Estate near Birmingham with ‘beautiful vineyards’ that makes you feel like you’re on holiday

When you think of sunny vineyards, you might think of vast tracts of land in France or the sunniest corners of Italy. You won’t necessarily consider that there is one, with the postcode of Dudley, less than an hour away from Birmingham.

Halfpenny Green Wine Estate produces award winning wines from their site in Bobbington. The Staffordshire countryside produces sustainable sparkling wines and for less than £25 per person you can go on a wine tasting session to try it out for yourself.

In addition, the property is home to a restaurant, a craft village and a “hidden gem” zoo that many Brummies didn’t know existed. You can learn more about it here.

Read more: New tearoom opens in park near Birmingham and serves £8 sausage rolls

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Halfpenny Green Vineyard was created three decades ago when Martin Vickers started working on it in the hope that it would one day become an estate to match those you can find in other parts of Europe. Whether they match, you’ll have to try the wines and let us know what you think.

There are now 30 acres of vines and Halfpenny Green produces Black Country Gold wine, a straw-colored drink with “grapefruit and honey aromas.” Expect sweetness and notes of apricot and pear dessert.

For those looking to mix in something more familiar, there’s a pinot noir, a chardonnay and a sparkling brut. That said, with reasonably priced bottles, plenty to buy and try under £15 and a half bottles if you’re not sure.

Reviewing her experience on Google, Marie Rhodes-Brown wrote: “A lovely afternoon at the Vineyards, delicious food, great range of products in store. And of course the wine produced on site is a real delight.

“What a great place to have such a local. You feel like you could be on vacation sitting on the balcony in the sunlight.”

Lee Yardley added: “A great day of wine tasting and vineyard touring. It’s worth booking and enjoying the experience. Lots of other little craft places there to visit as well.”

And Carole Shelton loved the cafe’s food, explaining: “I came for lunch today. Lovely spacious restaurant areas, a separate vegan menu and great views. The staff was friendly and polite.

“Having a separate vegan menu was great. I had sausage and mash (lots of it, creamy mash and vegetables that still had some “bite”) and my partner had the vegan sausage ciabatta with chips.

“Good portions, decent prices (under £40 for two meals, two drinks and a slice of cake). Will definitely be back!”

You can find Halfpenny Green at Upper Whittimere Farm, Tom Lane, Halfpenny Green, Bobbington, DY7 5EP. It’s best to call ahead (01384 221122) to arrange tasting experiences, although you can pop in just to check out the deli and farm shop.