Bothy Vineyard, established twenty-nine years ago by Roger and Dorothea Fisher, continues an ancient tradition of wine making in the Vale of the White Horse, Oxfordshire, dating back at least to medieval times. The excellent microclimate, warm sandy soils, long ripening season and mature vines help produce wines of consistent depth and high quality which have won many awards.

In 1978 six grape varieties were planted at the vineyard, on three acres of land. As is usual in English vineyards these were all German crosses which performed well in the English climate. These are vinified and blended to produce a variety of dry and off-dry white wines in our own winery to produce a distinctly English style. There is more information in this website on our grapes and our wines.

Today five acres are under cultivation as the new owners, Sian and Richard Liwicki, have begun to expand the vineyard. "We have introduced new grape varieties which will enable a wider range of styles to be produced while maintaining the same exacting quality. Our philosophy is to produce the highest quality wines from grapes cultivated in as environmentally friendly way as possible. This has been borne out by the fact that Bothy wines have won the award for the best white wine in the Thames region over several years.

Grape-growing in England is a very labour-intensive activity. We would not be able to produce such high quality grapes and wines without the invaluable help and support of our many friends and volunteers. Thank you all! For more information on our new plantings, see Developments.

Opening Times 2010
Our shop will be opened again for 2010 from Saturday 1 May, and will then remain open whilst stocks last.

The shop will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 5 pm. We shall also be open on the first Sunday of each month. We have extended opening hours during English Wine Week (29 May - 6 June). See Events and News for more information. Wine can also be purchased outside opening hours, through prior arrangement. For more information, contact us on 01865 390067 or e-mail office@bothyvineyard.co.uk).

We still run TOURS WITH TASTINGS which can be booked for groups of 12 or more, at £7.50 per head. To discuss details please ring 01865 390067.

How to Find Us
Bothy Vineyard is in Central Oxfordshire, in a little hamlet named Frilford Heath which is situated just three miles to the west of Abingdon, or roughly seven miles south west of Oxford. Once you have found Frilford Heath, the entrance to Bothy Vineyard is on the North side of Faringdon Road, between the Dog House Hotel and Oakley Park. A map can be found on the Contact Us page.