buckfast abbey wine tour

Have a Drop of ‘Buckie’, Buckfast Abbey’s Famous Tonic Wine

by The Foodie Travel Guide | Apr 11, 2015

Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh, Devon

The monks at Buckfast Abbey are known for their beekeeping skills and tonic wine. Situated on the edge of Dartmoor, the Abbey attracts almost half a million visitors a year.

Make a Beeline For Buckfast Honey

If your luck’s in, buy a jar of Buckfast honey. It sells out quickly. The honey is produced in over 200 hives distributed around the Abbey grounds and local farms and orchards. As a centre of expertise, the Bee Department runs an excellent programme of community talks, home apiary visits and bee-keeping courses.

Go For a Garden Stroll

The Physic Garden displays a range of some 200 plants. In the culinary section, discover unusual herbs such as alecost used to clear, flavour and preserve ale before the use of hops, and woodruff which adds flavour to liqueurs, wine, sorbet and fruit salads.

Shop For Monastic Produce

In addition to Buckfast wine and honey, browse enticing products from other monasteries across Europe. How about taking home a bottle of Chartreuse, a spice cake from a Breton abbey or chocolate from Caldey Island?

• Sit on the restaurant terrace overlooking the lavender garden and enjoy wafts of scent from over 150 varieties
• The monks are experts at creating stained glass so take a look at the magnificent stained-glass window of the Last Supper
• Visit in the morning and then drive to  Riverford Farm Restaurant  for lunch (booking essential)
• If you are visiting Yorkshire take a trip to Ampleforth Abbey to taste their award-winning beer and cider

Cook’s Tip

On Stir Up Sunday, add Buckfast tonic wine to your Christmas cake or pudding for a heavenly twist.

Where To Stay in Devon 

Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh, Devon TQ11 0EE

Website: www.buckfast.org.uk

Find more  Foodie Things To Do in Devon .

Discover more  History Days Out .

The Foodie Travel Guide

Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures. 

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This Caffeinated Wine Came Way Before Four Loko

By Natalie B. Compton

Alcohol and caffeine: not a great combination according to the US government. We learned that in 2014 when everyone’s favorite caffeinated malt liquor, Four Loko, disappeared from store shelves across America, returning only after it was stripped of its taurine, caffeine, and guarana. But long before Four Loko had me throwing up in a Porta-Potty during the late aughts, monks in the United Kingdom were making something similarly insane: a caffeinated, fortified wine called Buckfast.

Buckfast Abbey in Devon, England goes back to 1018, but things didn’t start getting boozy at the Benedictine monastery until the 1880s when French monks hit the scene. The monks added “tonic ingredients” like caffeine and potassium salt to fortified Spanish wine, creating a 15% alcohol aperitif that has a higher caffeine percentage than Red Bull. It was intended to be consumed medicinally. “Three small glasses a day, for good health and lively blood,” the monks recommended. “It was marketed in the ‘70s as the housewife’s pick-me-up. I’ve had a hard day, I need a wee tonic ,” Scottish restaurateur Jon Beach told me. The drink was a hit, and today the monastery brings in more than $10 million a year from its “Buckie” sales.

As you can predict, drinkers across the UK came to ignore the three small glass suggestion, opting instead to get absolutely crunk on Buckie. Like Four Loko, Buckfast gained a reputation for being a godawful choice of drink. Its ability to bring out the absolute worst in its victims—stereotypically teenagers and “neds” (Scottish slang for uneducated delinquents)—earned it about a thousand different nicknames like “wreck the hoose juice.” It’s not uncommon to see Buckie pop up in violent crime reports . “It became a weapon of choice for neds. Many smashed bottle over the napper of his foe,” Glasgow resident Jamie Murphy explained to me. “I actually had a bottle at the weekend, which was lovely. Can safely say I caused no one any injury.”

Naturally I made it my mission to try it on a trip to Glasgow, Buckfast’s biggest market. On an uncharacteristically sunny day in Scotland, I searched grocery stores and wine shops looking for a bottle. Shop clerks laughed when I asked if they carried Buckie. I was eventually directed to KeyStore, a fluorescent-lit bodega that sold both the full-sized and half-sized bottles of the infamous elixir. I held off on buying a whole damn bottle of “Mrs. Brown” for myself, as I cannot be trusted with such temptations, but asked the cashier more about it. He told me that it's one of his best selling products, even though it isn’t particularly cheap (it’s about $11 per full-sized bottle). He goes through his entire inventory of Buckie every weekend without fail.

