Vineyards & wine tasting
English wine production is turning heads on both sides of the Channel. There are nearly 400 commercial vineyards dotted around England, from Cornwall to Suffolk and Yorkshire. Many are open to the public and offer luxury on-site accommodation in B&Bs, self-catering cottages and barn conversions so you can really make the most of your wine-tasting experience. What could be better than learning about all things wine while looking forward to a sip or two of the homegrown sparkling stuff as the sun sets across the perfectly contoured vineyard.
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English Wine Week
A glimpse into the wonderful world of English wine.
Location: Nationwide
Take a tour of England's wine country
Sample some of the best wine, cider and juices in the country in Kent.
Location: Tenterden, Kent
Choose between red, white or rosé at Sealwood Cottage
Sample the fruits of this Derbyshire vineyard in the charming countryside of The National Forest, and then go to sleep in a pyramid-roofed bedroom.
Location: Swadlincote, Derbyshire
Visit a family run vineyard in the heart of the Chilterns
Explore the vineyard and sample the wine and beer produced in this truly independent brewery in Oxfordshire.
Location: Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Sample a selection of wines at Dedham Vale Vineyard
Dedham Vale Vineyard is a great place to experience wine tasting whilst enjoying the pristine rolling English countryside.
Location: Boxted near Colchester, Essex
Sample Surrey’s top tipples
Surrey has a wealth of drinks producers creating delicious award-winning wines and beers right across the county.
Location: Dorking, Surrey
Sample wines at the scenic Sedlescombe Organic Vineyards
Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard is one of the most idyllic tourist attraction locations in 1066 Country, near Hastings.
Location: Sedlescombe, East Sussex
Taste fine wine at Tanners Wines
Don’t miss a trip to Tanners Wines, independent and family-owned since 1842 which is one of the top wine merchants in the UK.
Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Raise a glass in the South Downs countryside
English sparkling wine is enjoying a renaissance.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
Raise a glass of English wine at Holmfirth Vineyard
How about a glass of English wine? That’s award-winning English wine. Come to Holmfirth Vineyard and discover their home-grown delight.
Location: Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
Experience wine-making the way in Bradford-on-Avon
Enjoy an organic tipple among the vines of an English country gem.
Location: Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
Be schooled in the nuances of a vital ancient art
No experience required for this drinker's favourite: just an open mind and a willing palette.
Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Take an award-winning tour of Camel Valley
An ex-RAF pilot and his wife grew their wine into an international triumph. Catch a glimpse and a taste in historic Bodmin.
Location: Bodmin, Cornwall
Give your taste buds a treat at the Furleigh Estate vineyard
Explore the peace and tranquillity of the Furleigh Estate vineyard, before getting down to the real business of testing out the wines for yourself.
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Discover Biddenden Vineyards in Kent
Making wine in the Garden of England.
Location: Biddenden, Kent
Wine tasting at Hotel du Vin
Take a trip around the world's wines in Newcastle.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
Go wine tasting at Ryedale Vineyards
Sample wines from England’s most northerly vineyard.
Location: York, Yorkshire
Raise a glass of English sparkling wine to the South Downs
Bathed in the sunshine and shelter of the South Downs in Sussex, enjoy some fine English wines direct from grape to glass.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Enjoy wine tasting in the heart of Devon
Discover award-winning wine produced in the beautiful Devon countryside and enjoy a tasting in the picturesque estuary town of Topsham, near Exeter.
Location: Topsham, Devon
Drink your way around Sussex with Fizz on Foot
Taste the best of Sussex with a bespoke village tour, visiting award-winning vineyards and sampling sparkling wines.
The best English vineyards to visit this summer
With great wine tasting sessions, tours and luxury touches, here are some of the best vineyards to visit in England.
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10 of the best vineyards to visit in Britain
We'll raise a glass to that
There a number of beautiful vineyards across the UK making award-winning wine. Here are the best vineyards to visit and raise a glass to.
Acres of acid green vines, snaking over undulating slopes as they grow heavy with ripe fruits are a common sight in Tuscany but less so in the UK. But British wine has come a long way in recent years, winning numerous international accolades and tempting even the most discerning of drinkers. If you don't believe us, visit one of these wonderful UK vineyards and see for yourself.
Langham, Dorset
In deepest Hardy country, this vineyard takes a ‘low-intervention’ approach to grape growing – striving to minimise environmental impact while producing crisp quality bubbles, that are even vegan friendly. The hand-picked grapes are processed on site using an amalgamation of old and new methods, which visitors are talked through on the two hour long guided tours. Plus, visitors can enjoy lunches and afternoon teas, prepared in the 19th century milking parlour, the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after a few hours ambling among the vines. For those who prefer a more hands on experience, don’t miss the opportunity to join in picking the grapes, loading the press and meeting the team, during the autumn Harvest Experiences, which include lunch and a refreshing glass of fizz, as a reward for your hard work.
Giffords Hall, Suffolk
Producing a smorgasbord of sparkling wine, rose and fruity red, this family run vineyard in the village of Hartest in Suffolk, sits on the clay soil site of an ancient glacial riverbed. The whole family are welcome to take part in private or group tours, even dogs are welcome – but must stay on a lead since the vineyard is also home to a collection of free-roaming lambs and chicks.
Rodington, Shropshire
It may be small, but Rodington produces some seriously robust reds, said to rival Australian shiraz, right in the heart of Shropshire. The family run vineyard has clocked up an array of awards for a range of wines and free entry to the shop and vineyard make it very tempting to try a glass or two for yourself.
Coates & Seely, Hampshire
Crafted in small batches using traditional techniques, this winery, owned by two friends, takes full advantage of the English chalk terroir on which it sits – creating bubbles which have been served at Kensington Palace. Described as ‘fabulously elegant and refined’ by the judges of the 2017 English Wine Awards, it's no surprise Coates & Seely supply some of the most prestigious events across the UK.
Sharpham Wine and Cheese, Devon
Offering tastings and tours of their irresistible wines and cheeses (a dreamy combination) this award-winning vineyard uses both New World and traditional techniques that best enhance their unique regional characteristics. After a relaxed amble among the vines, guests are invited to sample Head Chef Daniel’s delicious dishes, using the freshest local and seasonal ingredients, while soaking up the picturesque grounds overlooking the River Dart. What a divine way to spend an afternoon.
Three Choirs, Gloucestershire
Nestled within the rolling hills and valleys of rural Gloucestershire, Three Choirs enjoy a unique microclimate, allowing them to produce wonderful wine. With an onsite restaurant and rooms to stay in, a trip here would make for a relaxing weekend break. Otherwise, simply spend an afternoon strolling amongst the vines and sampling the delicious wine on offer.
Camel Valley, Cornwall
Camel Valley's relaxed, friendly tours through stunning countryside are incredibly popular, and require advance booking. But if you are not lucky enough to get a spot, or simply want to taste a sample of Cornish wine, then indulge in a glass on the terrace while soaking up the wonderful view. With two idyllic cottages available to rent on the site, located close to Rick Stein’s trio of Padstow restaurants, Camel Valley makes for a wonderful foodie escape.
Chapel Down, Kent
One of Britain's best-known vineyards, Chapel Down is set amongst 22 glorious acres of Outstanding Natural Beauty and hailed as one of the UK’s most exciting drinks companies. Their growers are experts in using traditional methods to make a world-class range of sparkling and still wines, as well as spirits, beers and cider. Fans include the likes of Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver – and Chapel Down has even delivered to No 10 Downing Street, as well as Ascot Racecourse. Embark on a daily guided tour, including a tutored tasting, and finish your day in their two AA Rosette and Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, specialising in modern British cuisine where you can enjoy Chapel Down paired with locally sourced seasonal ingredients.
Castle Brook, Herefordshire
Tucked in the Wye Valley, the Castle Brook vines were planted in 2004 on the site of an ancient Roman vineyard. They provide an ancient yet modern diversification strategy for this fourth-generation family farm. Specialising in Brut and Rosé sparkling wine, the team use traditional Champagne varieties and methods. Available for next day delivery, this Herefordshire based wine is certainly the answer if you're craving a fabulously British glass of bubbly. Each bottle bears the ‘Chinn-Chinn’ motif, a play on the Chinn family name, which had clearly destined them for success in the winemaking business.
Greyfriars, Surrey
The team at Greyfriars combine traditional techniques with modern wine making technology to create crisp bubbles which have won numerous international accolades. Owners Mike and Hilary Wagstaff bought the site on the Surrey North Downs eight years ago, planting over 70,000 vines across an expanse of 50 acres. During their most recent harvest they reaped over 100 tonnes of grapes, producing close to 80,000 bottles of crisp sparkling wine. That’s certainly something to raise a glass to.
Read more in the October issue of Country Living
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The best English vineyards for tours and tastings
Words by Pip Mortimer, Stuart Peskett, Laura Richards and William Morris
The quality of English wine continues to go from strength to strength and its blossoming reputation is driving consumer curiosity, with wineries transforming their estates into attractive tourist destinations as a result. There is an increasing number of reasons to visit English vineyards , be it a tour and a tasting, art and music events, picnics, a meal in a restaurant overlooking the vines or even an overnight stay. As the industry matures in the UK, the wines only continue to improve, and the range of styles on offer broadens too. Sparkling wine is no longer the only option when buying English, with a number of producers exploring still wines made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to impressive effect. All this means English wines are scooping more medals than ever, and we’ve used award winners from this year’s IWSC to form the backbone of our list below.
From vineyard tours led by estate owners to talks and tastings informed by the winemakers themselves, you can really get to the bottom of how England’s vineyards have adapted to a unique climate and varied terroir – from the chalky slopes of Surrey’s Greyfriars to sun-soaked Chapel Down in Kent. If you’re less about the education and more about the enjoyment, many of these English vineyards also offer snacks, afternoon tea, long, lingering lunches or drinks at dusk in the summer months, so you can make the most of the unique countryside settings – plus a glass or two of the good stuff.
These are our 20 top vineyards in England
- Albourne Estate, West Sussex
- Balfour Hush Heath Estate & Winery, Kent
- Bluestone Vineyards, Wiltshire
- Bolney Wine Estate, West Sussex
- Bride Valley, Dorset
- Busi Jacobsohn Wine Estate, East Sussex
- Chapel Down, Kent
- Greyfriars Vineyard, Surrey
- Gusbourne Estate, Kent
- Hattingley Valley, Hampshire
- High Clandon Vineyard, Surrey
- Langham Wine Estate, Dorset
- Lympstone Manor Estate, Devon
- Nyetimber, West Sussex
- Raimes, Hampshire
- Ridgeview Wine Estate, East Sussex
- Roebuck Estates, West Sussex
- Wiston Estate Winery, West Sussex
- Woodchester Valley, Gloucestershire
- Woodchurch Wine Estate, Kent
English vineyard tours and tastings
Albourne Estate
West sussex.
