003 with the idea of producing the cleanest possible crop with minimal intervention. This isn't just for the sake of the wine, but also to leave the natural habitat of local sika deer, badgers, foxes and game birds as pristine as possible.

Getting there

Portesham Vineyard, Winters Lane, Little Waddon, Nr Weymouth, DT3 4ER

By public transport

The nearest train stations are Dorchester South and Dorchester West, 7 miles away, or Weymouth, 9 miles away. Dorchester and Weymouth are also the nearest bus stations. Taxis are available if you don't fancy the walk or haven't brought your bike.

By car

From the west

Follow the A35 westwards from Bere Regis. At the third roundabout follow the sign to Martinstown. Turn Left at the T junction and follow the road for a couple of miles. Turn right at the bottom of the hill following a sign to Friar Waddon. Continue along this road until you reach a sharp right hand turn. Bearing right, follow sign to Portesham. Portesham vineyard is about 800 yards, the first driveway on the left hand side.

From the east

Follow the A35 from Bridport. Take a right hand turn following the sign for Portesham just after Winterbourne Abbas, opposite a BP petrol garage on the left. Follow the signs to Portesham. Once in Portesham, bear left at the sharp left hand turn and then take the first road left called Winters Lane. Continue straight along this road, passing Waddon House on your left. The vineyard is on the right hand side, the last driveway on the right in Waddon. If you reach the signpost for Coryates, you have gone too far.

Things to do

At The Hide and nearby

On the vineyard, guests are welcome to experience viticulture by helping with the seasonal tasks, tending the vines from budbreak to harvest.

Places to visit

The Hide is in the heart of Hardy country and as well as visiting his birthplace, Higher Bockhampton just outside Dorchester and the house he later lived in at Max Gate, you can visit some fine historic houses in the area, among which are:

Athelhampton - a 15^th century manor house and gardens

Mapperton - a Jacobean manor house of the 16^th-17^th century mapperton.com

Minterne - a 17^th century house minterne.co.uk

Kingston Lacey - a 17^th century National Trust house

Corfe Castle - a stunningly atmospheric ruined Norman Castle

For something a little more modern, how about Bovington Tank Museum

In the countryside...

There is fabulous walking and cycling all around you at The Hide. Among the many walking trails, all taking in magnificent views, are: Golden Cap, The Fleet, Hardy’s monument, Studland, Durdle Dor, Lulworth Cove and the South West Coast Path. There is also:

For riding, try the Bramdon Trekking Centre in Portesham or South Coast Equestrian

Cerne Abbas - half an hour North, is the site of the famous Cerne Giant carved into hillside

Fossil hunting is often rewarding at Lyme regis, Charmouth and Burton Bradstock

Or take a day trip to Wareham, a Saxon walled town. Boats are available for hire on the river. Afternoon tea at the Priory hotel on the lawn next to the river is a must.

Eating & drinking

At The Hide

Hampers of local Dorset food can be delivered by The Rural Farm Shop company. There are also farmers markets at Poundbury and Bridport.

To stock up on your own essentials, the Village store and Bride Valley Farm shop are both in Abbotsbury, about 3 miles away.

Pubs & restaurants

The Hive Beach Cafe - Burton Bradstock. Right next to the beach. Award winning food locally produced. Wonderful breakfast, lunch (dinner every night from July ) They don’t take bookings, so get there early. About 15 minutes away by car

The Riverside restaurant, West Bay. About 20 minutes by car. Gorgeous seafood.

The Elm Tree pub in Langton Herring. Combine a walk with breathtaking views, have coffee at the Moonfleet Manor on the Fleet and then finish off with lunch at the Elm Tree. 10 minutes away by car

The Bull hotel in Bridport. Wonderful atmosphere and great food. 25 minutes by car

The Stable ( part of the Bull Hotel ) a fantastic pizza and pie restaurant full of fun and energy. The best pizzas outside Italy the owners say theyv'e tasted, thin and crispy and individually made to order.

The Boat that Rocks, Portland. Next to the marina. 20 minutes

Quddles, a quirky little seafood restaurant on the sea wall of Chesil beach on Portland.

All about Portesham Vineyard

About the owner

In a previous career, Peter Biddlecombe toured the world visiting vineyards, which planted the seed of the idea to begin his own. Portesham now grows Phoenix, Seyval and Chardonnay grapes for their white wines and Pinot noir and Regent for their reds. There are all sorts of ways to get involved at the vineyard while you're staying in the hut, but you're more than welcome to just sit back and enjoy the countryside and the breezy coastal walks.

Wildlife & environment

After reclaiming the land from the horses that had lived there for 30 years, the vineyard was established in 2003 with the idea of producing the cleanest possible crop with minimal intervention. This isn't just for the sake of the wine, but also to leave the natural habitat of local sika deer, badgers, foxes and game birds as pristine as possible.