Decorated with quaint grape and monastery illustrations, the wine bottle looks elegant. Its effects are less so. “It’s Loopy Juice. It makes people go crazy,” s Scotsman who preferred to remain anonymous told me that night at Kelvingrove Café, a Glasgow cocktail bar. It turns out not everyone wants to go on record talking about the Buckfast “that gets you f*****ed fast,” as its unofficial slogan goes. “It’s like terrible Red Bull mixed with terrible wine. Obviously the intention of drinking it is to get drunk.”

The storied drink is making something of a comeback in more refined establishments. Bars around town started carrying Buckie ironically, and are now incorporating it into cocktails , popping up in negronis by taking the place of vermouth. One pub tops their burger with Buckfast bacon jam; another serves Buckfast ice cream . The trend has even expanded outside of Glasgow to the rest of the country. Up north in Speyside, The Copper Dog pub has found room for a Buckfast White Russian on its menu. In Loch Ness, restaurateur Beach bought a case of Buckie to rest in a Glenfarclas whisky barrel, creating a Buckfarclas monster no one asked for. It turned out...okay, he said. “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”

It took some bar hopping before I found some Buckie of my own. In no way did I need to keep drinking, but there was also no way I could resist trying something so legendary. The bartender poured the dark “Commotion Lotion” into a small wine glass and I swirled the contents warily. I tossed it back, preparing for the worst. It was syrupy, a lot like mediocre room temperature port . I’d pick it over a Four Loko any day.

It was a weird pick for a nightcap given the espresso-status caffeine punch, still I felt only slightly twitchy leaving the bar, with a lingering sickly sweet taste in my mouth. Had I scored a full 750 ml bottle, things would have gone differently, I could see that from my single shot experience. But you'll be glad to hear, I got home safely without any hoose wrecking or bottle smashing.

Or try a caffeinated cocktail that actually tastes good:

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Buckfast tonic wine: unleash your spirited side, welcome, wine aficionados.

Your trusty wine companion, Joseph 'Joey' Kim, is here to help you unleash your spirited side with the iconic Buckfast Tonic Wine! Excited? You should be! Let Terra Rossa Wines (that's us!) guide you on this exhilarating journey.

Introducing Buckfast: The Legend

What's the buzz around Buckfast Tonic Wine? It's a unique blend of red wine, caffeine, and fortifying ingredients, creating a thrilling combination sure to invigorate your senses. Buckfast is not just a wine; it's an experience that'll awaken your spirited side!

Origin of Buckfast: Where the Legends Meet

Buckfast has an intriguing origin story. Conceived by the monks of Buckfast Abbey in Devon, England in the late 19th century, this legendary tonic wine continues to win the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide. Its iconic formula and rich history make it a fascinating subject for every wine lover.

Discovering Our Wine Collection

Before we delve deeper into Buckfast, let's take a moment to appreciate some of the finest wines we've curated just for you:

• 1995 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon: Indulge in this masterpiece from our collection that boasts elegance and harmony in every sip.
• 1983 Stags' Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon: Experience the exceptional blend of flavors, captured in this gem from our cellar.
• 2020 Chateau Marjosse Blanc: Unveil the taste of Bordeaux with this fantastic white wine from our selection .
• 2017 Chateau Cos d'Estournel Blanc: A luxurious Bordeaux Blanc that captures the essence of its terroir. Explore this amazing wine from our range.

Buckfast Hype: Let's Dig Deeper

Buckfast's secret lies in its stimulating blend of ingredients. Caffeine and fortifying components come together in perfect harmony to create a tonic wine that energizes your body and mind. With just a few sips, Buckfast truly unleashes the spirited side within you.

Boost Your Wine Knowledge!

Looking for more information on wines, wine tastings, and every bit of wine wisdom the world has to offer? Check out these high domain authority websites:

• Wine-Searcher : A comprehensive wine search engine and encyclopedia.
• Wine Enthusiast : A digital magazine offering wine news, reviews, and expert advice.
• Decanter : A premium online resource featuring wine news, critiques, and insights from seasoned connoisseurs.

Embrace the Adventure: Terra Rossa Wine Tastings

Why just read about Buckfast and other wines when you can taste them? Terra Rossa Wines offers thrilling wine tastings for an unforgettable sensory experience. Book your tasting session today and embrace the adventure!

Buckfast Tonic Wine: A Challenge Awaits

Are you prepared to embrace the challenge that awaits you? Buckfast Tonic Wine is truly an experience unlike any other. Once you've tasted this exhilarating concoction, you'll never look at wine the same way again!