While the South Downs are ripe with vineyards, Albourne proves popular thanks to its proximity to Brighton. Enjoy walk-in wine tastings and tours of the 12-hectare site and winery established in 2010, which is home to traditional and charmat method sparkling wine, a Bacchus awarded Bronze at the IWSC 2023 and, curiously, an English vermouth. During clement weather, bi-fold doors of the South-facing tasting room open out onto the vines and, throughout peak season (April to September), group-friendly experiences include Sussex cheese tastings, picnics in the vines and a Friday night supper club that sees local street food vendors pull up to the beat of live music and the sound of popping corks. LR
Albourne Farm, Shaves Wood Lane, Albourne, West Sussex, BN6 9DX
albourneestate.co.uk
Balfour Winery
Synonymous with sparkling rosé, the Balfour Winery in Kent is an ideal travel destination for summer visits and an afternoon in the sunshine. Richard and Leslie Balfour-Lynn’s 400-acre estate was first planted in 2002. Now a thriving winery, throughout the year visitors can choose to wander around the vineyards, orchards and woods (pick up a map at the cellar door), or select from a variety of tours and tastings. At estate restaurant The View, you can dine and taste wines among the family’s private art collection. PM
Balfour Winery, Five Oak Lane, Staplehurst, Tonbridge TN12 0HT
balfourwinery.com
Bluestone Vineyards
The founders of family-friendly Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm made the unlikely move into English sparkling wine back in 2016, with brothers Nat and Toby McConnell planting four hectares of vines next door to the ducks and donkeys. Complete a tour of the vines (select from self-guided or tutored options) – and surrounding animal attractions – with a trip to Bluestone’s cellar door, where guests on the sun deck are greeted with tasters of classic and rosé cuvées, served with cheeseboards that showcase more of Wiltshire’s finest produce. LR
Bluestone Vineyards, Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm, Amesbury Road, Cholderton, Wiltshire, SP4 0EW
bluestonevineyards.co.uk
Bolney Wine Estate
Although you might know Bolney more for sparklers than still wines, the likes of its Estate Pinot Noir and Lychgate Rosé are now rising up the ranks. Vines were planted by the Pratt family back in 1972, and daughter Sam Lintner now leads the winemaking. The estate has been winning IWSC awards since the 1980s, but these days it’s as much a place for foodies as for oenophiles: tour packages can include a food-and-wine pairing session or a long lunch in the Eighteen Acre Café, which serves light bites, cheese boards and a Bolney burger to indoor and outdoor diners. LR
Bolney Wine Estate, Foxhole Lane, Bolney, Haywards Heath, RH17 5NB
bolneywineestate.com
Bride Valley
Owned by Bella Spurrier and her late husband, the great Steven Spurrier , this is the place for a family to visit. Children can be entertained with their own vineyard quiz while adults can enjoy a guided tour around part of the 10-hectare vineyard and see some of the stunning art and wine memorabilia that was collected by the family over the course of Steven’s long and influential time in the trade. A tasting of four wines finishes off the tour: be sure to seek out a glass of IWSC medal-winning Dorset Chardonnay. PM
From £22.50pp (£5 for children)
Bride Valley Vineyard, Stable Cottage, Court House, Litton Cheney, Dorset, DT2 9AW
bridevalleyvineyard.com
Busi Jacobsohn Wine Estate
East sussex.
Husband and wife Susanna and Douglas describe Busi Jacobsohn as a ‘family vineyard’, where even their dogs play a part in protecting the land. A single-estate ethos has driven sparkling winemaking at the estate, situated 15 minutes south of Tunbridge Wells, since it was established in 2015, although the design-led elements might seem more prominent thanks to Susanna’s keen eye and background in art and fashion. A handful of summer open days sell out fast, but a tailor-made visit to the vineyard is still encouraged, with prior contact required so you can make the most of a group trip and tasting. LR
Busi Jacobsohn Wine Estate, Blackdon Hill, Farm, Eridge, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9HX
busijacobsohn.com
Chapel Down
One of the pioneering producers of the English sparkling boom has also helped set the tone for wine tourism in the UK. Kent’s Chapel Down – situated on the edge of charming market town Tenterden – is open seven days a week for tours and tastings, including an opportunity to drink by the glass as you tour the vines and sample juice direct from the tank (all part of the ‘walking with wine’ tour). Tastings of its English Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and more familiar sparklers can also be combined with fine dining or afternoon tea in the Swan Restaurant. With plans for a new winery site recently approved in nearby Canterbury and the expansion of its wine production a future prospect, bigger things from Chapel Down are still to come. LR
Tour and tasting, £28pp
Chapel Down Winery, Small Hythe, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 7NG
chapeldown.com
Greyfriars Vineyard
The North Downs, just outside Guildford, are known for chalky slopes. Here, the Greyfriars team have been focusing on traditional method sparkling wines since a change of hands in 2010 – and has just scooped a Silver medal from the IWSC for its Blanc de Blancs Brut 2015. Guided tours are by appointment and come complete with tastings on a viewing deck. You can also take a self-guided saunter round those steep grounds, or plonk down on a pre-booked blanket with a bottle of your choice – a new experience for summer 2023. LR
Greyfriars Vineyard, The Hogs Back, Puttenham, Surrey, GU3 1AG
greyfriarsvineyard.co.uk
Gusbourne Estate
Day-trippers from London can take the train and a short taxi ride to this renowned Ashford winery, where a regular roster of tours and tastings await. Founded by Andrew Weeber in 2004, the estate comprises 60 hectares of Burgundian clones put to good use in Gusbourne’s award-winning sparkling whites and rosés. As well as lunchtime picnic packages, keep an eye out for guest chef and restaurant collaborations throughout the summer that make Gusbourne a worthy tourist go-to. LR
Gusbourne Estate, Kenardington Road, Appledore, Ashford, TN26 2BE
gusbourne.com
Hattingley Valley
What initially began as a diversification project for a farm has, under the guidance of award-winning winemaker Emma Rice, become one of the leading lights in English sparkling wine. Hattingley Valley makes its fizz using the traditional method and currently has a portfolio of six wines, including a classic Chardonnay-based blend, a blanc de blancs and a rosé. Guided tours of the winery include an opportunity to taste the current range and buy wines at cellar door prices. The Classic Reserve offers bright orchard fruits and a subtly nutty finish – it’s definitely not one to miss, having won gold at this year’s IWSC. WM
Hattingley Valley, Wield Yard, Lower Wield, Nr Alresford SO24 9AJ
hattingleyvalley.com
High Clandon Vineyard
One of the five ‘Vineyards of the Surrey Hills’, High Clandon has carved out a niche with its single-vintage sparkling wines that are aged for at least five years before release. Located just east of Guildford, the estate was founded in 2004 by Sibylla and Bruce Tindale. The 10th edition of their annual ‘Art & Sculptures in the Vineyard’ event took place in July 2023, with more than 180 artworks on show in the gardens; vineyard and wildflower meadow. Book ahead for one of the open days that take place on Saturdays, which include the ‘Tour, Talk and Tasting’. SP
From £25pp + booking fee
High Clandon Estate Vineyard, East Clandon, Surrey, GU47RP
highclandon.co.uk
Langham Wine Estate
Langham Wine Estate in Dorset started off as a ‘hobby vineyard’ in the late 2000s, according to head winemaker Tommy Grimshaw but is now a major attraction, with a restaurant and café, gift shop and cellar door for sales and tastings. Regular themed foodie nights take place, as well as winemaker dinners and a variety of tours. The wines themselves are a range of sparklers made from the classic Champagne varieties, including the award-winning Culver Classic Cuvée Extra Brut NV. SP
Langham Wine Estate, Crawthorne, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7NG
langhamwine.co.uk
Lympstone Manor Estate
Part of chef Michael Caines’ vision when he set eyes on dilapidated Lympstone Manor was to plant a vineyard in the surrounding grounds. The transformation of the site into a luxury country house hotel has seen him do exactly that and the estate has now produced a single vineyard Pinot Noir, with sparkling wines to come. The vineyard tour on offer is far from ordinary, thanks to the four-course lunch included; dishes of lobster, quail and white truffle ravioli feature on the menu at the time of writing. Resident guests of the hotel can take the tour without lunch but for everyone else, this is a vineyard tour for a special occasion and a great opportunity to sample Caines’ cooking. All this is set in a beautiful location on the banks of the River Exe. WM
Tour with lunch, £155pp; tour without lunch available to resident guests for £48
Lympstone Manor Estate, Courtlands Lane, Exmouth, EX8 3NZ
lympstonemanor.co.uk
English wine fans will need no introduction to Nyetimber, its award-winning Blanc de Blancs the star of a sparkling range produced under the steer of Canadian couple Cherie Spriggs and Brad Greatrix. Two-hour visits at Nyetimber HQ are limited to seasonal ‘open days’, which must be booked in advance and that see guests walking the West Sussex land, hearing the history of the estate and sampling three cuvées in the pleasant surrounds of the site’s 15 th century barn. LR
Tour and tasting, £40pp
Nyetimber Vineyard, Gay Street, West Chiltington, West Sussex, RH20 2HH
nyetimber.com
Raimes is a fifth-generation family winery with vineyards that sit in a 1,800-acre farm near Alresford in Hampshire. The chalky soils made sparkling wine the obvious choice of style and Raimes’ range is traditionally made from handpicked Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes. Vineyard tours run throughout summer and finish in the new ‘Tasting Barn’, where guests sample two of the wines. Snacks and cheeseboards are available for those wishing to linger afterwards, and there’s a shop offering bottles at cellar-door prices. This is a smart, modern winery with wines that represent great value. WM
Raimes, Broad Lane, Hinton Ampner, Alresford, SO24 0JY
raimes.co.uk
Ridgeview Wine Estate
Considered one of the first growths of English sparkling wine, Ridgeview’s Chardonnay vines were planted back in 1995 and its bottles have notoriously been popped at Buckingham Palace. But despite those lofty heights, it’s a family business at heart. Get advice at the cellar door, book a one-and-a-half-hour tour and tasting or stop for a meal at the Rows & Vine restaurant, with views across the vineyard and the exquisite South Downs backdrop. LR
Ridgeview Wine Estate, Ditchling Common, Fragbarrow Lane, BN6 8TP
ridgeview.co.uk
Roebuck Estates
Roebuck Estates was established by two friends with the dream of producing exceptional vintage sparkling wine from the finest vineyards in England. Roebuck owns and manages six different sites in the south of England but its ‘home’ vineyard, close to the village of Tillington, is where the oldest vines are: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grow on greensand soils. A new tasting space called The View has been created at the top of this vineyard, giving guests spectacular views while they sample the wines and enjoy local produce. The current portfolio includes three sparkling wines, all of which can be tried during a tutored tasting as part of the tour and tasting experience. WM
Roebuck Estates, Upperton Farm, Tillington, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0RD
roebuckestates.co.uk
Wiston Estate Winery
Wiston Estate Winery, just a few miles from the West Sussex coast, is the realisation of owner Pip Goring’s dream. When she arrived in England from her native Cape Town in the early 1970s, she wanted to plant vineyards and build her own winery – and she and her family did, although it wasn’t until 2006 that the first vines went into the soil. The Goring family and winemaker Marcus Rayner are now the team that craft Wiston’s award-winning wines. Book a guided tour and tasting, as well as a table at Chalk, the restaurant on the estate, for dishes that celebrate local produce. SP
Wiston Estate Winery, North Farm, Washington, West Sussex, RH20 4BB
wistonestate.com
Woodchester Valley
Gloucestershire.
Situated in the south Cotswolds , Woodchester Valley made its first wine back in 2010, before moving to its current site and establishing the winery in 2016. The estate now offers a choice of tours, with picnic-lunch options, and special “Fizz and Chips” evenings – plus, there’s on-site accommodation, in the form of three vineyard barn guest rooms, and houses for larger groups. Tour and tastings run from April to November and there’s also a sizeable cellar-door shop five minutes’ drive away in the town of Nailsworth. SP
Woodchester Vallery, Convent Lane, Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5HR
woodchestervalleyvineyard.co.uk
Woodchurch Wine Estate
Woodchurch is a family-owned business founded by Graham and Donna Barbour. The first vintage was released in 2015 and the winery now makes a range of still and sparkling wines, including still Chardonnay and a red Pinot Noir, plus a natural white made predominantly from Bacchus. The winery has a bar and restaurant, which serves snacks and more substantial cheese and charcuterie boards. Buying a glass and taking a moment on the winery terrace is a great way to relax and take in the view across the vineyards to the surrounding Kent countryside. You can pick up a map and follow it around the vineyard for free but the guided tour is conducted by Graham himself and gives guests an in-depth look at the story behind Woodchurch, as well as a taste of four wines. WM
Tour and tasting, £20pp
Woodchurch Wine Estate, Susan’s Hill, Woodchurch, Kent, TN26 3RE
woodchurchwine.co.uk
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Pioneers of English Wine
Start exploring
Established in 1972, by Janet and Rodney Pratt, Bolney Wine Estate in West Sussex was one of the first, and remains one of the most beautiful, English wine estates. Janet and Rodney were pioneers. Guided by nature – the mild climate and the sandstone soil – they discovered the best varieties of grapes to grow in their eco-system. The team now produce award-winning still and sparkling wines from our famous Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris to our classic sparkling Bolney Bubbly and Blanc de Blancs.
