Magical winery in beautiful Cornwall is well worth a visit

H olidaying in Cornwall last week and sun being as scarce as an igloo in the Sahara, meant we could indulge a few of our other favourite past-times – gardens, food and wine.

The former meant the wonderful lost gardens of Heligan, the Eden Project and Trebah, the latter the equally wonderful Camel Valley Vineyard.

Camel Valley is one of the most popular recreational trails for walkers and cyclists in Cornwall, taking in Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin via an old railway line. And off here at Nunstallon, near Bodmin, is the most magical winery, run by the Lindo family – Bob, his wife Anne and their son, Sam.

Ex-pilot Bob bought the land to farm after leaving the RAF but, after watching the grass turn brown on the sun-drenched slopes each summer, decided planting vines might be a better bet.

Some 24,000 vines now grow on the south-facing hillside and the mild micro-climate of this sheltered valley, with its concentration of clear sunlight and pure air, ensures some high-quality red, white, rose and sparkling wines.

The early years weren't easy.

"We practically lived in the vineyard, doing all the work by hand and when it came to harvest it was just us and a few friends for picking," said Annie. "And then we won a medal in the national English Wine competition for our first wine, so we knew we were doing something right."

More national and international awards followed, including best UK wine and best sparkling rose in the 2011 and 2012 World Sparkling Wine Championships. In addition, Sam Lindo, now the head winemaker, has won the UK Winemaker of the Year award three times in the past five years.

If you get the chance, do go. The new state-of-the-art winery is open daily with wine tours and "meet the winemaker" events, including tastings. There's also a well-stocked shop.

Tables set out on the terrace overlooking the vines make the perfect place to sip some perfect English wines in the sunshine – all that was missing on our visit was the sunshine!

White wines included Atlantic Dry, a blend of Bacchus, Reichensteiner and Chardonnay grapes; Camel Valley Bacchus, a 100 per cent Bacchus floral and fruity white; and Camel Valley Darnibole Bacchus, an even fruitier wine made from a small parcel of Camel Valley vines. Alongside these are an excellent cool climate red made from hand-picked Rondo grapes that produce a clean and spicy wine that would suit many dishes, even fish.

Camel Valley is stocked by Waitrose and available online at www.camelvalley.com

Where: Majestic

When: Now

Why: A lovely balance in this deep ruby and cherry red Rioja, but it has the potential to improve even further. Rich and warming, this is great with grilled and roasted red meats and mature strong cheeses.

£17.49

Where: Co-op, Waitrose

When: Now

Why: Pleasing aromas of melon, red apple, honeysuckle and spice with a soft creamy palate balanced by refreshing acidity and a delicate touch of sweetness.

£11.25

Where: Tesco

When: Wednesday to August 15

Why: Pale yellow in colour with green highlights, this Spanish Cava is an aromatic fizz with good intensity and fruity notes. Delicious with fish dishes.

£4.99 (was £12.99)

Where: Tesco

When: Wednesday to August 15

Why: Raspberry pink in colour with abundant bubbles, this is a decidedly fresh and fruity sparkler.

£4.99 (was £12.99)