Halfpenny Green Vineyard

Halfpenny Green Wine Estate: A Family-Run English Vineyard in South Staffordshire

Halfpenny Green Wine Estate is one of the largest family-run vineyards in England, set in the rolling South Staffordshire countryside near Bobbington. Planted in 1983 by farmer Martin Vickers with the ambition of matching continental wine regions, the estate now spreads across nearly 30 acres of south-facing slopes and produces a multi-award-winning range of English still and sparkling wines, alongside an on-site shop, restaurant, craft village, zoological park and coarse fishing pools.

A Family Vineyard Born from a Continental Ambition

The story of Halfpenny Green Wine Estate began more than 40 years ago with a single half-acre plot. It was the vision of farmer Martin Vickers to plant a vineyard that would one day match continental sites in terms of quality and consistency. By 1991 a further 22 acres had been added, and today the vineyard totals almost 30 acres, making it one of the largest in the United Kingdom. The estate sits 250 ft above sea level on well-sheltered south-facing slopes with light, sandy, free-draining soil - conditions remarkably similar to those of the great wine regions of northern Europe.

"It was my vision to create a vineyard on a par with continental sites. I am really proud of the quality of vines we grow today," says founder Martin Vickers.

Today the winemaking is led by Martin's son Clive Vickers, the owner and head winemaker. A true family business, the acclaimed shop, restaurant and tea rooms are run by Clive's wife Lisa. Together they offer not just a vineyard but a complete day out for visitors to South Staffordshire.

The Grapes Grown on the Estate

The vines, spread across the 30 acres, are made up of sixteen different varieties, each producing a distinct character. Familiar names such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir feature prominently and are used in producing the estate's award-winning sparkling wines, amongst others. Due to the cooler British climate, a selection of weather-hardy varieties is also grown throughout the site, including Bacchus, Huxelrebe, Madeleine Angevine, Regent, Rondo and Schönburger. This diversity means that, even with the Great British weather, the vines still achieve good yields and produce high-quality grapes year after year.

The Winery and the Wines

The estate's purpose-built winery was constructed in 2005 and now produces between 50,000 and 60,000 bottles of own-label wine every year, all from grapes grown on the site. In addition to being sold through the on-site shop and online, Halfpenny Green's wines are stocked in many farm shops and delis throughout the region. The winery also carries out contract winemaking and bottling for over 80 other vineyards around England and Wales, and has won many regional, national and international awards in the process.

"It's a reflection of the quality of the grapes grown here on our slopes that we are able to produce wines which win national awards," says Clive Vickers.

The Still Wine Range

Halfpenny Green's still wine range is hand-crafted from estate-grown grapes and bottled on site. Tasting notes, food pairings and ABV are published for each release, with multi-bottle discounts available when ordering 3, 6 or 12 bottles online:

• Bacchus 2025 - £15.50 per bottle (3 for £15.00, 6 for £14.50, 12 for £14.00). 11% ABV. Delicate citrus zest and minerality with a blackcurrant leaf twist; crisp, refreshing and complex. Pairs with grilled fish, vegetable pasta and rich poultry.
• Long Acre 2023 - £15.50 per bottle (multi-bottle discounts as above). 11% ABV. A pale golden straw colour with generous nectarine, orange blossom and elderflower. A blend of Solaris, Ortega and Siegerrebe. Serve with white meats, rich fish or lightly spiced dishes.
• Chardonnay 2022 - £21.25 per bottle (3 for £20.75, 6 for £20.25, 12 for £19.25). 12% ABV. Characterful and elegant, with peach, honey and lemon peel; aged in oak barrels. Pairs with rich fish, oysters or creamy pasta.
• Penny Black 2024 - £12.50 per bottle. 11% ABV. The signature white blend including grapes from the original 1983 vines - Reichensteiner, Madeleine, Pinot Blanc and Huxelrebe. Lemon peel, rose petal, dessert pear, apricot, yellow peach and red apple. Pairs with poultry, pork, stir-fries, bao buns, ramen and gyoza.
• Black Country Gold - £12.50 per bottle. 11% ABV. Straw-coloured with grapefruit and honeyed aromas; sweetness carries through with apricot and dessert pear. A blend of Seyval Blanc, Madeleine Angevine and Reichensteiner. Pairs with aromatic Asian and North African dishes or mild to medium blue cheeses.
• English Rose 2023 - £12.50 per bottle. 11% ABV. Gentle floral nose, with ripe peaches and raspberries plus notes of vanilla ice cream. A blend of Solaris, Madeleine Angevine, Rondo and Pinot Noir. Serve with antipasti, Mediterranean cuisine, pan-seared fish or vegetable bakes.
• Penny Red 2024 - £12.50 per bottle. 11% ABV. Violet-red in the glass with a blackcurrant tang on the nose; warming notes of soft dark fruits, spice and white pepper. A blend of Rondo, Triomphe d'Alsace, Divico and Pinot Noir. Brilliant with grilled meats, pizza, tomato pasta, stews and roasts.
• Pinot Noir 2022 - £21.25 per bottle (multi-bottle discounts apply). 12% ABV. Ripe juicy cherries and strawberries supported by gentle vanilla and spice. Drinking well now with 5 - 7 years' ageing potential. Pairs with mushroom dishes, steaks, duck, lamb and game.