Introducing the Bolney Wine Club
Share our passion for the highest quality English wine by becoming a member of Bolney Wine Estate’s Wine Club. With three tiers of membership options, you’ll enjoy an array of exclusive benefits and discounts from our stunning vineyard and estate. It’s a wine club with a difference. You’ll receive incredible discounts on our wines with access to limited edition releases as well as hand-picked bottles from partner boutique wineries around the world.
Enjoy A Taste Of Sussex
Here at Bolney Wine Estate we pride ourselves on making award-winning wine for all occasions. Whether you're looking for a smoky red to enjoy at home whilst watching a movie, a fresh sparkling wine to savour over brunch or a unique sparkling red wine to wow your guests at dinner. We have something for everyone, all made at our Estate in the heart of the Sussex countryside. Or why not try our English Gin, with its vibrant freshness of lemon oil and fennel which is delicately balanced with hints of bay and juniper.
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Are you looking for a new venture into the exciting world of English wine? We are looking for passionate people to join us here in the heart of Sussex, in our Tour, Hospitality and Vineyard/Winery teams.
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Explore our latest news and events to find out what we're up to at Bolney. From Chef's Dining Experiences and Afternoon Tea, to our latest awards and new vintage releases, there's always something happening at our estate.
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At Bolney we pride ourselves on knowing a thing or two about wine. We were one of the first UK commercial vineyards and have always been pioneers in the industry, so we wanted to share our passion and knowledge of wine with you. Explore our guides from the Beginners Guide to Food and Wine Pairing to Host Your Own Cheese and Wine Evening and everything in between.
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The 12 best vineyards in the UK
Take a trip to one of the most stunning vineyards and wineries in the UK
Sure, it’s been the butt of many (mostly French) jokes for decades, but UK wine can be – whisper it – really rather good. From chardonnay in Dorset and organic vinos in Kent to sparkling blushes near Cardiff , there’s plenty of proof out there that we Brits aren’t just a nation of wine drinkers – we’re pretty darn good at making the stuff, too.
And better yet: plenty of the UK’s best vineyards are open to the public. A huge range of wineries can be found dotted throughout country, many with their own brilliant restaurants (featuring some marvellous set menus and pairings) and dazzling views of the British countryside .
Plenty of British wines can hold their own against the usual contenders in France, Italy, New Zealand and the like. Indeed, the country’s wine scene is growing all the time. Here are the very best vineyards and wineries to visit that’ll have you on the British wine bandwagon in no time.
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Beautiful vineyards in the UK
1. Llanerch Vineyard Hotel
It might be located in the peace and quiet of the Welsh countryside but one of the other many benefits to visiting Llanerch Vineyard is that it’s also only about a half-hour journey from Cardiff . That accessibility is pretty important when you consider how remote some other vineyards in the UK can be. This vineyard is the oldest in Wales and produces the grapes for a range of wines that span from off-dry white to sparkling blush. Extremely drinkable stuff.
2. Forty Hall Vineyard
Yes, London has vineyards, too. This social enterprise, which produces both still and sparkling English wines, is largely run by volunteers. It’s the first commercial-scale vineyard in London since the middle ages (!) and an excellent showcase of why you don’t need a huge amount of space to make something truly special. Ten acres of vines are all that Forty Hall Vineyard has to make its wine but they’ve been punching well above their weight with every consecutive vintage. Not only can you take a tour of this well-meaning vineyard but you can even volunteer to help out on the land.
3. Chapel Down
Chapel Down is probably the most well-known wine producer in the UK. This Kent-based vineyard has won numerous awards throughout the years and its product is regularly exported and used to represent England’s terroir on international wine lists. The guided tour is a lot of fun and it helps that the wine is great, too. Grown on the chalky North Downs of Kent, Chapel Down’s sparkling and still wines have got a distinct flavour profile that rocks the boat just the right amount. Book yourself on the comprehensive tour and you can witness the grapes’ journey from the vine to the bottle.
4. Westwell Wines
Producing a range of unique, sustainably-minded wines that come with extremely Instagram-friendly labels, Westwell Wines might be one of the relative newcomers to the UK wine scene but they’re already making a good deal of noise. Fermented in stainless-steel tanks so as not to impact the natural terroir of the wine, their Ortega is on the wine list at a number of trendy restaurants and it’s not hard to see why. The guided tours and tutored wine tastings are perfect for wine newbies and experienced drinkers alike.
5. Oxney Organic Estate
Rye is to the English wine community what the Napa Valley is to California. Sort of. Oxney Organic Estate is a winery and vineyard near the town that also happens to be the largest single-estate producer of English organic wine – not just in that region but in the entirety of the UK. Blessed with 35 acres of vines, Oxney is a wine lover’s paradise and a great place to have daydreams about one day starting your own little vintage. Weary travellers can stay and experience the local terroir for themselves by spending a night in one of Oxney’s on-site shepherd’s huts – something that’s probably recommended after you’ve nailed a couple of bottles of plummy pinot noir.
6. Camel Valley
I don’t know about you but the thought of ever getting into business with my family sounds like hell on earth. Thankfully, that doesn’t seem to be the case for the Lido family who run the Camel Vallery vineyard and winery in Cornwall . Having produced high-quality wines since 1989, Camel Valley has only gone from strength to strength over the years. From a fresh and fruity Bacchus to a crisp and strawberry-y Pinot Noir rosé, all of the wine here is worth adding to your cellar. The guided tours are an excellent way to see what Camel Valley is all about.
7. Oastbrook Estate Vineyard
The Oastbrook Estate vineyard is an attractive patch of Sussex countryside to while away a few pleasant hours on a hot and sunny day. Come for an information-packed tour of the winery that concludes with a tasting of some of their top-notch wines, stay for a night in the Hobbit House. Yes, that’s exactly what you think it is: a cosy hideaway located in the vineyard that looks like it’s been ripped straight from the pages of J.R.R. Tolkien. It’s the sort of gaff that Frodo would look to settle down in after trekking all the way home from Mordor. And with enough Pinot Blanc inside of you, you might just think you’ve been transported to Hobbiton yourself.
8. Tillingham Winery
It’s hard not to be smitten by this winery and vineyard in East Sussex. Tillingham Winery specialises in natural wines (with many of them aged and fermented in traditional clay qvevri) and is definitely one of the newer kids on the block when it comes to the English wine scene. Set among 70 acres of green hills and woodlands, Tillingham is about as scenic as it gets, and the fact you can see the sea from the premises is the cherry on top. Well, that and the capable restaurant and rooms they’ve got attached to boot. A unique vineyard that’s had a lot of love put into it.
9. Langham Wine
The sparkling produced at this Dorset -based vineyard is perfect for a ‘pop the cork it’s New Year’ celebration. All the classic Champagne grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) are grown at the vineyard and the low-intervention approach they take to harvesting and making each wine is what makes it so unique. It’d be easy enough for the winemakers at Langham Wine to pump their crops with pesticides but – by committing to a cleaner, greener process – they’ve created a range of sparkling wines that have a strong sense of terroir. This is what Dorset tastes like.
10. Davenport Vineyards
Davenport Vineyards have organic vineyards in Kent and Sussex . Owner Will Davenport has been on a mission to promote sustainable winemaking practices since he first started planting grapes in 1991, and the results of those years of toil have been extraordinary. The combination of traditional techniques and modern equipment has led to the creation of some truly stunning bottles of wine, and Davenport’s English white is a prime example of that. Made from a variety of grapes, it’s a zippy, summer-friendly sipper. Everything Davenport produces is organic, certified by the Soil Association and completely safe for vegan consumption.
11. Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard
Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Snowdonia , Gwinllan Conwy is one of Wales’s most lauded vineyards. For good reason, too. The wines they produce have won a range of prestigious awards on both a domestic and international level. It’s the grapes themselves, though, that might just be the most interesting thing about Gwinllan, with deep cuts like Solaris and Rondo making up the backbone of the 3,000 vines spread across three acres of Welsh landscape. There are plenty of traditional grapes planted as well – all of which are transformed into some stellar bottles of wine by Gwinllan’s dandy winemakers.
12. Hambledon Vineyard
As England’s oldest commercial vineyard, Hambledon Vineyard has been flying the flag for English fizz for a number of years. This family-run institution might be old guard but it’s still full of new ideas. The pop-up restaurant at the vineyard is a lovely touch and the opportunity to book a tour and explore a proper part of British history is a big part of Hambledon’s charm. These lot aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
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Year round tours and tasting experiences
Come and explore our hidden gem set in 400 acres of spectacular Kent countryside.
A relaxing escape awaits – just 45 minutes from London with our free shuttle bus service*.
Hush Heath Estate is home to some of England’s most vibrant flora and fauna.
For nature and wine lovers alike, the Estate offers an unparalleled guest experience. Guests can enjoy a self-guided stroll through beautiful English vineyards, apple orchards and ancient oak woodlands, or join an expert-led vineyard tour and wine tasting experience in our winery.
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Enjoy one of our local Kentish meat, cheese or vegetarian platters made with seasonal produce. We source our food from local producers such as Curd & Cure, Moons Green Charcuterie and our fruit and vegetables from David Catt & Sons.
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Throughout the year The Winemakers’ Kitchen hosts a number of events from our Vegan Dinner and Mother’s Day specials, to our popular Jazz evening featuring Joe Stilgoe. Look out for other Balfour Winery events taking place in 2024 such as our Harvest Picking day later in the year.
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The Winemakers' Kitchen
The new restaurant at Balfour Winery
Enjoy seasonal produce, from local producers, served alongside our wines that have inspired each dish. The menu, a collaboration between our head chef Dan Austin and Head Winemaker Fergus Elias, features recipes specifically designed to pair with Balfour’s award-winning wines. A unique experience to be enjoyed whilst in a stunning setting looking over our vines. Anchored in Kent, the Winemaker’s Kitchen is a must-visit to get a true taste of English provenance.
Find out more.
We own a collection of fabulous pubs throughout Kent, Sussex, The Cotswolds and London. All proudly serving Balfour Wines and Jake’s beers and ciders. Continue your winery experience with lunch or dinner at one of our local Balfour Hospitality pubs where you can expect locally sourced produce, a great atmosphere and beautiful boutique bedrooms.
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THE 10 BEST England Wineries & Vineyards
Wineries & vineyards in england.
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
1. Chapel Down
2. Chiltern Valley Winery & Brewery
3. Woodchester Valley Vineyard
4. Camel Valley Vineyard
5. Balfour Winery
6. Tinwood Estate Vineyard
7. Cambridgeshire Wine School
8. Yorkshire Heart Vineyard
9. Adgestone Vineyard
10. Holmfirth Vineyard
11. Denbies Wine Estate Ltd
12. Bluebell Vineyard Estates
13. Bolney Wine Estate
14. Stanlake Park Wine Estate
15. Carr Taylor Vineyard
16. Kingscote Estate and Vineyard
17. Greyfriars Vineyard
18. Polgoon Vineyard
19. English Oak Vineyard
20. Wroxeter Roman Vineyard
21. Little Oak Vineyard
22. Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham Wine
23. Wyken Vineyards - Gardens & Country Store
24. Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard
25. Hambledon Vineyard
26. Ridgeview Wine Estate
27. Albury Organic Vineyard
28. Alder Vineyard
29. Gusbourne
30. Old Walls Vineyard
What travellers are saying
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Norfolk Vineyard Tours
English vineyard experiences.
