Warden Abbey Vineyard

Warden Abbey Vineyard is a non-profit community project making award-winning white wines, planted in 1986 on the site of Bedfordshire's medieval vineyard. Nestled between the picturesque villages of Old Warden and Cardington, vines were first planted on this beautiful field in medieval times by monks at the Cistercian Abbey of Warden.

Warden Abbey Vineyard: Site and Grape Varieties

Centuries later, the Whitbread family re-planted the monks' 'Lyttel Vineyard' in 1986, going on to produce award-winning wines through to their last vintage in 2008. Today, the four-acre vineyard is managed by Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (Beds RCC), carrying forward this remarkable viticultural heritage with the help of brilliant volunteers who care for the vines and assist with tours, events, and fund-raising.

The vineyard grows Reichensteiner, Müller-Thurgau, and Bacchus grapes planted in 1986, with the aged vines adding complexity to the wines produced. Their flagship wine, The Nonconformist, is named after John Bunyan and does not conform to type, each vintage is different. Light and enticing with delicate floral aromas, honey, and zesty citrus, it's best enjoyed with cheese, seafood, or cured meats.

Warden Abbey's wines have won awards at national and international level, even being served at royal occasions. Visitors can enjoy tours discovering the secrets of Bedfordshire's medieval vineyard and English winemaking, experiencing a hidden gem that continues to surprise with its quality. Picnics and events bring the community together among the vines throughout the year.