A visit to Norfolk heartland on a bright and bustling Good Friday, I found myself at the busy cellar door of Burn Valley Vineyard in north Norfolk. The tasting room was alive with bank holiday visitors sampling wine flights, and savouring charcuterie platters. This vibrant scene underscored the growing reputation of East Anglia as a serious player on the UK’s viticultural map, and Burn Valley stands at the heart of this movement with its innovative spirit, exceptional wines, and passionate team.
One of the vineyard’s most exciting recent projects is its collaboration with Barsham Brewery, just a short drive away near Fakenham. This unique partnership merges the worlds of winemaking and craft brewing, resulting in a distinctive barrel-aged beer. Using an old Bacchus barrel crafted from Hungarian oak, the team aged a batch of Barsham’s Golden Close IPA for six weeks, imparting complex, wine-like characteristics to the brew. Winemaker Matt Abbey reflected on the origins of the project, explaining, “We both stock each other’s products, and the idea came up over a beer – why not try barrel aging one of their brews? It’s been a fantastic experiment, and we’re already planning the next round, potentially with a pale ale aged in a red wine barrel.” This creative spirit is at the core of Burn Valley’s approach to winemaking and collaboration.
At the heart of Burn Valley’s success is its dedicated team. Winemaker Matt Abbey, who joined the vineyard in 2019, brings over 20 years of experience from some of the world’s most renowned wine regions, including Marlborough, Central Otago, and Hawkes Bay in New Zealand. His experimental approach has already led to numerous award-winning wines and set a bold direction for the vineyard. David, the cellar door manager, is another vital figure in the Burn Valley story. With over 25 years in the wine trade, including roles at Roberson Wine Merchants and Adnams, David now runs the vineyard’s popular tasting sessions, sharing his passion and extensive knowledge with visitors. His warm, welcoming presence helps make every tasting experience memorable, further cementing Burn Valley’s reputation as a must-visit destination. Burn Valley is a family-run business, led by Laura Robinson and her partner Steve. The pair returned to Norfolk in 2013 after years working abroad in high-end catering. Today, they not only manage the vineyard but also run a thriving catering business
As Burn Valley continues to innovate, it highlights the potential of Norfolk’s unique terroir, characterized by flint-strewn soils and a cool coastal climate that favours crisp, aromatic wines. With projects like the Barsham collaboration and a passionate team pushing the boundaries of English winemaking, Burn Valley is helping to redefine what’s possible in this exciting, fast-growing region. With East Anglia’s wine scene rapidly evolving, Burn Valley stands as a prime example of how tradition and bold experimentation can blend to create exceptional wines. For those passionate about wine, this is one vineyard that’s well worth a visit.
