Stanlake Park's entrance drive leads you past the main vineyards on the left to a car park in front of the cellar door shop, an airy space selling the extensive range of red, white, rosé and sparkling English wines.

History of Stanlake Park

During the second half of the 20th century Stanlake Park was owned by the Leighton family, of which Jon Leighton had the vision to plant a vineyard in 1979, when a small test area of 500 vines was planted. The original vineyard was known as Thames Valley Vineyard, but was later renamed after the Stanlake Park estate itself.

The initial test area was then expanded to over 15 acres and more than 10,000 vines. Stanlake Park grows a large number of grape varieties – including the classic Champagne varieties Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay, but also Bacchus, Madeleine Angevine, Gewürztraminer and Dornfelder, together with a few very cold-resistant varieties such as Ortega, Seyval blanc, Siegerebbe, Reichensteiner and Schönburger.

An Italian Winemaker in Berkshire

Nico Centonze is the Italian winemaker. Nico grew up among the vineyards in Southern Italy and has developed his career in several countries, with a professional, hands-on approach in both viticulture and enology. He holds both a BSc and an MSc in Viticulture & Oenology, gained in the universities of Florence in Tuscany and Turin in Piedmont, respectively.

Nico started his professional career in the La Rioja region of Argentina, after which he moved back to Italy to work as an Assistant Winemaker. From there, he went on to hold the position of Head Winemaker at a boutique winery, having also gained experience with English wine during the 2013 harvest at Nyetimber.

But long before all of this, even as a child, Nico actively helped his father in the management of their 15 acre family vineyard in Puglia, planting, pruning, driving the tractor and harvesting.

Tours & Tastings

Stanlake Park offers fun and unpretentious wine tours, and corporate, trade and professional tastings. No prior knowledge required, just the willingness to learn about English wine and to have fun!

They also organise foodie events such as Italian Food & English Wine evenings, where Nico prepares home-made Italian food, paired with Stanlake Park’s English wine.

Tours and events can be booked online or at the cellar door. Tastings flights are available with WSET trained staff during regular opening hours.

Stanlake Park also has a Wine Bar and garden, open all year round, where it is possible to enjoy any wine by the glass with cheese, charcuterie and other nibbles. The large Wine & Gift Shop is converted from a Victorian greenhouse and stocks Stanlake Park's range of English wines, together with a variety of gifts, accessories and local food and drinks.