A Spirited Farewell

And so, our spirited journey through Buckfast Tonic Wine comes to an end. As we bid adieu to the legendary potion, let's raise our glasses to the monks of Buckfast Abbey who blessed us with this captivating elixir. Cheers!

Unveiling the Buckfast Experience

As we continue our spirited journey, let's delve deeper into the Buckfast experience. This tonic wine is not just about the taste. It's about the rush of energy, the invigorating sensation, and the unique experience that each sip offers. It's a true adventure for the senses!

Regions of Buckfast

While Buckfast has its roots in the heart of Devon, England, its popularity has spread worldwide. From the bustling cities of Europe to the vibrant nightlife of Asia, Buckfast has found its way into the hearts and glasses of wine lovers across the globe.

Pairing Buckfast: A Culinary Adventure

Now, what's a good wine without the perfect food pairing? Buckfast, with its unique flavors and energizing qualities, is a fantastic partner to a wide range of dishes. Think spicy curries, tangy barbecues, and even rich, creamy desserts. The possibilities are endless!

So there you have it, folks! A deep dive into the world of Buckfast Tonic Wine. This unique wine is a true treat for the senses, offering a refreshing twist on traditional wines. So why not give it a try? You might just discover your new favorite wine!

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Buckfast Journal

English Abbey’s Caffeinated Wine Gains Popularity and Scrutiny

By Stephen Castle

• June 1, 2015

BUCKFAST, England — Sticky, sweet and flavored like spiced wine, with a hint of violet and a jolt of caffeine, the alcoholic drink produced here for the last century by Benedictine monks is the heart of a thriving enterprise.

Buckfast Abbey , where the tonic wine is blended, employs scores of people, donates money to worthy causes and has undergone a huge renovation.

Locals even have a mischievous nickname for their well-financed monastic community: Fastbuck Abbey.

But now the popularity of the drink — especially hundreds of miles north in Scotland, where its sweetness and a high caffeine content have made it a favorite in recent years of young drinkers — has put the abbey and the surrounding area into the midst of a debate over who bears responsibility for alcohol abuse.

Concerned about reports that such drinks create “wide-awake drunks” who are linked to a variety of crimes, including drunken driving and sexual assaults, the Scottish Parliament is considering legislation that could ban Buckfast — often known as Buckie — unless its recipe is changed.

The distributors of Buckfast say there is no medical evidence to link their product to such crimes. But the criticism has cast a cloud over this tranquil rural corner of western England, where the abbey is an important part of the local economy, and the notion of being lectured about alcohol abuse by Scotland seems jarring, if not downright offensive.

The debate would probably seem strange to the creators of Buckfast tonic wine, Benedictine monks from France who arrived here in the Devon region in the 1880s and built their community on a site first occupied by a religious order nearly a millennium ago.

Soon they were importing wine from Continental Europe, fortifying it and blending the sweet drink originally sold as a tonic or medicine.

“It is a perfectly good drink if consumed modestly as a tonic wine,” said Richard Simpson, a lawmaker for the opposition Labour Party in the Scottish Parliament and architect of the proposed law. “It is a pity that it has become what it has become.”

Criticism of Buckfast wine has little to do with its 15 percent alcohol content, which is only slightly stronger than some table wines. Instead, critics cite the combination of alcohol and caffeine, which the Food and Drug Administration has already addressed in the United States. In Scotland, there is heightened concern about the demand from younger drinkers, some of whom seem to use Buckfast as a convenient alternative to mixing alcohol with energy drinks and caffeinated soft drinks. “There is no doubt that caffeine-alcohol mixers make wide-awake drunks,” added Mr. Simpson, a medical doctor. “You are more likely to drive, and there is much more of a sexual risk. If you drink enough alcohol you eventually become comatose, but if you combine it with caffeine you can go through a fairly aggressive phase before you become comatose.”

His bill would limit the caffeine content of all alcoholic drinks. He has allies among other opposition parties, and the Scottish government says it is considering whether to give support.

Under the plan, caffeine would be capped at 150 milligrams per liter of alcoholic drinks, the limit in Denmark. Buckfast contains more than double that level, or the caffeine equivalent of about three cups of freshly brewed coffee. Critics like Mr. Simpson cite a 2009 report for the Scottish prison service, based on research at an institute for young offenders, which concluded that “the salience of one brand, Buckfast tonic wine, was noteworthy.”

The brand “dominated wine consumption,” ranked as the favorite drink of four in 10 respondents, and was consumed by 43.3 percent of the respondents before they committed a crime, the report said.