The Sparkling Wine Range

The estate's sparkling wines have built much of its award-winning reputation. Bottles are released from a range that includes traditional varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, alongside Seyval Blanc, Reichensteiner and Rondo:

• Brut Sparkling 2022 - £25.95 per bottle (3 for £24.95, 6 for £23.75, 12 for £21.75). 11.5% ABV. Golden straw in colour, with grapefruit, honey and hazelnut on the nose. A blend of Seyval Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Reichensteiner. Perfect with seafood, antipasti or tapas.
• Rosé Sparkling 2023 - £25.95 per bottle. 11.5% ABV. Pale pink with delightful effervescence; citrussy nose and redcurrant with watermelon on the palate. Pinot Noir and Seyval Blanc. Chilled for a special occasion; pairs with olives, bread and dips, brunch or chocolate-dipped strawberries.
• Red Sparkling 2021 - £25.95 per bottle. 11.5% ABV. Forward with black cherry and forest fruits, lifted by smooth effervescence and an almost smoky finish. Rondo and Pinot Noir. Great with roast meats, game or rich vegetable stews; a fun aperitif too.
• Classic Cuvée 2018 - £28.95 per bottle (3 for £27.50, 6 for £26.00, 12 for £24.50). 11.5% ABV. Honeyed straw, refined and refreshing; warm toasted notes with dessert pear and white peach, having spent over five years on lees. Drinking well now with 10 - 12 years' ageing potential. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Pairs with seafood, tapas or a celebratory fish and chip supper.

Half Bottles and Gift Packs

Halfpenny Green also offers 375 ml half bottles at £6.95 each, available in Penny Red, Penny Black and English Rose. The Half Bottle Gift Pack - containing one of each - is priced at £22.25 per pack. Both are available from the on-site farm shop only and cannot be purchased online.

Sustainability

Halfpenny Green is a member of the SWGB (Sustainability in Wines of Great Britain) scheme, launched in 2020, which works to reduce the carbon footprint of English and Welsh wine production, improve winery design and soil health, conserve the environment, promote biodiversity, and optimise canopy management and grape yield.

Guided Tours at Halfpenny Green

The estate runs both public and private guided tours of the vines and winery throughout the year, hosted by experienced tour guides and followed by tutored wine tastings.

Public Guided Tours 2026

Public guided tours run at £40.00 per person and are available by booking only on selected dates from February to October yearly. Tours start at 12 noon. Payment in full is required at the time of booking for those without a voucher. For groups of 15 or more, see Private Group Tours.

Gift vouchers for public tours are available for one or two people and can be purchased online or from the farm shop.

Available 2026 dates (starting at 12 noon) include:

• 14 February 2026
• 21 March 2026; 29 March 2026
• 11 April 2026 (FULL); 19 April 2026 (FULL); 25 April 2026 (FULL)
• 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 May 2026
• 6 June (FULL); 7, 13 June (FULL), 14, 27 June (FULL), 28 June 2026
• 4 July (FULL); 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 July 2026
• 1, 9, 15, 22 August 2026 (ALL FULL)
• 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 September 2026
• 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 October 2026

To book, call 01384 221122. Guests visit part of the vines and winery with a tour guide, followed by an in-depth presentation on the history of the vineyard and winemaking process, a tasting of a selection of award-winning wines, and a set two-course meal (Cold Winemaker's Platter and Homemade Dessert) with tea or coffee to finish. Dietary requirements should be flagged when booking.

