Fancy spending a food filled getaway discovering some of Dorset's mouth-watering local produce? Why not book an experience day during your stay to delve into the history behind local producers and learn more about their techniques. You'll also get to meet the people who bring some of the finest craft produce in the country to our tables. With vineyards, cider farms, cheesemakers, breweries, chocolatiers and more all found in Dorset, you're in for a real treat. Take a tour, learn how its made and get to taste some of the produce for yourself. Get ready to indulge in a food lover's paradise!
Visit a Dorset Vineyard
Who doesn’t love a glass of fizz? You might be surprised to learn that Dorset has a formidable reputation for wine, winning numerous international Gold awards.
Furleigh Estate, Langham Wine Estate, Bride Valley Vineyard and English Oak Vineyard regularly produce exceptional vintages, so why not make time to experience the vineyards and compare tasting notes yourself?
These wines have been created using classical Champagne, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier or Chardonnay grape varieties, hand-picked, and then processed using a combination of traditional and modern techniques. Explore the vineyards to learn about how the grapes are grown, harvested and prepared, before honing your tasting skills with tips and guidance from the in-house experts.
Take a Tour of a Dorset brewery
Whilst Dorset pubs have been a pillar of the communities for centuries, it’s reassuring to still find quality locally produced ales on tap across the county. Two of the most established breweries in Dorset (combining nearly half a century of brewing expertise) offer tours and tastings.
Palmer’s Brewery in Bridport is among the UK’s very best small independent brewers, working to traditional methods with the finest ingredients – why not give their Dorset Gold a try?
The Hall & Woodhouse brewery in charming Blandford Forum, have been brewing Badger beers since 1777. Enjoy a guided tour together with a beer tasting and lunch in the characterful Brewery Tap restaurant.
Dorset's Cider Farms
Dorset Nectar Cider offer tours and tastings at their heritage apple orchard near Bridport. With 13 varieties of cider and a range of non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy too, there's something for everyone. During the summer you can listen to live music on Saturday evenings and even camp out in the orchard!
Dorset's Flour Mills
Dorset's charming flour mills allow visitors to see traditional milling processes and purchase freshly milled flour as well.
In Lyme Regis, The Town Mill is a beautifully restored watermill offering self-guided tours. Visitors can explore the mill's three floors and buy stoneground wholemeal flour.
Sturminster Newton Mill located on the River Stour, is another of Dorset's historic gems. Visitors get to see the mill in action and learn about its rich history dating back to Saxon times. Every second weekend in the month you can see the flour being milled, which you can then buy from the on-site shop.
Both mills provide a unique glimpse into Dorset's milling heritage and a chance to take home a piece of history.
Fish or Forage for your Dinner in Dorset
Snapper Charters in Weymouth offers exciting fishing trips for all skill levels. Enjoy a day on the water, catch a variety of fish, and take your fresh catch home to cook for dinner. It's a perfect blend of adventure and culinary delight.
Get out and explore our stunning coastline and expand your knowledge of nature’s larder, by taking part in a foraging session with Fore Adventure. Led by Jade & Dan, they offer wonderful section of experiences ranging from short taster sessions to full-day kayaking, foraging and fishing expeditions, and even a number of weekend retreats for those looking to truly escape and immerse themselves in nature.
Dorset's Cookery Schools
Dorset is the perfect place to hone your cookery skills with masterclasses led by top chefs and artisanal producers. From hedgerow foraging and cake decorating to bread making, there's a course for everyone.
There are cookery schools to cater for all levels of skill, whether you are a complete novice or expert…all with a friendly atmosphere and courses for all ages, even the younger creative chefs in the family!
What makes a cookery school in Dorset special is the ingredients! The county has a reputation for some of the most delicious produce, such as wine, cider, ale, cheese, organic meat and fruit and vegetables....these delicious, fresh, local ingredients make all the difference but don’t just take our word for it, come and taste it for yourself!
Learn how to cook delicious food to impress your family and friends and pick-up secret techniques from Laura Pope from The Dorset Kitchen
Chris Staines, Executive Chef at The Ollerod, Beaminster, curates regular gastro-events that celebrate the amazing produce within the region. From a special Black Cow Vodka dinner to seasonal supper clubs hosted by Chris, the creativity of the menu paired with the finest and freshest ingredients will blow you away.
Food and Drink Events in Dorset
If you want to complete your foodie holiday with some food and drink events, you've come to the right place.
From food festivals and cheese-making courses to farmers markets and even fish and chip cruises, Dorset is the place for your next culinary adventure.
Food & Drink Events