Discover our English vineyard experiences and the secrets behind the making of our award-winning wines from amongst the vines, or from the comfort of your own home with our range of guided vineyard tours and virtual tasting options.
Since planting the first vines at Chet Valley Vineyard, owner John Hemmant has aimed to deliver value beyond award-winning wine. Sharing our craft with our valued guests has always been at the heart of the Chet Valley Vineyard experience, with our range of carefully curated hands-on activities offering our valued guests the unforgettable opportunity to experience the joy of winemaking, from vine to glass.
“Thank you so much, we thoroughly enjoyed our vineyard tour and wine tasting. Yummy wine and appreciate all your hard work – well done”
Karen Taylor
“Lovely, will definitely support local wines now!”
“Wonderful visit, lovely staff & great food – excellent wine!”
D Jefferies
“Great guide and tasting, very informative, we all loved every aspect of the tour. Thank you”
The Mitchell Family
“Impromptu visit! Informative & helpful. Thank you for the opportunity to try and buy your wine! Delicious”
Merrick Family
“Great tour, very informative throughout. Fantastic wine tasting. Fun and factful. Thank you for an amazing afternoon”
Shrimpton Family
“Great tour, excellent knowledge and wonderful wine”
Ferguson Family
“Interesting discussion on the efforts to encourage wildlife and pollinators around the vineyard”
“We had a lovely time seeing the ins and outs of wine making, then a really nice afternoon picnic at the bottom of the vineyard – thank you!”
Robin Muhondwa
“Above & beyond service. A very educational and enjoyable visit. Thank you”
The Maddisons
“Cheers to a fab and tasty tour! Look forward to cracking open the Skylark and Horatio”
Tracey & Jonathan McManus
“Fantastic tour with a relaxed and informative host. Wine is great and so is the food”
The Millers
“Beautiful vineyard, very relaxed tasting wines on the balcony”
Carmel & Friends
“Wonderful afternoon with wine and lots of laughter! Perfect combination. Can’t wait to come again”
Wine Tasting Tours
Uncover the story behind our artisan English wines from between the rows themselves on an exclusive vineyard tour led by Norfolk’s original winemaker, John Hemmant.
Exploring every aspect of the growing and winemaking processes, this immersive vineyard experience offers endless inspiration – alongside the opportunity to taste our award-winning wines in the beautiful Norfolk countryside.
Virtual Wine Tasting
Experience the magic of the vineyard from anywhere in the world with our popular virtual wine tasting sessions, held in the form of simple video conferencing calls.
Our at-home wine tasting guests may enjoy a carefully curated tasting kit composed of Chet Valley Vineyard’s best wines with the guidance of head winemaker John Hemmant, who will transport you into his Norfolk Vineyard from the comfort of your own home.
Vineyard Picnics
Give your loved one the gift of an unforgettable day in the Norfolk countryside to look forward to this summer with our vineyard picnic packages.
Chet Valley Vineyard’s luxury picnic menu features locally sourced foods, including charcuterie, ham, cheese, freshly baked bread, and a delightful garden salad plus a potato salad, followed by strawberries and cream. All accompanied by a fabulous bottle of Chet Valley wine. The exact contents of the picnic may vary according to availability and may differ from the image shown on our website.
Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting Voucher (with option of adding lunch)
English Sparkling wine tour for two gift voucher (with option of adding lunch)
Vineyard Picnic Lunch with Wine For Two Voucher
Expert guide.
All vineyard tours and wine tastings held at Chet Valley are led by our experienced winemaker, who possesses an extensive understanding of and experience in both traditional and new winemaking techniques. John’s knowledge and storytelling give our guests the opportunity to gain valuable insight into every aspect of the winemaking process.
Sample Award-Winning Wines
Our heavily decorated wine range is the highlight of our vineyard tour and tasting experiences for many of our customers. With our options offering large samples or bottles of between four and six of our best-loved creations, you’re sure to discover a wide variety of delightfully unique tastes, from aromatic whites to fruit-forward rosés.
Experience the Vineyard from Anywhere
With both in-person and online wine tasting experiences available, the joy of winemaking at Chet Valley Vineyard can truly be experienced from anywhere in the world – whether from amongst our sun-soaked vines in South Norfolk or from your own home with the assistance of a virtual wine tasting kit.
Browse Chet Valley’s range of artisan sparkling and still English wines, handcrafted using distinct varieties of cool-climate grapes grown in our family-owned vineyard here in South Norfolk.
The grape varieties grown at Chet Valley Vineyard include Solaris, Phoenix, Schönburger, Chardonnay, and Seyval Blanc grown alongside reds such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Cabernet Noir, and Regent, using traditional techniques optimised to our British terroir. From our award-winning Charmat-style ‘Skylark’ wines and flagship Méthode Champenoise, ‘Horatio’, to our varietal stills including our ‘Redwing’ rosé, there’s a bottle in our range to suit every palette.
Other Things To Do
Vineyard holidays.
Discover the Vine House, an exclusive holiday cottage set in rural Norfolk, with uninterrupted views across Chet Valley’s 10-hectare vineyard.
Tours & Tastings
Discover the secrets behind our award-winning wines with a tour through the vines on our single estate vineyard followed by a look behind the scenes in the winery where the magic happens, followed by a tasting of our range of still and sparkling wines
Explore and book our wide range of community-driven events held throughout the year, ranging from our annual grape harvest to wine tastings and picnics at our Norfolk vineyard.
Our beautiful indoor and outdoor vineyard venues are perfect locations for any occasion, including celebrations, away days and corporate events. Coming soon.
Our public, private, and corporate virtual wine tasting sessions, held over ZOOM, are attended by small groups of like-minded wine lovers.
Vineyard Tours FAQ’s
What happens on a winery tour.
The exact contents of a winery tour depend on the tour you attend! If the tour is of a winery only, and does not include a tour of the vineyard, you will be taken through the building in which the wine is produced, shown the processes, and, most likely be able to sample some of the maker’s wine upon the conclusion of the tour.
Chet Valley’s tours include both the vineyard and the winery, meaning our visitors are led through our well-established vineyard by head winemaker, John Hemmant, and are encouraged to ask questions whilst listening to stories including the history of the land, and the varieties of grapes grown. Following this, guests are invited into the winery, where they can witness the production process. At the conclusion of the tour, guests are provided with samples at least four of our best-loved wines, which may be enjoyed indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather.
What should I bring on a wine tasting trip?
Popular tips for those attending wine tours and tastings include:
Do not wear perfume or cologne. They may interfere with your ability to identify or properly experience the aroma of the wine.
For those attending tours on days expected to be sunny and bright, sunglasses can be helpful.
Guests attending Chet Valley’s Vineyard tours and tastings needn’t bring much, but are advised to pack or wear flat or comfortable shoes, as much of the tour takes place outdoors on the vineyard.
How does a virtual wine tasting work?
The perfect way to experience wine with friends, family, and colleagues from afar, our newly introduced virtual tasting sessions offer wine novices and enthusiasts alike the opportunity to receive expert guidance from Norfolk’s original winemaker and owner of Chet Valley Vineyard, John Hemmant, whilst enjoying a range of our award-winning English wines from anywhere in the UK.
Those purchasing a virtual wine tasting kit are sent their requested case of wine, tasting notes, and stoppers, alongside the ZOOM passcode for the virtual tasting event selected at the point of checkout. When the selected day arrives, simply paste the provided link into your browser, log on, and enjoy a live tasting from wherever you are!
How long does a vineyard tour last?
A truly immersive and interactive experience, our wine tasting tour lasts approximately two hours. Starting at the New Cellar door and shop before moving into 10 acres of well-established vineyard, this immersive experience allows guests to walk amongst the vines during an interactive talk, throughout which questions are encouraged.
After a short walk through the vineyard, the tour returns to the new winery, where John explains the details of the winemaking process, and demonstrates the various steps of sparkling wine production – a real treat for those interested in wine, the winemaking process and those who enjoy the end-result of this labour of love.
Finally, guests enjoy generous samples of five or more of Chet Valley’s award-winning wines, accompanied by locally produced cheese and charcuterie whilst sitting under the walnut tree by the vineyard, or, on the winery balcony, overlooking our beautiful slice of the English countryside. Following this, our tour participants are allowed exclusive access to the Winery cafe, where light meals are served.
How much is a winery tour?
The price of a winery tour depends on the winery at which it is taken, and, whether or not a vineyard tour and samples are included. Chet Valley’s vineyard and winery tour offers a 2-hour tour from the cellar door, to the vineyard, to the winery, and includes generous samples of five of our best-loved wines with perfectly paired cheese and charcuterie to be enjoyed on our balcony, in the vine hall, or under the Vineyard walnut tree. This experience is charged at £25 per person over 18. Children under 18 are welcome to attend the tour and will be served a non-alcoholic alternative.
How old do you have to be for wine tasting?
In the UK, and at Chet Valley Vineyard, those taking part in the wine tasting itself must be 18 and above. With this being said, children and under 18s are welcome to attend our tours and will be served non-alcoholic beverages with small sides during the tasting segment.
How do wine tastings work?
A wine tasting, especially when combined with a tour, is an educational experience, meaning they can be, and are attended by wine-lovers of all knowledge levels, from absolute beginners, to aficionados. Generally described as a guided tasting experience, these events are typically held and led by a knowledgeable host - in the case of Chet Valley, our head winemaker. This host will aim to ensure that the attendees correctly taste, experience, and ultimately enjoy their wine.
Guests will be encouraged to observe the colour and clarity of the wine, alongside the smell, and, of course, the taste, offering helpful insight throughout the tasting. There should be ample opportunity to make notes on your findings. Oftentimes, attendees of wine tastings walk away with a new favourite wine - or, at the very least, some new knowledge surrounding the contents of their glass.
Are there wine tastings with overnight stays in the UK?
There are a select number of vineyards offering wine tastings with an overnight stay in the UK. Chet Valley Vineyard are able to offer a unique lodging option to those attending tours and looking to stay on the vineyard for a little longer - the Vine House. Situated amongst the vines themselves on the rolling hills of Chet Valley, Norfolk, this recently converted single-storey stable building offers a comfortable retreat with uninterrupted views across both the vineyard and the beautiful English countryside surrounding it. Featuring lofty, naturally inspired spaces graced by exposed timber frames, alongside every holiday let essential – from hairdryers to a wood burner – this tranquil sanctuary is truly a home away from home.
Located just 8 miles outside of Norwich, and with the Norfolk Broads and coastline in easy reach, this vineyard accommodation serves as an equally stunning and functional base for those seeking an escape to the country, offering everything from doorstep vineyard tours, to stunning beaches and fantastic walks, with the historical city only a small journey away.
What happens on a vineyard tour?
Chet Valley’s tours include both the vineyard and the winery, meaning our visitors are led through our well-established vineyard by head winemaker, John Hemmant, and are encouraged to ask questions whilst listening to stories including the history of the land, and the varieties of grapes grown. Following this, guests are invited into the winery, where they can witness the production process. At the conclusion of the tour, guests are provided with samples of five of our best-loved wines, which may be enjoyed indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather.
Finally, guests enjoy generous samples of five or more of Chet Valley’s award-winning wines, accompanied by cheese and charcuterie whilst sitting on the winery balcony, overlooking our beautiful vineyard. Following this, our tour participants are allowed exclusive access to the Winery balcony
Vineyard Tours Reviews
9 months ago via Google
Lovely afternoon touring and learning about the vineyards and tasting the wines with locally produced nibbles. John is an excellent host and passes on technical information easily. A delightful way to celebrate a 60th birthday with a family group and even better being able to cycle through beautiful lanes in the sun to get there .
