Latitude 50 Degrees 42 Minutes - the Exe Valley lies on an almost
identical latitude with the Moselle Valley yet enjoys milder springs,
and milder autumns.
Steep and thickly wooded to the north as the River Exe runs off Exmoor,
by the time it reaches Bickleigh the Valley opens out into a broad
river plain.
Here, on steep slopes as the River turns due south in its run to the
regional capital, Exeter, is our vineyard, at around 200 feet above
sea level.
Red Devon sandstone breaks up into shale, the hills on three sides
create a natural amphitheatre where light levels are high.
In summer, early morning mists rise up from the riverbed creating a
subtropical effect but burn off by midday.
Even in peak summer this part of mid-Devon is sleepy and quiet, apart
from the sounds of various birds of prey and corks popping in the
café-winebar.
A perfect stopping off point on a long journey turning off the
motorway, Bickleigh itself is a noted beauty spot with thatched pubs on
the riverfront, although the best food and wine is on offer at the
vineyard!
We've revised our information about Tours you can take when you come to
visit us at Yearlstone at any time. We have regular tours at fixed
times each weekend, self-guided tours with and without audio, and special
group tours for larger groups. Please discuss your needs with us!
Getting to the Vineyard
Find us on the A396 between Tiverton and Bickleigh - look out for the brown
tourist signs.
Leave the M5 at Junction 27 - into Tiverton.
Then follow the signs for the A396 Bickleigh/Exeter -
or the brown signs for the Devonshire Centre
(now defunct but useful as a guide!).
Yearlstone Webmovies
Our old friend Marcus Kinch, a professional photographer of a very high
calibre, has just finished the second Yearlstone web movie:
And here's Marcus's first Yearlstone webmovie, from earlier this year:
Yearlstone is now OPEN
on Wednesdays-Sundays
from 11am-4pm.