Wine Tasting in Robin Hood's Bay: The Best Local Vineyards, Breweries & Distilleries

There are loads of memorable food and drink experiences for you to explore during your stay on the Yorkshire Coast. From relaxed wine tastings at Tipsea Wines and vineyard tours at Robin Hood's Bay Vineyard to craft beer at Whitby Brewery and award-winning gin at Whitby Distillery, there are plenty of ways to sample the best local flavours. Plus, don't forget the local farmers markets. Here's my guide to some of my favourite things to do in Robin Hood's Bay.

If you enjoy discovering local food and drink and you are looking for things to do in Robin Hood's Bay, you're in for a treat. The Yorkshire Coast has some fantastic tasting experiences, whether you're a wine lover, a craft beer fan or partial to a good gin.

Last weekend, Matt and I went to a wine tasting evening at Tipsea Wines in Whitby. It was such a lovely evening (so much so that I only remembered to take photos at the end... with all the empty glasses! 😂).

Run by owners Adam and Chris, you can tell they're genuinely passionate about wine and really know their stuff. It was a super relaxed evening learning about different wines, tasting some fantastic bottles and snacking on a local charcuterie board from Radford Butchers.

Tipsea Wines work with independent, family-owned wineries from around the world, carefully choosing wines they genuinely enjoy and are excited to share. Alongside their wine tastings, they also offer food and wine pairing evenings throughout the year, making each event a little different.

Even more exciting, they're opening a new wine shop on Grape Lane in Whitby (possibly one of the most perfectly named streets for a wine merchant). If you're looking for a special bottle to enjoy back at Dock Cottage or Sherwood House, I'd definitely recommend popping in for some friendly advice.

Robin Hood's Bay Vineyard

Just a few minutes from Dock Cottage and Sherwood House is one of Yorkshire's newest vineyards. 

Robin Hood's Bay Vineyard sits on the hillside above the village, with stunning views across the countryside towards the coast. Established in 2017, the vineyard produced its first wines in 2022 and now grows Solaris and Rondo grapes to create a range of Yorkshire wines.

Their pre-booked vineyard tours and wine tastings are a wonderful way to spend an hour and a half. Tours are currently £20 per person.  You'll learn how grapes are grown in North Yorkshire, hear the story behind the vineyard and, of course, sample some of the wines while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

    Whitby Brewery

    If beer is more your thing, Whitby Brewery is another brilliant local experience.

    Perched beneath Whitby Abbey, the brewery has been producing craft beers since 2013. You can enjoy a pint overlooking the harbour, sample a flight of different beers or simply relax with friends while soaking up the atmosphere. They also serve freshly made pizzas, making it a great stop after exploring Whitby.  Beer tasting experiences are priced from around £15 per person.

    Whitby Distillery

    For gin lovers, a visit to Whitby Distillery is well worth adding to your itinerary.

    Inspired by the Yorkshire coast, their award-winning spirits feature local ingredients such as moorland heather, sugar kelp and Yorkshire honey. Their guided distillery tours (run four days a week) give you a behind-the-scenes look at how the spirits are made, followed by a tasting of their gins. It's a fascinating experience, whether you're already a gin enthusiast or simply curious to learn more. Tours are currently priced at £25 per person.

    Botham's of Whitby

    Founded in 1865, Botham's of Whitby is one of North Yorkshire's most beloved traditional bakeries.

    It's well known for its handcrafted breads, cakes and pastries. They have shops in Whitby and have recently opened a new shop and tea room on Enterprise Way. 

    You can either sit in (there's plenty of parking) or get a freshly made sandwich and Whitby lemon bun to take away. 

    We also have Botham's biscuits in the cottage for when you arrive. 

    Robin Hood's Bay Farmers Market

    The monthly farmers market takes place the first Saturday of the month, 9.30am-2.00pm.  Running from April to September at the Fylingdales Village Hall (which is up by the main car park on Station Road).  

    We went yesterday and got some sourdough bread, handcrafted cheese, and Belgian buns.

    Goathland Farmers Market

    The monthly farmers market takes place the third Saturday of the month, 10am-2pm. It runs from March to December in Goathland, about 25 minutes from Robin HHood's Bay.

    The market aims to have at least 70% of stalls selling local food and drink.

    A Perfect Yorkshire Coast Break

    One of the things I love about Robin Hood's Bay and the surrounding area is that there's so much to do.   You could spend the morning walking along the beach or at the local farmers market, have lunch at the Brambles Bistro, then head out in the afternoon or evening for a wine, beer or gin tasting.

    Whether you're discovering Yorkshire wine at Robin Hood's Bay Vineyard, sampling craft ales at Whitby Brewery, drinking award-winning spirits at Whitby Gin or enjoying a relaxed tasting evening with Tipsea Wines, there's something for everyone (as long as you are over 18!).

    If you're planning a stay at Dock Cottage or Sherwood House and would like recommendations for things to do during your visit, I'm always happy to help. Sometimes it's these little local experiences that become the highlight of a holiday.

    See you by the sea soon,

    Sian x