About Polgoon Vineyard
Perched atop a sunny hill overlooking the glistening waters of Mounts Bay, Polgoon Vineyard & Orchard is a Cornish treasure that has been crafting award-winning artisan wines, ciders, and juices since 2004. The name 'Polgoon', meaning 'Pond on the Downs' in Cornish, perfectly captures this unique location where the maritime influence creates a distinctive terroir.
The story of Polgoon began when John and Kim Coulson, former fish merchants in nearby Newlyn, purchased the derelict land in 2002. Undaunted by the challenges of growing grapes in Cornwall's notoriously rainy climate, they planted 3,500 vines in 2004, including Rondo, Pinot Noir Précoce, Seyval Blanc, and Ortega. Their determination paid off quickly with the 2006 vintage earning the Best Still Rosé Trophy at the UKVA awards.
The Cornish weather, while challenging for viticulture, led to an unexpected blessing. The difficult 2007 harvest prompted the Coulsons to turn to their orchard for backup, and their cider production has since become the backbone of Polgoon's operation, winning numerous awards alongside their wines.
John Coulson, a self-taught winemaker who learned through extensive research and knowledge-sharing with other producers, has developed winemaking principles specifically adapted to Cornwall's conditions. The result is a growing range of precise and expressive still and sparkling wines characterised by their delicate nature and clean English fruit expression. Visitors can experience these unique offerings through year-round tours and tastings, with an on-site shop and restaurant completing the experience.