5 months ago via Google
Fantastic and certainly well worth a visit. John explained every aspect from the vineyard to the production of the wine making. Thank you so much for a very enjoyable experience.
8 months ago via Google
John was great the vineyard itself is lovely. Very informative. No pressure to buy anything after. A very relaxed and lovely day, we had blazing hot sunshine also which made it that even more special. Great work guys!
Steve Carey
4 months ago via Google
Very knowledgeable info about the history, vines,wines and nice tour with tasting and nbbes. Lovely sparkling wines.....
6 months ago via Google
We had a wonderful day at Chet Valley! We hired the venue for a family party and enjoyed food and wine on the balcony overlooking the beautiful vineyard scenery. We particularly enjoyed the Horatio Rose Brut which was very refreshing on a hot summers day. We had an excellent tour of the vineyard with the owner, John who was very knowledgeable about not only the vines and the wine but also the local area and all things nature related. He was also very good with the children in our party. I’d highly recommend Chet Valley Wine and also Chet Valley as a venue to hire.
Esme Packett
Don't be deceived by the sunny photo below! A friend and I joined a Chet Valley vineyard tour earlier this year, and despite pandemic restrictions and a torrential downpour that even included hail at one point, John managed to pull off an engaging and fun event. It would appear nothing can dampen his enthusiasm. 😉 Chet Valley has a surprisingly wide range of wines of good quality. So if you are in or around Norfolk - or want an excuse to be - I highly recommend paying them a visit. (Warning: you will probably want to purchase a few bottles too...)
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Explore the best of English wine
Visit some of england’s finest vineyards and wine producers. with wine tours throughout the kent countryside, let us introduce you to award-winning english wines, guided tours, tutored wine tastings and even lunch..
Lets us transport you through the picturesque Kent countryside. Sit back, relax and let us do the driving so you don’t have to.
Kent Vineyards
We will be visiting some of England’s award winning vineyards. Come and discover how the wine is produced here in the heart of Kent.
A locally sourced Lunch served in an idyllic setting. Whether you prefer a pub lunch or a fine dining experience, we can tailor to suit you.
English Wines
Whether a seasoned wine drinker or a complete beginner, enjoy and learn about the best of English wine with our tutored wine tastings.
From £ 140pp
Private wine tours, full day tour.
Let our wine guide transport you by private minibus through the beautiful Kent countryside. Explore up to 3 vineyards with wine tastings and lunch.
Wine Tour Breaks
From glamping to luxury.
View our bespoke wine breaks which include a private wine tour, allowing you to make the most of your visit.
See our breaks
Shared Wine Tours
Join other like minded wine lovers to explore 3 of Kent's charming vineyards and wineries to sample their award winning English wines with lunch.
In-house Wine Tasting
Private & corporate.
Be it a special occasion or corporate event, our wine guides offer an exquisite on-site experience.
From £ 40pp
Discover. taste. enjoy., the best of english wine.
Let us transport you through the beautiful Kent countryside for an enjoyable day exploring the opulence within the Garden of England’s award winning Vineyards. Our bespoke tours are designed to allow you to discover, taste and enjoy a day of wine tasting, whilst you sit back, relax and let us do the driving. Visiting Balfour Winery, Barnsole Vineyard, Biddenden Vineyard, Brabourne Wines, Chapel Down, Chartham Vineyard, Gusbourne, Herbert Hall, Mereworth Wines, Simpsons Wine Estate, Terlingham Vineyard, Wayfarer Wines, Westwell Wines, Woodchurch Wines, Woolton Farm & Yotes Court Vineyard and more.
testimonials
We love what we do – and our customers too….
Lovely way to spend a Sunday, despite the weather had a great time and plenty of wine to taste.
Rachel Curtis
I had a brilliant day with Wine Tours of Kent! Although I live locally there was so much I didn’t know about vineyards in Kent (including how beautiful they are!) and so I really enjoyed the day! The trip was really well organised and a great, socialable way to learn about the local wine as well as taste it!! I would 100% recommend this tour company and I will be booking again
TripAdvisor
We had a wonderful day with Wine Tours of Kent. We didn't know much about wine before the tour but now feel so much more knowledgeable and can't wait to book another tour. The vineyards are fascinating and our tour guide Abi took us to a local pub for lunch which was also delicious - and well needed after all the wine we sampled at Chapel down! I would highly recommend this Wine Tours of Kent if you are looking for an interesting and unique way to explore Kent!
A great intro to wine tasting and making! Really well managed for time, locations and experince. The tour had a bit of everything from small local winery's to larger more renowned wines. Great fun and lots of wine! Will be booing again soon for sure. Thanks abi and the Team
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Our photos from recent tours, hen parties and tutored wine tastings.
We love what we do. Our customers too.
Vineyard Tours
2022 tour dates now available. Click to Book a Vineyard Tour .
Booking a Vineyard Tour
Tours & Tastings in Surrey, Hampshire & Sussex
We are now fully booked for the 2022 season.
Check back in 2023 to see which vineyards we'll be doing tours and tastings with.
Private Tours and Events
Tours & Tastings for Corporate Events or Special Celebrations
Whether it's an activity for your team following on from a day of meetings or a birthday party for your nearest and dearest; a few hours in a vineyard with breath taking views, tasting award winning wine is sure to impress.
Trotton Estate Vineyards is available to book from May to September for private groups with minimum numbers of 8, maximum 20.
Hospitality is at the heart of what we do so expect a warm welcome and an engaging, entertaining time as we explore the vineyards and taste the wine.
Private tours & tastings are completely bespoke so feel free to contact us to discuss your requirement further. We'll try our best to accommodate your requirements and exceed your expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few questions we're often asked about our Vineyard Tours
Can I bring my dog along for the tour?
Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome at Trotton Estate Vineyards. Be aware, grapes are highly toxic to dogs and can be fatal so leads are an absolute must.
Can we bring the kids along?
The tours are not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.
How long will the tour last for?
Please allow between 90 and 120 minutes for the tours.
Do I need to pre-book?
100% yes. The vineyards we work with are small but perfectly formed and numbers are strictly limited on each tour.
Are the tours fully accessible?
Tours start with walking through the vineyards at a leisurely pace - the ground is uneven and may be unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Do you have any questions?
Ask away on our contact form and we'll get back to you ASAP; click here
Best UK vineyard stays
For walks with verdant views, picnics amongst the vines and bottles of local brut, take a trip to one of the UK’s ripening crop of vineyards, from Sussex to Cornwall and Wales
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Looking for vineyard stays in the UK? Want to go on an English vineyard tour? We've found the best English vineyards and Welsh estates where you can stay over in hotels, cabins and smart rooms. Enjoy English wine tastings and vineyard tours in the UK before putting your feet up on a private terrace overlooking the vines. If you're also a gin lover, why not check out our guide gin holidays.
English wine is enjoying a boom but still underrated, and travelling abroad to Provence and Tuscany is trickier in these times, so it's a great time to visit some of the UK's vineyards and be the first of your friends to try the best bottles. The UK is gaining a particular reputation for sparkling wines – the best of which compares well to the quality of some champagnes (though often come with price tags to match). Check out our pick of the best English sparkling wines here.
For a rejuvenating overnight stay, discover the best UK spa hotels for food lovers .
Best English vineyard stays in the UK
Balfour winery , kent.
From £89 per night, check availability at booking.com
Known for its world-class sparkling wines, Kent’s Balfour Winery is home to lush English vineyards, acres of ancient apple orchards and oak woodlands – perfect for nature and wine lovers alike. Located on the Hush Heath Estate, take a self-guided stroll or book for a full estate tour and tasting experience from £45-£65, where an expert will show you around the vineyards, learning about the secrets and history of Balfour as you stroll. This is followed by a tutored tasting of six crisp sparkling and still Balfour wines. The winery’s contemporary building, The View, offers sweeping views across the Kentish countryside, perfect for unwinding with a glass post-tasting. After, visit the winery shop where you’ll find plenty of sparkling and still wines, luxury hampers and gifts.
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Open all year round, Balfour Winery hosts social events throughout the year, such as its dining club music sessions, jazz evenings and yoga classes followed by food and wine tasting.
What to eat: You may want to add a sharing platter to your tour booking to enjoy alongside the wines – think local Kentish charcuterie, seafood and cheese served with olives, quince jam, flatbread and crackers. If you’re visiting during the winter months, opt for the warm winter platter of local cheeses, baked camembert, house-made chutney and warm bread. A short drive away and you’ll find Balfour-owned The Tickled Trout, serving its signature fish dishes and hearty pub classics which reflect the best of Kentish produce.
What to drink: A visit to Balfour is not complete without a taste of its flagship Balfour Brut Rosé 2018 – we’d also make a beeline for the Springfield Chardonnay 2018.
Where to stay: The Tickled Trout is part of a collection of Kentish pubs and hotels selling wines from Balfour and Jake’s Beers and Ciders. Boutique rooms are simple, cosy and inviting, with exposed beams, shabby chic décor, modern bathroom fittings and sink-into beds. They also come kitted out with a large flat screen TV, Dualit coffee pod machine and a selection of tea from Joe’s Tea. From £89 for a double.
Check availability at booking.com
Nutbourne Vineyards, West Sussex
Visit Nutbourne Vineyards , stay at Cattlestone Farm, check availability here.
Set in the West Sussex countryside, Nutbourne Vineyards has been in the Gladwin family since 1991. The family also owns a selection of restaurants in London where you'll find wines from the vineyard. Sustainability is at the core of the operation, from following biodiverse practices in the vineyard (hence wildflower meadows in amongst the vines) to efforts to reduce the carbon footprint in distribution and production.
The vineyard trail is open all year round. Pick up an illustrated map and go on a self-guided tour around the different fields to discover the different grapes grown in each area and enjoy the views across the South Downs. The Cellar Door is open to pick up a bottle at the end of your visit. Guided tours and tastings are also available.
What to eat: Nutbourne offers a range of dining experiences at the vineyard throughout the year, from picnics in the summer to burgers & bubbly evenings. For a flying visit, cheese and crackers are available from April to November. Tour the vineyard, then graze on a special cheeseboard (centred around a whole Baron Bigod brie) on the viewing platform while sipping a glass of wine. For a truly memorable experience, time your visit to coincide with the Nutbourne Vineyard supper clubs on Thursday and Saturday evenings throughout summer (from £95). Hosted by the Gladwin family, you’ll enjoy a sparkling reception before enjoying a five course meal out in the vineyard, with each course matched to a different Nutbourne vintage. Produce is locally sourced, and dishes might include South Coast sea bream served with Nutbourne tomatoes, and roasted Sussex beef from Gregory Gladwin. The menu changes each month to make the most of seasonal produce.
What to drink: The 'Nutty Blush' rosé made from Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir is a light pale pink hue, with floral notes and gentle berry acidity – ideal for summer sipping. Red wine fans will enjoy the Pinot Noir, with a portion of the wine aged in French oak to add depth. Bottles are all illustrated with Bridget Gladwin's paintings.
What to stay: Nearby Cattlestone Farm has a range of camping and glamping accommodation options to choose from. Pitch a tent in the open field or book a yurt and use the outdoor kitchen, complete with a pizza oven. You might even get to spot the goats, named Gin and Tonic. If you can, book the newly renovated luxury Sunrise shepherd's hut. It's impressively spacious and cosy inside, with a comfy king-size bed. Wake up and open the double doors on to your wrap-around deck, with an outdoor roll-top bath and chairs to enjoy the views over peaceful rolling fields. The full-size en-suite shower room and fully equipped kitchen mean there’s everything you need for a quiet, relaxing break.
Tillingham, East Sussex
From £165 per night including breakfast, check availability here .