In 2010, the police in Strathclyde, Scotland, said Buckfast wine was mentioned in 5,638 crime reports from 2006 to 2009.

The leadership of Buckfast Abbey is famously publicity-shy and, its head, Abbot David Charlesworth, declined to speak to a reporter.

But Stewart Wilson, sales manager for Buckfast’s distributor, J Chandler & Company, said that while the drink is the top-selling fortified wine in Britain, it makes up just 1 percent of the alcohol market.

He called the police statistics out of date, and said they unfairly singled out Buckfast wine.

“In Scotland it is seen as a political football,” Mr. Wilson said. “A number of politicians use our product to get into the newspapers and to get themselves into the limelight.”

The criticism often feels motivated by “religious bigotry.” he said, adding: “Alcohol is alcohol; it needs to be consumed responsibly. If someone abuses a particular brand it is the individual who is responsible, not the brand.”

Many here in Buckfast and in other towns near the scenic River Dart, defend the product that has brought jobs to an area that has lost its traditional industries.

According to British media reports, the abbey received about £6.6 million, or more than $10 million, from its business interests in 2012, the majority of which came from the tonic wine. J Chandler & Company places its annual sales at about £40 million; the public relations company employed by the abbey did not respond to questions about income from the wine.

Despite concerns, Buckfast Abbey is being spruced up ahead of the millennial anniversary of the first monastic settlement here in 1018. It is already one of the biggest tourist attractions in the region, employing scores of gardeners, caterers and other workers, thousands of tourists annually, though the abbey declined to release hard numbers. “They are a very private organization, and they are not terribly visible,” Pam Barrett, deputy mayor of neighboring Buckfastleigh, said of the abbey. Buckfastleigh serves as the administrative district for the abbey. “But they do quite a lot of good in the community. It is a beautiful building and a beautiful location, which brings lots of people in.”

Here in Buckfast, the tonic wine is not a common drink.

“It is not to say that we don’t have problems with antisocial behavior, and there are certainly problem drinkers,” Ms. Barrett said. “It’s just that they drink a different type of alcohol.”

Though blended at the abbey, the tonic wine is bottled at another site. Katie Coates, a member of the Buckfastleigh Town Council and its former mayor, said she could not remember the wine’s appearing as an issue in the four years she has served on the council.

“At the end of the day it’s not different from any other alcohol,” she said. “In Scotland, they make whisky; it’s all about responsibility.”

Mike Lang, who lives opposite the abbey, said that the wine “feeds money into the local community,” and that if the abbey ever were to close, “Buckfast and Buckfastleigh would shrivel.”

Buckfast Abbey Buckfast Tonic Wine

Home / History / Timeline

The Buckfast timeline

Established in the monastic heritage of the Abbey, Buckfast Tonic Wine carries with it a unique and rich history. Buckfast Tonic Wine is a remarkable creation born from the devoted hands of the monks at Buckfast Abbey.

Through the passage of time, the Buckfast journey has seen us evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences and advancing innovation while staying true to our roots and retaining Buckfast’s distinct flavour and captivating a dedicated following.

The Story Begins

The story of Buckfast Tonic Wine begins back in 1897 when the nephew of a French monk visited Buckfast Abbey in Devon and brought with him a recipe for a Tonic Wine. And so began the art and tradition of winemaking by the Monks at Buckfast Abbey.

A new life at the Abbey

On 14 September 1906 Anscar Vonier was elected Abbot of Buckfast Abbey. He brought a young and ambitious spirit to the community and announced his first project would be to rebuild the Abbey. After much searching the monks eventually discovered the foundations to the original Mediaeval Abbey and so they set about the huge task of restoration.

1920's

The Start of our Partnership

In the early 1920s the monks were working hard at trying to sell their Tonic Wine. At this time however their recipe was more medicinal, and the severe licensing laws introduced after the war made it impossible for the monks to obtain a licence.

A Chance Encounter

J Chandler and Co Ltd was a London based wine merchant which Mr Robert Joyce acquired in the early 1920’s. It was during a holiday to the West Country that Robert Joyce and his daughter Gertrude Joyce visited Buckfast Abbey. The monks were selling off the last of the tonic wine stock; Robert Joyce asked why they wouldn’t be selling it anymore. Once he was told about the problem of obtaining a licence, he suggested that J Chandler and Co Ltd could help to sell it for them.

A partnership was developed between the Abbey and J Chandler & Co Ltd and in May 1927 J Chandler & Co (Buckfast) was duly incorporated with its registered offices in Parliament Street, Westminster, London.

