At Lympstone Manor, the journey from vine to bottle is anchored in the rhythms of nature. Our vineyard growing seasons shape not only the quality of our wines but the very experience of our Devon estate. From the first buds of spring to the celebratory harvest lunches in autumn, understanding the wine growing season helps illuminate why English wines are increasingly admired around the world.
Our vineyard, planted with 17,500 vines of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir, spreads across gently sloping land that captures the warmth of the southwest, overlooking the Exe estuary. These vines are more than crops: they are a living testament to the fertile potential of English terroir and how distinctive English vineyard seasons can be, even in a cooler climate like Devon’s.
Each year in the vineyard begins in winter. While the vines appear dormant, this is a foundational phase of the growing season. In January and February, the team carries out meticulous pruning, shaping the vines and focusing their energy for the year ahead. Careful preparation during this quiet season helps determine the balance of fruit and foliage that will ultimately influence the quality of the harvest.
As spring arrives, so does a visible transformation. Around mid-April, sap begins to rise and is a defining milestone in the wine growing season. Budburst follows, when tiny green shoots emerge and the vineyard comes alive again. This is one of the most delicate moments in the vineyard seasons, as late frosts can pose a risk to young growth. Our Vineyard Manager monitors conditions closely, ensuring the vines are protected as they begin their rapid climb toward summer.
By early summer, the vineyard is thriving. Flowers appear, pollination begins, and fruit set follows as small grape clusters form. Throughout June and July, canopy management becomes essential, allowing sunlight and airflow to reach the developing fruit. In August, veraison begins which is the moment grapes soften, deepen in colour, and start their final ripening phase. This period is closely watched, as the balance of sugar and acidity will define the style and character of the wine.
The highlight of the growing season arrives in September and early October with our annual harvest. Timing is everything, and the decision to pick is made only when the grapes reach ideal maturity. This is the most exciting point of the cycle, when the hard work of the season comes together in fruit that reflects the Devon landscape and our unique coastal microclimate.
As autumn fades into winter once again, the vines enter dormancy, storing energy in preparation for the next cycle. This annual rhythm is what makes the growing seasons so fascinating with each year shaped by the weather, the soil, and the careful work of the people who tend the land.
Book a Vineyard Tour & Experience
If you’d like to experience our vineyard first-hand, we invite you to join one of our guided vineyard tours at Lympstone Manor. Our vineyard tours are hosted every Tuesday and Friday from May to September. Walk among the vines, learn more about the craft behind our English wines, and discover how the English vineyard seasons shape every bottle of Lympstone Manor Estate wine we produce. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable experience, it’s a wonderful way to explore the Lympstone Manor estate.
To book your vineyard tour or explore our vineyard experiences, visit our website lympstonemanor.co.uk/vineyard-experiences-and-tours/ or contact the Reservations team on 01395 202040.
We’d love to welcome you to Lympstone Manor.
