Venue Description

Chet Valley Vineyard is a family run vineyard and winery 9 miles south of Norwich in South Norfolk. Owner and winemaker John Hemmant is married to Bridget who is an ophthalmic surgeon working in the NHS. The vineyard runs regular tours and wine tastings in the season from April until October when it is possible to visit either by booking a public tour on line through the website or by booking a private tour directly. The couple have a particular interest in helping those with disabilities due to loss of sight, hearing or sense of smell or taste or lack of mobility to enjoy the amazing sensory experiences offered by the vineyard and winery. The vineyard itself is in a beautiful location with a large expanse of land, fresh air and the smells and sounds of nature which surround those visiting our venue. The working winery is on the ground floor and part of the tour takes visitors through the winery, where the smells, sounds and sights are unique and exciting. Following the tour of the vineyard and the winery, John runs a tasting of his still and sparkling wines with samples of cheese and charcuterie to demonstrate the importance of food pairing in highlighting aromas and flavours. John has named his wines after the birds that visit the vineyard including Skylarks, Swifts, Redwing, Red Kites and also Siskin. Their birdsong can be heard as they fly overhead. The vineyard is immediately adjacent to the winery therefore readily accessible, and there is a parking space next to the cellar door for disabled and a slope from the parking space to the door to enable step free access. It is important to communicate your needs to John and Bridget when making your booking so they are able to ensure that they provide for your needs.

Accessibility

There is a Parking space adjacent to the winery door which is reserved for disabled visitors. From this there is a ramp with a very gentle slope to the front door to enable step free access. The floor is level throughout the working winery and on the vineyard although the terrain may be slightly rough and uneven in parts there are no steep slopes and therefore a wheelchair with suitable tyres can access the outdoor areas. The tasting is offered on the ground floor for those with mobility issues which preclude the use of the stairs. The disabled toilet is downstairs in the reception area and close to where the tasting is offered.

Accessible Performances

Not applicable

Awards List

John has received many awards for his still and sparkling wines. The Vineyard is registered as "Good to Go" by Visit Britain Chet Valley Vineyard is part of the WineGB trade body which represents vineyards and wineries in the UK The vineyard has a 5 star Google rating for its tours and tastings

Toilets

There are accessible toilets on the ground floor in the winery - there is a small slope to enter the building and a wide front door which can accommodate a manual wheelchair, and a large door for entry into the disabled toilet with grab rails by the toilet. The toilet has easy turn locks and taps.

Staff

Bridget the wine makers wife is a full time healthcare worker who currently works in the NHS and has experience of looking after sight impaired, those hard of hearing and with mobility issues. She also has a great deal of experience with elderly people and those with dementia. John takes particular pride in being able to make his vineyard tours and wine tastings accessible for all and he has run tours and tastings for those with sight impairment, hearing difficulties and mobility issues. He makes his tours as inclusive for all, whatever the age, mobility issues of sensory impairment. If your needs are communicated to him in advance he will ensure that your visit is thoroughly enjoyable for all.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

All well behaved dogs are welcome on leads at the vineyard. Assistance dogs in particular can be accommodated. John and Bridget provide a bowl of water for visiting dogs and their own vineyard dog Rosie - a springer crossed with a Brittany spaniel who is very friendly

Other assistance dog facilities

A water bowl is provided for assistance and other well behaved dogs.