Tucked away in the heart of the Cotswolds, only five miles from the beautiful Regency town of Cheltenham, is Dryhill Cottage & Vineyard, one of the country's best-kept secrets - until now. This luxurious private estate and boutique vineyard offers an intoxicating blend of world-class sparkling wine, rich heritage, immersive experiences, and extraordinary hospitality. For those seeking something truly special!
Whether you are searching for an elegant country escape, a unique wine-tasting adventure, or an unforgettable venue for your next celebration, Dryhill delivers authenticity, charm, and finesse. Here's why this exceptional retreat belongs on your must-visit list.
The Properties: Where Luxury Meets Character
Dryhill is more than a vineyard - it's a home away from home, blending timeless elegance with contemporary comfort.
Dryhill Cottage
For an intimate escape, look no further than Dryhill's one-bedroom cottage, offering serenity and seclusion for two to four guests. Featuring a bespoke oak-and-glass kitchen diner and panoramic views across the vineyard, it's the perfect romantic hideaway.
Step out onto the private patio, fire up the Weber barbecue, or slip into the cedar hot tub as the sun sets over the Cotswolds before retreating to the master bedroom for a luxurious sleep in their Super King-sized bed, top of the range mattress and silky sheets, providing ultimate comfort.
Visitors also have the option of an additional private annex suite, with a flexible King-size or Twin-bed layout. The latter is adjoined by an en-suite shower room, and also features a sofa, TV and Lavazza Espresso machine. With these additional sleeping options, the Cottage can be a perfect getaway for small families and loved ones.
Finally, the property benefits from being one of the most dog friendly retreats in the whole of the UK. With a fenced garden to keep your pooch safe and a handy tap for muddy paws!
Dryhill Estate
The second Dryhill residence is a beautifully restored 17th-century manor house that sleeps up to 12 guests across six en-suite bedrooms. Designed with an eye for global style - drawing inspiration from India, Africa, and beyond - the interiors are welcoming and luxurious.
Guests can enjoy leisurely breakfasts in the sun-drenched orangery, prepare meals in the spacious kitchen with full-sized AGA, or retreat to one of five opulent reception rooms. For evening entertainment, explore the Moroccan-style cellar bar or arrange a private tasting in the vaulted Roman cellar - both experiences are available by appointment.
Whether for a weekend getaway or a longer retreat, both properties offer guests access to the estate's immersive vineyard masterclasses and seasonal experiences - ideal for those who wish to connect deeply with the land and its fruits.
The Wines: Where Craftsmanship Meets Elegance
At Dryhill, wine is more than a product - it's a story told through soil, climate, and care. Specialising in award-winning English sparkling wines that rival the best from Champagne, Dryhill produces elegant cuvées with unmistakable character.
Thanks to a cool microclimate just outside Cheltenham and the vineyard's prime position on the Cotswold escarpment, Dryhill enjoys ideal conditions for cultivating classic Champagne grape varieties. The limestone-rich soil enhances minerality while southwest-facing slopes bask in afternoon light - perfect for ripening grapes.
Their fruit-first philosophy ensures that every bottle reflects the purity of the harvest, and time-honoured oak barrel ageing imparts depth and nuance, adding subtle notes of spice and vanilla. This attention to detail hasn't gone unnoticed: Dryhill recently received prestigious recognition from the International Wine Challenge, a testament to their uncompromising quality.
All wines are vegan and ethically produced. Among their current vintages are the 2019, 2020 and 2021 Classic Cuvée, a luscious "Slippery Slope" Rosé, and a new range of 2021 sparkling wines - all crafted in limited quantities and highly sought after
The Location: A Sanctuary in the Cotswolds
Set within a private 14-acre estate, Dryhill offers sweeping views across 50 miles of unspoiled countryside. The vineyard lies on an ancient Roman terrace, sheltered by the Cotswold Hills and blessed with a climate that's as perfect for growing grapes as relaxing with a glass of bubbly.
The estate is minutes from the picturesque spa town of Cheltenham and the historic Crickley Hill Country Park. With the Cotswold Way at its doorstep, guests can enjoy scenic walks, world-class golfing, horseback riding, and proximity to vibrant cultural festivals, including Cheltenham's famed Gold Cup and its jazz, literature, and science events.
Dryhill's commitment to sustainability is evident in its long-standing rewilding initiative. Planting more than 2,000 trees across the estate alongside vibrant wildflower meadows and habitats for pollinators. Even the honey at breakfast comes from the estate's hives - a sweet taste of its eco-conscious philosophy.
The History: A Heritage Rich in Roman Roots and English Innovation
Dryhill is not only beautiful - it's steeped in history. The vineyard sits on land once occupied by a Roman Villa Rustica, an agricultural estate dating back to 76 AD. Today, guests can explore the original vaulted cellar built from Roman brick and the stone terraces that once sustained ancient crops and now support thriving vines.
In a remarkable nod to England's sparkling legacy, the story of Dryhill entwines with the local history of glassmaking. In the 17th century, nearby Gloucestershire was instrumental in producing the dark, durable glass bottles that enabled wine to ferment under pressure - predating the Champagne method attributed to Dom Pérignon by decades.
A Roman coin bearing the likeness of Emperor Constantine the Great was also recently unearthed near the vineyard. This coin graces every Dryhill bottle, connecting each vintage to its timeless roots.
The Experiences: From Vineyard Tours to Private Celebrations
Dryhill Cottage & Vineyard invites guests to immerse themselves in winemaking through a curated selection of on-site experiences. From guided tours to hands-on workshops, every visit is sure to delight, educate, and inspire.
Vineyard Tours & Tastings
A journey through Dryhill's vines is a journey into the soul of the Cotswolds. Led by the passionate owners, tours offer an intimate look at the winemaking process - from grape to glass - before culminating in a tasting session featuring sparkling and still wines paired with regional delicacies. For groups of six or more, the organiser enjoys a complimentary experience - a thoughtful touch for those gathering friends or family.
Vineyard Skills Courses
For budding enthusiasts or those curious about the craft, Dryhill offers seasonal, hands-on vineyard skills training. Participants learn about vine management, grape care, and harvest preparation - all in the beautiful setting of the estate. These full-day workshops offer knowledge that will elevate any wine lover's appreciation for the process.
Bespoke Celebrations
Dryhill excels in hosting special occasions with an effortlessly refined touch. Whether it's a family gathering, milestone birthday, or intimate corporate retreat, the estate provides a peaceful and inspiring setting. Activities such as pizza evenings, cocktail masterclasses, yoga sessions, wine tastings, and private tours are all available with advance notice.
And after a day of celebration or exploration? Sink into the estate's cedar hot tub, champagne in hand, and toast to life's finer pleasures.
A Destination Like No Other
Dryhill Cottage & Vineyard is a place where every detail has been carefully considered, every vine lovingly tended, and every guest treated like family. It's a rare combination of luxury, authenticity, and passion - a destination that celebrates nature, nurtures the senses, and invites you to unwind in style.
For those who seek more than a getaway - who crave connection, story, and sensory delight - Dryhill offers an unforgettable experience at the heart of England's most beautiful countryside.
To discover more and order your wine, visit dryhillwine.co.uk
To book your stay go to dryhill.co.uk
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