Suffolk is the new Bordeaux!

Posted 11/06/2026 : By: Will & Sarah Draper

Suffolk is the new Bordeaux!

Suffolk has become one of the fastest growing counties for UK wine production, now boasting 80 vineyards across the region with 10-15 opening each year. This is the driest, sunniest area of the UK, which is perfect for grape production, and global warming is helping by raising temperatures, bringing Suffolk into the prime wine-growing zone. Some of the leading wineries are establishing reputations for top quality whites, rose, sparkling, and more recently red wine.

We have a number of vineyards close to Badwell Ash Holiday Lodges. Many of our guests are familiar with Wyken Vineyard, just 3 miles from us. We also have Giffords Hall and Burnt House nearby. All produce excellent wine.

Just last week we visited Hawkswood Vineyard & Winery, 15 minutes away near Bury St Edmunds. What a find! Run by Michael and Irene with evident passion, care and attention to detail, it is a beautiful property which produces some lovely wines. The Bacchus is a crisp, dry, flinty white not dissimilar to sauvignon blanc but more zesty and floral. The Rondo is a deeply coloured medium bodied red with rich dark fruity notes, like a slightly fuller pinot noir. And the Pinot Rose is a delightful summery light rose which is going to be great enjoyed late into the evening on our lodge decks, looking over the lake!

Hawkswood has won many awards at the regional and national level, which you can see on their website here. And we are now proudly stocking their wines in our on-site shop. We would most definitely would encourage guests to attend the very informative vineyard tour and generous wine tasting!