Private Group Tours

Private tours are available for groups of 15 or more throughout the year (subject to availability). Guests are welcomed in the Wine House - a purpose-built function room designed for tours and tastings - and escorted to the vines and the state-of-the-art winery, which now produces hundreds of thousands of bottles of wine each year. After a presentation on the vineyard's history and the winemaking process, including a wine tasting, the group enjoys a light snack or meal. Three private tour packages are offered:

• Tour, Tasting & Cream Tea - £19.95 per person: guided tour, presentation, wine tasting, followed by a scone with jam and cream, with tea or coffee to finish.
• Tour, Tasting & Cheese & Biscuits - £32.00 per person: guided tour, presentation, wine tasting, followed by a cheeseboard and crackers.
• Tour, Tasting & Two Course Meal - £40.00 per person: guided tour, presentation, wine tasting, followed by a Cold Winemaker's Platter and dessert, with tea or coffee.

Times available and min/max numbers:

• Weekday daytime - min 15, max 48
• Weekend daytime - min 15, max 30
• Evening - min 20 (30 for Cream Tea), max 48

Private tours are requested via the Private Group Tours booking form; the team will confirm availability and send a booking form with payment details.

Wine, Gin and Spirit Tastings

Wine Tasting in the Wine Loft

Individuals or small groups are invited to visit the Wine Loft in the shop to sample the Wine Tasting Menu at £25.00 per person. All options come with a self-guided trail - a relaxing and scenic route through the vines with a short history of the vineyard and the grapes. Sessions are available for booking seven days a week (subject to space availability), 12 pm - 3 pm. Over-18s only. To book, call the shop on 01384 221122.

Gin Tasting

A gin tasting experience is offered in the Wine Loft for £28.95 per person, where guests indulge in a range of mixers and artisan British gins while enjoying the gorgeous views. Sessions are bookable seven days a week, 12 pm - 3 pm (subject to availability). Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an experienced taster, choose from one of two curated gin menus and receive a 25 ml measure of each gin on the selected menu (four measures total), along with mixers, garnishes and detailed tasting notes. Two menus are currently available: Menu One and Menu Two. Gift vouchers are available.

Rum and Whisky Tastings

The shop also offers Rum Tasting gift vouchers at £28.95 per person (or £57.90 for two), covering four rums paired with mixers and garnishes plus tasting notes, and Whisky Tasting vouchers at £35.00 per person, with four premium whiskies and tasting notes.

The Restaurant and High Tea

The locally renowned on-site restaurant is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (booking recommended) and is proud to serve high-quality food freshly prepared to order. Highly experienced chefs create exciting and tasty dishes using locally sourced ingredients, served by a dedicated team of waiting staff. Bookings can be made by calling 01384 221122.

Service Times

• Sandwiches served 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
• Main meals served 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm
• Teacakes, scones and cakes served 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Traditional breakfasts served 9:00 am - 11:00 am
• Children's menu served 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm
• Traditional Sunday roasts available all day

The current menus are available as PDFs: Main Menu, Breakfast Menu and Children's Menu.

Traditional High Tea

For those looking to celebrate in style, a Traditional High Tea is served daily (subject to booking availability) at £26.95 per person. The selection of finger sandwiches, homemade cream cakes and scones is presented on vintage fine-bone china, with unlimited tea or coffee. High teas are available until 3 pm daily; a £10 per person deposit is required and 24 hours' notice is needed. Bookings can be made by calling the restaurant on 01384 221122. High Tea gift vouchers are available.

Private Functions and Parties

The experienced kitchen and restaurant teams at Halfpenny Green can provide food and service for almost any celebration, party or get-together. The function room, named "The Wine House", can host up to 48 seated or 60 standing for a buffet-style function, with a bar available. The restaurant is also available for evening hire for full sit-down meals, wine and cheese evenings and barbecues. Minimum numbers and a room hire fee do apply for all functions.

The Wine House has hosted family parties, baby showers, christenings, wakes, corporate events, meetings and AGMs. Function enquiries can be made through Private Functions and Parties.

