Hadrian's Wall Wine Quest
Hadrian's Wall marked the edge of the Roman world — 73 miles of fortifications across northern England.
Chapter 9 of Roman Wine Odyssey · United Kingdom
The stops
- Adventure · Price: low Hadrian's Wall at Housesteads Walk the most dramatic stretch of Hadrian's Wall, built 122-128 AD to mark the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. The fort of Housesteads (Vercovicium) housed 800 soldiers who drank wine imported from the Mediterranean. The views are stunning.
- Tour · Price: moderate Vindolanda Fort & Museum The most important Roman archaeological site in Britain. The waterlogged soil preserved wooden tablets with legionaries' correspondence — including shopping lists for wine! The museum shows daily life on the frontier. Excavations continue every summer.
- Tasting · Price: low Northumberland Wine & Spirits Northern England isn't traditional wine country, but this producer makes fruit wines and spirits. Visit for the novelty and to complete the pilgrimage. The Romans would have drunk whatever was available — so should you.
- Wine bar · Price: moderate Newcastle (Pons Aelius) Roman Pons Aelius was the bridge settlement on Hadrian's Wall. Today, Newcastle has an excellent wine bar scene in its historic Quayside district. Celebrate completing the wall quest with proper wine in a city the Romans founded.
The story
This is primarily a SIDE QUEST: bring wine to drink at Roman forts. The emerging Northumbrian wine scene adds a touch of local flavor.
Plan the trip
Insider tip Walk a section of the wall, then toast at Vindolanda with English sparkling wine — the legions would approve.
Getting there and around
- Car required
- Yes
- Parking
- Paid parking at major sites
- Nearest airport
- Newcastle (NCL)
- Drinking and driving
- BYOW to drink at Roman forts
- Without a car
- AD122 bus runs along the wall
Where to stay
- Base yourself in
- Hexham or Corbridge
- Nightly range
- £80-150/night
What it costs
- Includes
- 2-3 nights, car, site entry, wine to bring
- Per person
- £250-450