An organic vineyard and orchard farm just outside Bristol making natural wine and cider, with vineyard tours and fireside tastings in a converted barn.
The Stephenson family arrived at Failand Farm, just outside Bristol, on 1 April 2016 meaning to farm, and planted a vineyard on the assumption that grapes would be easier than sheep. The 3,200 vines went in over the springs of 2017 and 2018. The first harvest was due in 2020, and a spring frost took it. That year the owner of Far Orchard in Abbots Leigh offered surplus apples, and with no wine to make, the family made cider. It was the start of Wild West, which makes both cider and wine on the farm. Matt Stephenson first made wine at home as a schoolboy. His son-in-law Sean Beaton came for a weekend in March 2020, just before lockdown, and stayed to become the cider-maker.
Cellar door tastings
Tastings are part of a guided visit with Matt or Sean. From spring it walks the vineyard, with a glass of wine among the vines, and ends with ciders and local cheese at the winery. From late October it becomes a fireside tasting in a converted barn. No walk-in tasting is described.
Amenities
Address
Failand Farm, Green Lane, Failand, Bristol, BS8 3TRGetting there
The X6 bus between Bristol and Clevedon stops at Failand crossroads, about 1km from the farm. On foot the farm is about 40 minutes from Clifton Suspension Bridge, most of it off road, and it sits just off the Gordano Round footpath. The vineyard is reached along a rough track that can be muddy in wet weather.
Nearest station: Shirehampton · 2.5 mi
Nearest major station: Clifton Down · 3.4 mi
Opening hours
Hours not available or by appointment only
Winery opening hours often vary, so it is always worth checking ahead if you are planning a visit.