Gifts, Hampers and Vouchers

Personalised Labels and Gift Wrapping

All Halfpenny Green wines (except Late Harvest 2018) can be personalised with a short message at £1.50 per label. A range of gift-wrap options is also offered, from simple cellophane with a bow to silk-lined presentation boxes with champagne flutes, with prices starting from £4.00. Both services require 24 hours' notice and are arranged by calling 01384 221122.

Bespoke Hampers

Pre-made hampers are available during the Christmas period, themed around different tastes and occasions - from an evening in with wine and chocolates to an extravagant breakfast with chutneys and cheeses. Off-the-shelf hampers can be commissioned at any time of year using products of your choice, sourced from high-quality British and European suppliers. The estate has also collaborated with Firetree Chocolate to create a wine and chocolate hamper.

Gift Vouchers

Monetary vouchers are available in £5, £10, £15 and £20 denominations and can be redeemed in the farm shop (excluding the butchery), the restaurant, or for tours and all tasting experiences. A wide range of experience vouchers is also on sale, including:

• Tour, Tasting & Two Course Meal - £40.00 (one person) or £80.00 (two people)
• Cream Tea - £6.80 (one) or £13.60 (two)
• Wine Tasting Experience - £25.00 (one) or £50.00 (two)
• Gin Tasting - £28.95 (one) or £57.90 (two)
• High Tea - £26.95 (one) or £53.90 (two)
• Fishing - £9.00 (one)
• Rum Tasting - £28.95 (one) or £57.90 (two)
• Whisky Tasting - £35.00 (one)

Vouchers can be purchased from the shop by calling 01384 221122, or ordered online. Businesses in the craft village operate separate systems and do not accept shop vouchers.

The Craft Village

The Craft Village at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate features 15 independent businesses plus WILD Zoological Park. Each unit is independently run with its own opening hours; visitors are encouraged to call ahead when making a special trip. The businesses currently based on site include:

• Art from Earth - Pottery studio and shop with seasonal handmade pieces and pottery wheel experiences. Wed - Sun 10 am - 4 pm.
• Arthur's Jewellery - Handmade high-class jewellery and silverware repairs. Mon - Thu and Sat 11 am - 4 pm.
• Celebration Crafts - Personalised greetings cards, keepsakes and bespoke stationery. Thu - Sun 9:30 am - 4 pm.
• Timeslip Vintage - Eclectic vintage clothing, accessories, jewellery, handbags, shoes and homewares. Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat 11 am - 4 pm; Sun 12 pm - 4 pm.
• Eddie Woodall Shrubs & Landscaping - Shrubs, potted plants, hanging baskets and pots, plus landscaping services. Daily 9 am - 5 pm.
• Gem Gift Shop & Holistic Centre - Giftware, toiletries, gemstones, holistic treatments, costume jewellery and more. Tue - Fri 11 am - 4:30 pm; weekends 11 am - 5 pm.
• Doobry Firkin - Bespoke sewing and upholstery service. Tue - Sat 10 am - 4 pm.
• Allure Aesthetics - Botox and dermal filler treatments.
• Gifts from the Forest - Bespoke wooden crafts, ornamental wooden boxes, wood-turning lessons and woodworking supplies.
• Hillcrest Leisure Products - Fine furniture for the garden, patio and conservatory. Mon - Fri 11 am - 5 pm; Sat 10 am - 5 pm; Sun 10:30 am - 5 pm.
• Little Munchkins Photography Studio - Family, baby, kids and wedding photography. Tue - Fri 10:30 am - 5 pm; weekends by appointment.
• Martyn Pearson Glass - Crystal glass cutting, engraving and repairs. Thu - Sun 9:30 am - 4 pm.
• Mountain Ash Crafts - Card-making and scrapbooking supplies. Daily 10:30 am - 4:30 pm.
• Nadia Lammas Glass - Fused and leaded glass art, gifts and stained-glass repair. Mon, Tue, Thu - Sun 10:30 am - 5 pm.
• Skorkart Studio, Gallery & Shop - Pet portraits, wildlife art prints, originals, greetings cards and art classes. Wed - Sat 10 am - 5 pm; Sun 11 am - 5 pm.
• WILD Zoological Park - see below.

WILD Zoological Park

Located on site at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate, WILD Zoological Park is home to a huge range of animals and offers an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family. Its mission is "to deliver a once in a lifetime, memorable, hands-on experience to educate guests about animals", with a vision "to teach, educate and conserve wildlife".