A few miles from the medieval port town of Rye in East Sussex, Tillingham is hidden away in 70 acres of hills, vineyards and woodlands, scattered with wandering pigs, cattle, sheep and chickens. It’s a serene, bucolic setting for the cutting-edge winery, hotel and dining destination. A renovated Victorian farmstead and neighbouring hop barn contain 11 bedrooms, a restaurant and bar, tasting room and shop, all replete with hip, upcycled furniture and fittings and dreamy views of the surrounding Sussex countryside.
Tillingham offers daily tours and wine tastings (by appointment only), running to around 90 minutes, at £35pp. Start in the tasting room and move through the rest of the estate, from the modern winery, to the ancient oast house hosting Tillingham’s collection of qvevri (earthenware vessels buried in the ground and used to make orange wine) through to the idyllic rolling vineyards. Our tour guide took a deep-dive into Tillingham’s biodynamic, low-intervention approach to wine-making – wine nerds and aficionados will love the level of detail. You’re also given four generous pours of different wines.
What to eat: Come for lunch, dinner or both. Set over two floors filled with vintage and revamped furniture, exposed beams, sheepskins and sprays of dried flowers and foliage, downstairs is a casual wine bar with a small plates menu and an impressive wine and cocktail list (make a beeline for the silky fig leaf martini). Upstairs houses a more formal restaurant, where new head chef Brendan Eades (formerly of Silo and the Conduit Club) has created the four-course Garden Menu that showcases Tillingham’s homegrown produce – think veg from its walled garden, meat raised in its pastures and fish caught in nearby Rye. Dishes are simply cooked and presented, yet pack in the flavour – the quality really sings. Highlights on our visit included delicate Dungeness crab with nasturtium; tender, deeply flavoured Tillingham lamb; and a luscious, perfectly set egg tart. If you’re staying over, breakfast also takes place in the restaurant and features a set menu of sourdough with whey butter and homemade jam, granola and yogurt, local charcuterie and cheese.
What to drink: Natural wine fans will love what’s on offer here. Try the delicate Col 21 with its grassy, citrussy tones, or P21 – highly gluggable, vibrant pink fizz with rhubarb and raspberry notes.
Where to stay: The estate’s old hop barn has been converted into 11 bedrooms, all equipped with midcentury furnishings and earthy jewel colours, heavenly scented diffusers, modern art, Roberts Radios, Haeckels toiletries and welcome snacks of fudge and sherry in crystal glasses. We stayed in the expansive feature double room, which comes with a freestanding tub and huge window with sweeping views of the vines and countryside.
Check availability here
Bolney Wine Estate , West Sussex
From £245 per night, check availability at booking.com , tour tickets at Virgin Experience Days (£133.50 for tour, tasting and lunch for 2 .
Nestled in lushly green surrounds on the edge of the South Downs, the Bolney Estate is a long-time fixture on the English wine scene – founders Janet and Rodney Pratt first bought the land in 1972 for wine-making – raking in numerous plaudits over the past five decades. It makes both still and sparkling wines from five vineyards on the site, and there's also a sleek visitor centre complete with café and shop, with plans afoot to expand these facilities next year. Bolney offers a range of vineyard tours and tastings of varying length. We tried the Sussex cheese and wine tasting, which included a tour of the winery and surrounding vineyard, and an accessible yet in-depth guided tasting of Bolney wines paired with delicious Sussex-made cheeses and charcuterie, all of which you can find in the shop (make a beeline for the superb Brighton Blue).
What to eat: The light and spacious Eighteen Acre Café (if it’s sunny and warm, nab a table on the large balcony for gorgeous panoramic vineyard views) serves up generous sharing plates that make the most of Sussex produce, much of it made just a few miles away – think tender local braised pork belly with Hispi cabbage and Bolney Lychgate red wine jus, or umami wild mushroom ragu with cured egg yolk.
What to drink: We loved the floral and elegant Bolney Bubbly as well as the passion fruit and elderflower-laced Lychgate Bacchus. English still red wines are something of a rarity but Bolney’s silky pinot noir, with delicate cherry notes, is an excellent example and well worth trying. Don’t just stop at wine, Bolney also makes its own gin and rosso vermouth.
Where to stay: Nearby in the picture-postcard village of Cuckfield, Ockenden Manor is a beautifully preserved Elizabethan manor house with rooms ranging from grand oak-panelled suites to spacious rooms with four-poster beds and roll-top baths. There’s also a plush fine-dining restaurant and an award-winning modern spa just moments away from the main building.
Kingscote, West Sussex
From £293 per night, check availability at booking.com
This is one of the best wine tasting breaks in the UK. Not just a vineyard but a full-on countryside experience founded by the late Christen Monge, Kingscote promises walking and fishing, as well as vineyard tours and tastings. Book a vineyard tour with seasonal lunch for £30.
What to eat: There’s a tiny coffee shop serving Kingscote’s own coffee in the on-site wine and artisan food store. For a full meal, visit nearby Gravetye Manor where a set three-course lunch is £65.
What to drink: The Silvan Bacchus 2019, a creamy, lightly oaked white.
Where to stay: Doubles at Gravetye Manor start at £293.
Denbies, Surrey
From £150 per night, check availability at booking.com , check tour vouchers at Red Letter Days (£115 for tour, tasting and lunch for 2)
Established in 1986, Denbies wine estate in Surrey offers indoor and outdoor winery tours. The former explores the working winery along with a cellar tasting, while the latter takes you on a 50-minute toy train tour of the vineyard, showing off panoramic views of the North Downs.
What to eat: A gallery restaurant looks over the 265-acre vineyard. Order Sussex confit pork belly with savoy cabbage, pan-fried halibut with roasted romanesco, or, on a Sunday, the Surrey Farm roast beef with rosemary-roasted potatoes.
What to drink: A glass of the award-winning Cubitt Blanc de Noirs 2014, full-bodied and replete with notes of baked pear and rose petal.
Where to stay: The on-site Denbies Vineyard Hotel has 17 en-suite rooms with views across the estate and surrounding hills. Price start from £150.
Rathfinny Estate, East Sussex
From £100 per night, check availability at booking.com .
It may be young, but Rathfinny Estate in the South Downs is still one of Britain’s most beautiful wineries. Vines are separated by rows of wild flowers, there are glimpses of the Sussex heritage coast throughout, and visitors can stay overnight in a stylishly converted 1860s barn.
What to eat: Head chef Chris Bailey has curated lavish picnic hampers to enjoy in a quiet spot on the vineyard with a glass of Sussex sparkling wine.
What to drink: Rathfinny's range of vintage Sussex sparkling wines includes a Classic Cuvée 2018, Blanc de Noirs 2016, Blanc de Blancs 2017 and Rosé Brut 2018.
Where to stay: Rooms at the Flint Barns are simple but have expensive bathroom fixtures, quality bedsteads and access to a luxurious communal living room. From £100 for a double.
Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham Wine, Devon
From £950 for three nights, check availability at sykescottages.co.uk
One of the best vineyard tours in the UK, Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham Wine is a great experience. Sharpham Wine has been established for more than 40 years and is a serious producer of more than a dozen wines. It opened a brand-new visitor centre in summer 2022 at its new home, Sandridge Barton. Visitors to the site can enjoy guided tours as well as self-guided tasting flights presented in cute baskets.
What to eat: The team behind Exeter's Circa runs the restaurant, using foraged, estate and vineyard produce in dishes such as Sandridge Barton beef carpaccio with black garlic and fermented celeriac remoulade; and Brixham day boat fish with seaweed butter and foraged sea herbs.
What to drink: Sharpham Pinot Noir, crammed with wild strawberry, cherry and cranberry flavours.
Where to stay: The Boathouse is a tranquil holiday cottage within the Sandridge Barton estate, sleeping up to four people. With views over the River Dart, it makes a relaxing base to discover local wildlife and is within stumbling distance back from the vineyard.
Book a vineyard tour now
Check availability for cottages at sykescottages.co.uk
Jabajak, Whitland, Carmarthenshire
From £108 per night including breakfast, check availability at booking.com
This family-run vineyard restaurant-with-rooms makes for an idyllic base to explore the coastal paths, mountains and beaches of Pembrokeshire National Park. Since their first harvest in 2014, Julian and Amanda Stuart-Robson have produced award-winning white wine and sparkling rosé using grapes grown on the south-facing slopes of this former droving farm.
What to eat: The owners grow a substantial amount of seasonal produce on site, including fruits, herbs and shoots. The locally inspired menu features rock salt-roasted Welsh lamb rump with port and cranberry jus, and local grilled smoked mackerel with marinated beetroot and apple salad.
What to drink: Try the award-winning White House white and sparkling rosé.
Where to stay: From the simple doubles in The Annex to the more secluded Grainstore and Garden suites, the eight differently sized bedrooms cater for all.
Gusbourne, Kent
From £105 per night, check availability at booking.com
Just over an hour's drive from London, this Kent vineyard produces sparkling wines. Choose between three types of tour and explore the vineyards followed by a tutored wine tasting, or discover how to pair wine with food.
What to eat: For those that want to delve deeper into the world of wine, the estate tour includes vineyard visits before a three-course seasonal lunch with paired wines in the modern tasting room. Or opt for a picnic of locally sourced produce and a bottle of Brut Reserve while you soak up the surrounding views.
What to drink: Golden-hued 2017 Gusbourne Brut Reserve is fresh and fruit driven.
Where to stay: Head to the sleepy Kent village of East Brabourne – just a 30-minute drive away – and stay at The Five Bells Inn (Read our full review here)
Old Walls Vineyard, Bishopsteignton, South Devon
From £192 per night, check availability at booking.com
Well positioned for the many attractions of the glorious South Devon coast, Old Walls Vineyard offers tours, tastings and, if you time your visit for mid-autumn, there’s even a chance to pick the grapes for the next vintage.
What to eat: Hearty dishes like Devon sausages and mash, and shepherd's pie tartlet with butternut squash purée, come drizzled in jus made from the vineyard's own red wine.
What to drink: The best-selling wines are the Palace Red or White Priory Dry, although the Bishop’s Blush rosé is the way to go on a balmy summer’s evening.
Where to stay: Available for short stays or the whole week, there are six two-bedroom luxury lodges overlooking the vineyard, each with a veranda and private BBQ area.
Three Choirs, Gloucestershire
From £205 per night, check availability here
A lovely wine tasting break in the UK. You can taste, trek, eat and sleep at Three Choirs near Newent, one of the longest established English vineyards. Most visitors book ahead for a guided tour with tastings.
What to eat: Take a seat among lots of local regulars to tuck into tapas-style dishes including lamb meatballs in spicy tomato sauce, patatas bravas and griddled halloumi with toasted pistachios, honey and yuzu oil.
What to drink: Blanc de Noirs 2016, a rich English sparkling wine.
Where to stay: Eight bedrooms in a red-brick block, from £205, have pretty views over the vines, but the nicest accommodation is in the glass-walled, timber-framed lodges with verandas, from £235.
Llanerch Vineyard, Wales
From £90 per night, check availability here
A farmhouse hotel, restaurant, cookery school and vineyard in South Wales. Guided tours and tastings show guests how Llanerch’s Cariad wines are made, and how the local terroir affects the taste of each vintage.
What to eat: Celebrating seasonal produce grown, caught or reared in the region, try dishes such as curry spiced mushroom fricassee, roasted Welsh lamb cannon and rib, and pan-roasted stone bass with shellfish bisque in the fine-dining restaurant overlooking the vineyards.
What to drink: Try the sweet Cariad sparkling brut.
Where to stay: Hotel rooms vary in size, from superior doubles to suites. Standard double bedrooms start from £90.
Lympstone Manor, Exmouth, East Devon
From £395 per night, check availability at booking.com
Overlooking the Exe Estuary, Lympstone Manor is part of chef Michael Caines’s growing South West empire of restaurants and hotels. The vineyard, with its 17,500 vines, is open for guided tours every Wednesday from May to September. The tour includes a tasting of English wines and a four-course lunch.
