Invest in a sparkling future at Blenheim Palace
A unique opportunity to play a role in England’s dynamic wine industry.
Wanted. A tenant for what stands to be the opportunity of a lifetime. Blenheim Palace, an 18th Century Cotswolds estate synonymous with royal favour, historical grandeur and architectural splendour, is looking to collaborate with an established wine producer, someone to plant vines and produce co-branded sparkling wine. And as the real estate agent appointed on behalf of Blenheim Palace to let a premium slice of their land for the vines, Knight Frank is leading the search for a suitable candidate.
Partnering with Blenheim Palace presents an “extraordinary opportunity,” says Ed Mansel Lewis, Knight Frank’s Head of Viticulture. The successful applicant will be handed 150-acres of prime south-facing land to create a commercial vineyard, a small part of Blenheim Palace’s 12,000-acre estate yet still 15 times the size of an average UK vineyard. In addition, they can plant a small ‘showcase’ vineyard adjacent to the Palace within the celebrated gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Palace is a Baroque beauty, a stately home designed by master architect Vanbrugh and a gift from Queen Anne to John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, in recognition of his 1704 victory at the Battle of Blenheim. It has been the seat of every Duke of Marlborough since, now the residence of the 12th Duke, and in 1874 was the birthplace of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The grounds include 2,000 acres of park and gardens laid out by renowned landscaper Capability Brown.
“Blenheim Palace is one of the most famous and recognisable historic landmarks in Britain,” says Ed Mansel Lewis. “This opportunity represents an aspirational brand association that few wine producers could ever attain. Along with the picturesque setting in the Cotswolds, the Estate offers ideal growing conditions with cooler temperatures and dry soil that provides a huge potential for cultivating premium wine grapes.”
Rising temperatures across southern England, the result of global warming, have helped propel the domestic wine industry to become one of the fastest expanding worldwide. The UK increased the hectarage under vine by 70% in the five years to 2022 and sales of English wine increased by 10% in 2023. This month The Times reported that over the past decade, the number of UK vineyards has more than doubled, now topping out at 1,030 and notable French champagne houses, Taittinger and Pommery, have joined with private equity firms and venture capitalists to invest heavily in English land and plant vines. Blenheim Palace’s determination to be part of this rapidly expanding industry was the reason why they invited Knight Frank to identify suitable land on their estate.
“In a world where we know the UK is growing exceptional wines on a global stage, this new partnership with us is a truly unique opportunity to combine 300 years of history at a World Heritage Site to our land, and in doing so, create thriving businesses to support the local economy through new and existing outlets,” says Roy Cox, Managing Director of Estates of Blenheim Palace. “We hope to find a partner who shares our purpose, values and vision. It’s a chance to create a legacy at such a crucial time for UK rural businesses.”
Wineries of all sizes are welcome to apply with tenancy, joint venture and share-farming agreements among available flexible business models. The successful winery will sign a partnership agreement with a 30-year lease entitling them to exclusive rights to plant vines on the land and to sell the bottled wine, privately through their own channels and also through the estate’s retail outlets and restaurants. Blenheim Palace hosts numerous events throughout the year, including weddings, musical concerts and banquets and receives well over one million visitors every year to the house and gardens.
“Planting can start in May 2026, kicking off a four to five year process to get vineyard operations up and running,” outlines Mansel Lewis. “This venture represents a huge business opportunity and significant investment for the future with the estate capable of producing 222,750 bottles of sparkling wine from 2032.”
A central role in the future of English wine, a vineyard in the shadow of arguably the UK’s most grand and important stately home and wine bottles emblazoned with the Blenheim Palace crest: the opportunity is indeed, one in a lifetime.
To request a brochure or learn more about this vineyard opportunity at Blenheim Palace, contact Ed Mansel Lewis.