The Rebuilding of Buckfast Abbey

The Abbey was rebuilt solely by the monks who lived and worked there. The rebuilding of the Abbey was eventually completed in 1938. Sadly, just before the last pinnacle stone was set Abbot Anscar Vonier fell ill and passed away.

A Wartime Effort

In the summer of 1939 preparations were being made in the Westminster area in the event of war. Sandbags and barricades were in evidence and the Government had requested the Company’s cellar space for use as air-raid shelters for the Government offices.

A New Premises

The company obliged with the government’s request and moved to larger premises at Abbey House, Peterborough Road, London. Bottling and distribution of Buckfast Tonic Wine continued here and grew for the next 60 years.

J. Chandler Golden Jubilee

Celebrations to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of J Chandler & Co (Buckfast) Ltd took place at Buckfast Abbey hosted by the monks.

100 Years of Buckfast Tonic Wine

Buckfast Tonic Wine celebrates 100 years since the introduction at the Abbey of the now famous and much-loved tonic wine. It’s unique character stemming from the secret recipe guarded by the monks and passed down over the decades.

From Fulham to Andover

With the continued success and popularity of Buckfast Tonic Wine, the company needed to relocate to significantly larger premises and after much searching acquired a site in Hampshire.

Over the next few years, a modern, state of the art bottling line, storage and distribution warehouse was built along with new offices. In 2000 the building project was complete and the bottling line up and running with daily tankers of Buckfast Tonic Wine continuing to be received from Buckfast Abbey.

Buckfast Abbey Millenium

Having had records of a monastic community existing at Buckfastleigh since 1018, Buckfast Abbey celebrates its Millennium – quite a historical achievement.

Looking to the future

J Chandler & Co (Buckfast) Ltd is looking forward to celebrating another historic milestone by commemorating its Centenary year in 2027.  Join us in celebrating the passion, the craftsmanship and the remarkable versatility as we continue the enduring legacy that is Buckfast Tonic Wine.

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Visiting a new city is akin to going on a first date, it is something you will never forget. Many people imagine Moscow as just a bunch of sporadic landmarks: Red Square, the Kremlin, Lenin’s Mausoleum and GUM. There is so much more to this wonderful city than that and even though we only have a few hours, we will do all we can to show you everything we know and love about our capital in one fell swoop. We will take you on a journey through the ages, from centuries ago, right up to the modern day, soaking in the sights of this vast and bustling metropolis. Bright, luxurious and both ancient and modern at the same time, Moscow invites you on a date you’ll never forget!

On our sightseeing bus tour of the city, you will see:

• The wonderfully historic city centre and its unique museums, magnificent cathedrals, the exquisite Chambers of the Romanov Boyars and of course, the famous towering red brick walls of the Kremlin, The charming beauty of the Alexander Garden awaits the capital's guests - a lush green oasis in the midst of the glass and concrete clad metropolis, basking in the etherial aura emanating from the whitewashed stone walls of the restored Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the world- renowned fairytale onion domes of St. Basil's Cathedral and other impressive monumental buildings such as the library built in Lenin's honour - the Russian State Library - and the State Duma.
• The Lubyanka KGB headquarters is notorious to members of older generations and although nowadays, the face of the secret police has changed dramatically, the looming enigmatic building on the waterfront maintains its aura of mystery, shrouded in a variety of murky rumours and dark myths. Then, there’s another of Moscow's main attractions - the marvellous Bolshoi Theatre, yew simply cant leave Moscow without taking in its breathtaking architecture. Engrained in the fabric of Russia's cultural heritage, virtuoso performers such as prima ballerina Galina Ulanova, opera singer Feodor Chaliapin and pianist, composer and conductor Sergei Rachmaninoff once stood centre stage of this vaunted institution.
• The memorial complex on Poklonnaya Hill was constructed in the glory and honour of our heroes who defended our nation in the many crucial battles of the Great Patriotic War (WWII). This is a place that embodies a particularly acute and inextricable link between older ancf younger generations. Moving on to the Moscow International Business Centre, not dubbed ‘Moscow City' for nothing, a true glimpse of the future in the present. This incredible, rather jaw-dropping project in the capital has shown that Moscow has come to accept the age of the skyscraper. Finally, the stunning views from the observation deck at Sparrow Hills will leave professional and amateur photographers alike itching to capture them. How could one resist?

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St. Basil's Cathedral

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Russian State Library

Bolshoi Theatre

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