What to eat: With meat and game from local estates, and fish direct from Brixham, try salted Newlyn cod with lemon purée and Lyme Bay crab, or Darts Farm Ruby Red beef fillet with celeriac and smoked bone marrow.
What to drink: You'll have to wait until at least autumn 2023 for the release of the first Lympstone Manor Cuvée. In the meantime, explore the extensive 600-bin list which showcases many English wines.
Where to stay: Set in 28 acres of rolling countryside, the hotel boasts a range of rooms and suites, many with estuary views.
Tinwood Estate, West Sussex
From £225 per night, check availability at booking.com
Want to do a wine tasting in Sussex? Back in 1985, Dutchman Tukker bought 200 acres of land here to grow iceburg lettuce. 10 years ago, Tukker’s son, Art, took on the land for his own project – growing vines for English wines. Art and his wife Jody have worked, manicured and nourished the land and now 100,000 champagne variety vines flourish in their 65 acres of chalky, flint-topped soil. Book a vineyard tour with the optional extras of a cheese platter for two or a canapé selection.
What to eat: A classic afternoon tea with plenty of Tinwood fizz – think fresh baked scones, Cornish clotted cream, sarnies and sweet treats.
What to drink: Tinwood's appley, refreshing Blanc de Blancs.
Where to stay: Double lodges at the Tinwood Estate start from £225 per night for a double room.
Read our full review of the Tinwood Estate Lodges and wine tasting in Sussex here
Chapel Down, Kent
From £50 per person, check availability at Virgin Experience Days , Red Letter Days
One of the best-known English vineyards, Chapel Down recently expanded its site to a huge 325 acres of prime Kentish wine country. It’s open all year to visitors, and offers packages and gift experiences with tutored tastings. Alternatively, just go and have a look and pick up a treat from the terrific wine and fine food shop.
What to eat: Prawn tartare with chive crisp, then Romney Marsh lamb chop with confit potato, artichoke purée and lamb stock jus.
What to drink: Chapel Down's first-ever pinot noir rosé, full of red fruits.
Where to stay: Sissinghurst Farmhouse, home to Chapel Down’s CEO, is also a charming B&B with brass beds and rural views, from £160.
Check availability at virginexperiencedays.co.uk , Red Letter Days
Oxney Organic, East Sussex
From £100 per night, check availability at oxneyestate.com
An organic vineyard with holiday cottages in East Sussex. The estate produces organic sparkling and still wines using pinot noir, pinot meunier and seyval blanc and chardonnay grape varieties. Winery and tasting tours take place every Saturday 11am and 2pm. Wander through the vines, learn about the estate’s approach to winemaking and end with a tasting.
What to eat: Tuck into a post-tour picnic of local cheeses, charcuterie, bread and, of course, wine.
What to drink: Try the toasty 2018 Oxney Classic.
Where to stay: A farmhouse cottage sleeps 10, three barns sleep 14 between them, while cosy wooden shepherd’s huts complete with a double bed and fire-pit start from £100 per night.
Check availability at oxneyestate.com
Wyken Vineyards, Suffolk
Wyken has been established as a vineyard since 1988, and is energetically tended by Mississippi-born Lady Carlisle, who, as a girl, trained at Chez Panisse and loves the ‘raciness of English wine’.
What to eat: The menu at the estate’s Leaping Hare restaurant/café/shop, housed in a 14th-century barn, might include the likes of mussels in Wyken Good Dog Ale, or Suffolk venison fillet with roast quince.
What to drink: Wyken Moonshine, a sparkling wine made with pinot noir and auxerrois grapes.
Where to stay: Camomile Cottage, an arty Suffolk longhouse where you’ll breakfast in the garden room on full English or eggs benedict with home-baked bread. Doubles from £89. camomilecottage.co.uk
Check availability at wykenvineyards.co.uk
Highbrook Cottage, Powys
On what was originally a mid-Wales sheep farm, owners James and Susan are gradually transforming fields into vineyards and producing four wines with as intervention-free an approach as possible.
What to eat: Foodie mecca Ludlow is a short drive away, or try The Harp Inn in the next village of Old Radnor.
What to drink: Choose from Pet Nat (pétillant naturel), a rich-coloured slightly sparkling white; Col Rondo, a fruity red best served lightly chilled; Still Red, lightly oaked with cherries and spice (all £25); or Bubbly Bubbly made in the traditional champagne method (£35). All are unfiltered, fermented with indigenous wild yeast, and vegan.
Where to stay: On-site Highbrook Cottage, a 16th century former worker's cottage, was renovated by the couple into a bucolic idyll, from £100 per night (three-night minimum stay).
Check availability at kiphideaways.com
Ryedale Vineyards, North Yorkshire
There’s no visitor centre, shop or café at one of England’s most northerly commercial vineyards, rather a tiny winery set in a listed cowshed. Here Stuart Smith conducts tastings, once his wife Elizabeth has guided guests around the entirely unmechanised site. Tours and tastings take place between April and October.
What to eat: Head to nearby foodie hub Malton, home to a famous food market, and restaurants, cafes and pubs galore.
What to drink: One of Ryedale’s award-winners, such as a bottle of Yorkshire’s Lass, a delicate dry white.
Where to stay: In one of two cosily outfitted rooms in Ryedale's farmhouse, from £130 a night.
Check availability at ryedalevineyards.co.uk
Check out the best places to eat in Ryedale while you're there...
Words by Mark Taylor, Sophie Dening, Ellie Edwards, Emma Hartfield and Alex Crossley
Photo credits: Paul Winch-Furness, Ian Forsyth, Helen Dixon
First published August 2015, updated March 2024
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The best vineyards in England and Wales
By Sarah James and Amber Dalton
For anyone heading to Napa, Bordeaux or Tuscany, a stop at a winery, tasting room or cellar door is de rigueur. And now England is catching on. With visits to Britain’s 178 wineries jumping by 57 per cent in 2020, it’s clear tourists are thirsty for a dose of knowledge – if not a full immersive experience – along with their sample glass or flight. While many places already offer tours, tastings and picnics, the stage is set for oenotourism to really take off.
Often small and independent, no two vineyards are alike, but all offer an interesting foodie angle on the British countryside. Some are polished and commercial ( Hush Heath Estate in Kent ), others charmingly eccentric or set on lovely old farms ( Giffords Hall in Suffolk ); a few are even cool, such as Castlewood in Devon. Overnight stays are increasingly common too with Airbnb now offering the ability to search for vineyards , and wineries rethinking the typical cottage options with lake houses ( Oastbrook Estate Vineyard in Sussex) and eco cabins ( Valley Farms Vineyard in Suffolk). Ridgeview in East Sussex opened an all-weather suite in 2022, where you can sip its Fitzrovia Rosé, the sparkling wine the Queen served to Obama during a state banquet. And at Hambledon Vineyard near Winchester, the owners have recruited a head chef from Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons to oversee a new restaurant, with interiors by Fabled Studio, the team behind Soho’s Noble Rot.
For more, see our pick of the best vineyards around the world that you can stay at .
Oastbrook Estate Vineyard, Sussex
A vineyard worthy of a weekend
A tour of Oastbrook is full of personality thanks to vivacious Brazilian native America Brewer, who along with her husband Nick, daughter Gabby and golden retriever Laura, make up the small but mighty team behind this Sussex winery. The estate was originally owned by the Guinness family, who used the estate for farming hops – hence the old Oast House. Though it's less than two hours outside of London, Oastbrook is a winery worth lingering a little longer thanks to the unique accommodation options, the pool, the outdoor bar shack and of course, the wine. It's a great family getaway too with children's vineyard tours, run by Gabby, available for ages eight to sixteen.
Stay the night: Take your pick from the newly appointed Scandinavian-style Avalon House or the incredibly unique Hobbit House . Glamping options are also on offer in the summer.
Bottle to take home: The English Sparkling Cuveé 2014 (guests can buy six bottles at a discount).
Address: Oastbrook Estate Vineyard, Junction Road, Bodiam, Robertsbridge TN32 5XA Website: oastbrook.com
Rathfinny Wine Estate, Sussex
Sparkling sustainability in East Sussex
Year-round tours run at Rathfinny, during which guests learn how Mark and Sarah Driver's RIBA-nominated winery produces its sparkling bottles using a traditional method – a type of winemaking conventionally used in France for Champagne that basically means the wine is fermented in the bottle. There's also a restaurant with views of the South Downs and a produce-led menu of smoked goose with Yorkshire rhubarb, cod with braised, wild-garlic-stuffed onion, or wood-roasted beetroot with crispy cavolo and goat’s cheese. In the summer, events see wine meeting art, astronomy and meditation (not all at once).
Stay the night: At the 10 bedroom Flint Barns , a stylishly restored B&B located above the restaurant.
Bottle to take home: The Blanc de Noirs 2015 (each guest is allowed to buy one bottle of each sparkling wine, and cuvées in cases).
Address: Rathfinny Wine Estate, Alfriston, East Sussex BN26 5TU Website: rathfinnyestate.com
Castlewood Vineyard, Devon
Fizz and festivals in the Axe Valley
In 2006, Rob Corbett started planting the vines at Castlewood by hand. Now, private tours with tastings (and cheese) take place in the cellar door at this Devon vineyard. The bottles are made in old stone farm buildings at a nearby winery, and the steep slopes have amazing views of the Axe Valley and out towards the English Channel. There’s an annual festival in June to celebrate the release of the latest vintage, with a sharing-style seafood supper from West Country local Sally’s Fish Camp – stacked with crab, shrimp, Dorset smoked salmon, pate and locally made sourdough – plus live music.
Stay the night: In one of the Grade II-listed cottages, Wonover or The Newhouse , each sleeping six and surrounded by pretty gardens and countryside.
Case to take home: A mixed case of NV Brut and NV Rosé . Or splash out on the current vintage sparkling wine, if still available.
Address: Castlewood Vineyard, Castlewood Farm, Musbury, Axminster, Devon EX13 8SS Website: castlewoodvineyard.co.uk
Ashling Park, Sussex
Fizzy excellence in the shadow of Goodwood
Formerly a hay meadow belonging to Viscount Portal, Winston Churchill’s chief of the air staff in World War II, Ashling Park won a trio of prizes at the 2020 WineGB Awards, for Best Classic Cuvée NV, Best Sparkling Rosé and Best Sparkling Wine in the South East; good going indeed for a vineyard that has been in active operation for less than a decade. All its wines have a puppyish vim and pep to them, nuanced with creamy, smooth edges – especially the Cuvée NV. As of June 2021, there are five Scandi-looking wood-and-tin lodges on site with huge outdoor decks and deep claw-foot baths. The main lodge HQ also has a restaurant where the entire menu, including crab and squab pigeon, is typically created with ingredients from within a 15-mile radius; all of which can be eaten on the first-floor terrace overlooking a seemingly endless vista of Chardonnay vines and oak trees. By Rob Crossan
Stay the night: In the two bedroom Veraison lodge , a pet-friendly bolthole with a modern kitchen and gold leaf roll-top bath.
Case to take home: The Ashling Park Cuvée NV has a deft and supple energy to it, and a crunch akin to the finest Granny Smith apple.
Address: Ashling Park, West Ashling, Chichester PO18 9DJ Website: ashlingpark.co.uk
Hambledon Vineyard, Hampshire
England's oldest commercial vineyard
In 1952 Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones planted a range of grape varieties in Hambledon which would go on to become the first commercial range of English wines. Almost half a decade later Ian Kellett took over and, with a focus on English sparkling wine, revived Hambledon to become a 200-acre vineyard and state-of-the-art winery. Naturally, the tour and tasting here recount a lot of this unique history. You can also book in for lunch or dinner at the pop-up restaurant, or opt for the sparkling afternoon tea.
Bottle to take home: Go for the discovery pack which includes a bottle of the Classic Cuvée NV, the Rosé and the Première Cuvée.