The park is home to the UK's largest free-flying bird display ("Wild Wings Bird Show"), the Wild Wonders Animal Show, Wild World of Dinosaurs Show, Bugs and Reptiles, numerous walk-through enclosures and animal talks - all included in the entrance price. New educational workshops are offered, matched to the National Curriculum for every year group and key stage, both at the park and through outreach visits during Spring and Autumn terms. Bespoke school packages start from £10 - £20 per child and include a free individual return ticket for every child. The park also hosts parties, experiences and the Wild Explorers Society for budding junior keepers.

Up-to-date opening times, admission prices and programme schedules are available from WILD Zoological Park.

Coarse Fishing Pools

Spend a relaxing day on the vineyard hillside beside the extensive fishing pools, stocked with top-quality Carp, Roach, Bream and Gudgeon. Day tickets are £9 per rod, with £8 for OAPs over 65. Individuals, teams and corporate groups are welcome. The fishing manager, Michael Godsafe, can be contacted on 07970 401 381 for information and bookings.

Pool rules include dipping all nets at the poolside, no keepnets except in formal matches, all fish to be returned alive, only barbless hooks up to size 14, landing nets to be used on fish over 4 oz, and permitted baits of maggots, casters, worms, meat, corn and pellets. Ground bait, floating baits and method feeders are not allowed.

Stay in the Area and Campervans

For those planning a longer visit, the team recommends several local hotels within easy reach:

• The Red Lion Inn, Bobbington - about 5 minutes by car or taxi.
• The Himley House Hotel, Himley - about 10 minutes by car or taxi.
• Travelodge Kingswinford - about 15 minutes by car or taxi.
• Premier Inn Kingswinford - about 15 minutes by car or taxi.

Campervans and motorhomes are very welcome at the vineyard. Waste disposal facilities are available (but not between 9 am - 5 pm) and drinking water is accessible. Electricity hook-ups are not offered. There are no fixed pitches - space is available on hard standing or grass areas - at £9.00 per night. Call 01384 221122 to book. The vineyard is also listed in Brit Stops, so registered members can stay a night for free.

Events, Shows and Markets

Halfpenny Green attends selected external shows and markets throughout the year, including the Chatsworth Christmas Market. Customers planning a special trip or wishing to place a large order are asked to call 01384 221122 with at least one week's notice so the team can be sure to have everything in stock.

Regular in-store tastings take place throughout the year where suppliers offer samples in the Wine, Deli and Farm Shop. The schedule is listed under Events on Site.

The Co-operative Wine Scheme

Since 2021, Halfpenny Green has run its popular Co-operative Wine Scheme. Anyone with a grape vine at home or on an allotment can bring their grapes (no minimum quantity required) to be pressed, processed and fermented alongside other growers' fruit, producing a communal rosé wine that can be purchased back the following year. The 2025 scheme price was £4.50 per bottle (1 kg grapes = 1 bottle), with the rosé planned for release in spring 2026. Future enquiries can be sent to harvest@halfpennygreen.co.uk or info@halfpennygreen.co.uk.

Work at Halfpenny Green

Halfpenny Green Wine Estate is one of the largest vineyards outside the south of England and is still growing. In addition to the vineyard and winery, the site is home to a vineyard shop, deli and wine loft, plus a lunch-service restaurant and kitchen. Current vacancies are listed under Work Here; prospective applicants can also sign up to the email newsletter where vacancies are advertised. Current vacancies are additionally listed on Indeed.

Visit Halfpenny Green Wine Estate

Halfpenny Green Wine Estate sits just off the B4176 near Halfpenny Green Airport, close to Wolverhampton, Dudley and Stourbridge.

Address: Halfpenny Green Wine Estate, Tom Lane, Bobbington, South Staffordshire, DY7 5EP, UK
Tel: 01384 221122 (Option 1 for the restaurant and tearooms; Option 2 for the shop, including vouchers, wine and gin tastings, and wine orders; or hold for tours, trade, accounts and all other enquiries)
Email: info@halfpennygreen.co.uk

Opening Hours

• Wine, Deli, Farm Shop - Daily 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Restaurant - Daily 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (specific service times vary - see Restaurant)
• Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day

The estate is active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, where regular harvest updates and announcements are shared. Wines, gift packs, vouchers and personalised bottles can be bought online through the shop.