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On the outskirts of St Austell, Knightor Winery has become a shining star in the Cornish wine scene, recently winning several prestigious international awards.
This local gem is a must-visit for wine lovers, offering fantastic wines and the opportunity to discover the care and skill that goes into each bottle.
Janice Rose, of CHAOS Radio, was lucky enough to meet Liam Matthews, operations manager, to learn more about what makes Knightor so special.
Her tour began by the winery’s peaceful pond, a favourite spot for outdoor weddings.
“Couples love the natural setting – and the bar is close by,” Liam said with a smile.
Knightor also has a lovely indoor event space, perfect for all kinds of celebrations, from weddings to
corporate events. With on-site accommodation, it offers an all-inclusive, one-stop destination
for any occasion.
A short stroll brought them to the winery’s demonstration vines. However, Liam explained that
Knightor’s primary vineyards are located in Portscatho near St Mawes and another near
Looe, collectively hosting around 17,000 vines.
The Cornish climate, while unpredictable, provides free-draining soils and coastal breezes that benefit the vines. Despite a rainy 2024 season, Knightor maintained its high standards.
“The harvest was smaller than usual, but the quality was outstanding,” Liam added.
They wandered to the winery, where Liam walked Janice through the winemaking process step by
step. The grapes are pressed to extract the juice, which is then carefully fermented in
temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks.
“We ferment cooler for fresh white wines like Bacchus to preserve their fruity flavours, and a little warmer for reds to bring out their richness,” Liam explained.
Some wines, like their sparkling range, require years of ageing.
“Our 2023 sparkling wines won’t be ready until 2030,” he added.
This dedication has been officially recognised, with Knightor recently gaining global acclaim,
winning the “World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly” award for their 2015 Blanc de Blanc, alongside
two golds and a silver for other sparkling wines.
“It’s fantastic to bring these awards back to Cornwall,” Liam said proudly.
These award-winning wines and more are available from the on-site shop, where ‘guests
can enjoy self-guided or structured tastings with our team’.
“Everyone leaves happy – and often with a bottle or two,” concluded Liam.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious newcomer, a visit to Knightor
promises a taste of Cornwall’s finest.
For more information, visit KNIGHTOR WINERY – Boutique Winery and Wedding Venue.
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