Address: Hambledon Vineyard, East Street, Hambledon, Waterlooville PO7 4RY Website: hambledonvineyard.co.uk
Terlingham Vineyard, Kent
Family-run vintners in the Kentish countryside
South Africans Graham and Lorna Wilks made the decision to pivot their Kent winery’s focus to natural wines in 2015. Since then, the team here have worked the four acres of vines by hand, creating wines that are similar to those produced in France’s Champagne region, thanks to the chalky soil. Two-hour tours wind through the vineyard and include a tasting with a cheeseboard. Plus you can get here without needing to drive – Folkestone train station is just a 10-minute taxi away.
Stay the night: check in to one of the Rooms at the Winery , each with their own ensuite, private entrance and outdoor space, with the vineyard only a short walk away.
Case to take home: The mixed sparkling case, which includes the vineyard's limited edition 2013 sparking rosé and 2012 sparkling gold.
Address: Terlingham Manor Farm, Terlingham Lane, Hawkinge, Folkestone CT18 7AE Website: terlinghamvineyard.co.uk
Llanerch Vineyard, Wales
The green, green vines of the Glamorgan Valley
One of the oldest grape-growing estates in Wales , Llanerch has lots to offer alongside its elegant wine brand, Cariad. In 2019 a hotel opened in the middle of the vines; and there’s also an on-site cookery school and restaurant, just 20 minutes' drive from Cardiff. Vineyard tours and tastings can be tailored to guests, and take place from April to October.
Stay the night: At the Llanerch Vineyard Hotel .
Case to take home: Two Cariad Sparkling Brut, two Cariad Sparkling Blush, and one each of the dry white and rosé.
Address: Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales CF72 8GG Website: llanerch.co.uk
Tinwood Estate, West Sussex
Sparkling glasses in England's sunniest county
Second-generation farmer Art Tukker took over his family’s iceberg lettuce farm in the rolling West Sussex countryside in 2007. Soon, he swapped salad growing for winemaking, planting three types of classic sparkling-wine grape varieties in the flinty, well-suited soil. Tours are conducted among the laser-precise rows of vines (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are grown here) and finish at the light-filled, indoor-outdoor barn for a guided tasting session. Staff are full of good humour as they take the group through three wines, including the citrusy Blanc de Blancs and a smooth rosé that has a taste of red berries. This is one of the sunniest parts of the country, so on summer days take a cold bottle onto the heat-soaked deck or stay overnight in one of the three sweet lodges.
Stay the night: There are three ultra-modern raised lodges on the estate that enjoy fantastic views of the vines.
Case to take home: Tinwood mainly supplies local hotels and restaurants rather than shops, so make sure to stock up on its bottles. Our favourite was the Brut, which had a subtle honey aroma.
Address: Tinwood Estate, Tinwood Lane, Chichester PO18 0NE Website: tinwoodestate.com
Giffords Hall Vineyard, Suffolk
Family-owned villagey vines
In easy reach of pretty villages Lavenham and Long Melford, Giffords Hall Vineyard was planted in the 1970s on the sandy clay of an ancient glacial riverbed, where Hebridean sheep now graze – they nibble around the vines, keeping the area tidy. Its new barrel hall and winery (currently an old grain store) will be opening in August 2020. Group tours are scheduled in spring and summer, or you can book privately.
Stay the night: The vineyard has a partnership with National Trust house Ickworth , which has squat red-brick cottages and a restored gamekeeper's lodge if you're looking for somewhere smart to stay nearby.
Case to take home: Try half and half of two English wines, the St Edmundsbury red, and the white Madeleine Angevine.
Address: Giffords Hall Vineyard, Hartest, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP29 4EX Website: giffordshall.co.uk
Gusbourne, Kent
Vintage sparkling wines made in Kent’s warm microclimate
Just an hour outside of London, this winery stretches across a 150-acre estate. Its collection of sparkling wines has won critical acclaim, especially the Blanc de Blancs, a citrusy white with complex notes of lemon, green apple and nectarine and hints of toasted brioche and hazelnut. It's made from 100-per-cent Chardonnay grapes, which are handpicked and pressed in whole bunches, and the juice is left to naturally settle for up to 36 hours before the fermentation process begins. In spring, the surrounding ancient oak forests are thick with wild garlic and bluebells, with vines stretching across the hills. The estate's tasting menu was launched in 2017 and has drawn plenty of Londoners looking for an educational (read: boozy) day trip , when platters of charcuterie, cheese and nibbles are paired with each glass.
Case to take home: The best-selling Blanc de Blancs , or try the 2015 Rosé, made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, for a delicate bottle of fizz with aromas of cherry, wild strawberry and cranberry.
Address: Gusbourne Estate, Kenardington Road, Appledore, Ashford TN26 2BE Website: gusbourne.com
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CNT Editors , CN Traveller
Tillingham, Sussex
Funky natural wines in an old hop barn
Despite being just over an hour from London, Tillingham is slightly under the radar for many. Those who make the journey out discover not only 40,000 vines set over 70 acres of rolling Sussex hills, but also a fresh farmhouse-meets-hotel and a clever restaurant with a stripped-back menu. All the bottles made here are organic and low intervention. Founder and winemaker Ben Walgate dreams of Tillingham becoming self-sufficient, and while the low-intervention processes lean on centuries-old methods, this winery is pushing the boundaries of what a brilliant British vineyard looks like. Stay over in the one-time hop barn, which has 11 rooms.
Stay the night: In the one-time hop barn , which has 11 rooms.
Case to take home: The Mixed Case of Six includes the Traditional Method 2017, which has a bready aroma balanced by a hit of acidity, and the lemony Col’19, which is pale-green in colour.
Address: Tillingham, Dew Farm, Dew Lane, Peasmarsh, East Sussex TN31 6XD Website: tillingham.com
Oxney Organic Estate, Sussex
Organics in an East Sussex oast house
The winery at Oxney is in an old hop house framed by a wildflower meadow. Its organic bottles – which are still rare in the UK – won gold at the prestigious International Wine Challenge awards last year. After a tour, sit beneath a canvas roof for a glass of rosé and one of Oxney's picnics of local cheese, charcuterie and chutney packed in a willow basket.
Stay the night: Take your pick from the tongue-and-groove shepherd's huts , farmhouse or barn beds .
Case to take home: Two bottles of Pinot Noir Rosé ; one bottle of sparkling rosé 2016; two bottles of English sparkling 2016; one bottle of second fermentation cider.
Address: Oxney Organic Estate, Hobbs Lane, Beckley, Rye, East Sussex TN31 6TU Website: oxneyestate.com
Camel Valley, Cornwall
Wine with a view in the south west
Ex-RAF pilot Bob Lindo and his wife Annie planted their first 8,000 vines in 1989. Now, son Sam is head winemaker at Camel Valley, where the sunny fields – Cornwall is often one of the hottest spots in the UK during summer heatwaves – are ideal for viticulture. There are drop-in tours of the vineyard at 2.30pm between April and September, or visitors can book ahead for an outing and wine-tasting session that covers five different bottles – they take place on Wednesdays at 5pm.
Case to take home: Six bottles of sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé Brut , a delicate pale pink that’s floral and refreshing.
Address: Camel Valley, Nanstallon, Bodmin, Cornwall PL30 5LG Website: camelvalley.com
Hush Heath Estate, Kent
Nature walks and first-class fizz
The world-class winery on the Hush Heath Estate, where Balfour wines are made, is set among 400 acres of orchards, ancient oak woodlands and wildflower meadows. The owners not only have one of the most prestigious names in English sparkling wine, but also eight smart pubs and hotels, most of which are within an hour's drive; the closest are the Goudhurst Inn and the Tickled Trout.
Case to take home: Balfour Brut Rosé 2015. It was the first bottle made by Hush Heath Estate and remains its flagship wine.
Address: Hush Heath Estate, Five Oak Lane, Staplehurst, Tonbridge, Kent TN12 0HT Website: hushheath.com
Ryedale Vineyards, Yorkshire
Friends in the north
One of the two winemakers at England 's most northerly commercial vineyard will show you around the winery throughout the week. On the edge of the Howardian Hills, close to food lover's favourite Malton, the estate has a cellar-door shop, and rooms to rent in the 500 year old cruck beamed farmhouse. It’s small and friendly, with tastings taking place in the garden or the farmhouse kitchen.
Stay the night: The smart and stylish ‘Fox’ or ‘Pheasant’ rooms .
Case to take home: Two each of the Strickland Red, the Rosie and the Yorkshire's Lad white.
Address: Ryedale Vineyards, Farfield Farm, Westow, York YO60 7LS Website: ryedalevineyards.co.uk
Astley Vineyard, Worcestershire
Boutique bacchanalia in the Malverns
A visit to family-run Astley means hearing tales from the winemakers themselves. This Worcestershire vineyard is old-school: it focuses on grape varieties grown in England, such as Bacchus and the signature cepage, Kerner. The shop and tasting room, however, are newer, and the sell-out tours walk a small group through the vines on summer afternoons.
Bottle to take home: Go for the 2018 rosé Branwen, which is fruity, aromatic, dry and refreshing – and good with food.
Address: Astley Vineyard, Hampstall Lane, Stourport on Severn, Worcestershire DY13 0RU Website: astleyvineyard.co.uk
Greyfriars Vineyard, Guildford
Still, sparkling and asanas in Surrey
About 70 per cent of English wines are sparkling, but boutique maker Greyfriars produces both still and sparkling bottles. The family-run vineyard is an hour's drive from London , yet the scene below its viewing deck, where tasting events take place, is utterly rural. The cellar-door shop is open year-round, and yoga and Friday wine nights take place in the summer.
Case to take home: The 2014 Sparkling Rrosé Reserve; 2014 Sparkling Classic Cuvée; Blanc de Noirs NV, 2015 Cuvée Royale; 2018 Sauvignon Blanc; 2018 Pinot Gris.
Address: Greyfriars Vineyard, The Hog's Back, Puttenham, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1AG Website: greyfriarsvineyard.co.uk
More British wineries we love
Sharpham Wine has recently moved downriver to a former dairy farm at Stoke Gabriel. After a ‘Vine to Wine’ tour and tasting, book in for lunch at Circa where the menu showcases local Devon produce.
Stay Suites at pristine Lympstone Manor offer views over a southwest-facing vineyard towards the Exe estuary and beyond. Next year promises a sip of Lympstone’s first sparkling wine, but the Pinot Noir is ready to drink alongside Michael Caines’ signature tasting menu.
East Sussex
The tasting room and terrace at Artelium are open at weekends. Here, you can try fizz produced by Dermot Sugrue, formerly of Wiston, hailed as England’s best sparkling winemaker. It’s a short drive to Ridgeview or dining overlooking the chardonnay vines.
West Sussex
With the opening of Chalk restaurant, there’s even more reason to visit Wiston Estate . Hop in a trailer for a vineyard safari followed by a tasting of select vintages.
Stay Choose from 28 rustic bedrooms at The Pig in the South Downs , the first Pig to include a vineyard, which will bring in its first harvest in autumn 2022.
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10 Best Wine Regions in England: 2024 Travel Guide
Thinking of visiting England’s wine regions this year but not sure where to start? Read on to learn what makes each region special, plus some of our favorite vineyard hotels, wine tasting experiences and even archeological sites within each.
Welcome to the flourishing world of English wines, a historic wine destination where tradition meets innovation amidst the picturesque landscapes of the British Isles. As a #Winetraveler, you’re in for a delightful journey through England’s varied and enchanting wine regions. In recent years, the UK wine industry has experienced a remarkable renaissance, transforming the United Kingdom into a noteworthy player in the global wine trade. From sun-kissed vineyards in East Anglia to the rolling hills of southern England, each region reveals an almost mythical range of flavors and experiences, beckoning wine enthusiasts, history buffs and adventurers alike to explore and indulge.
In This Guide
Cornwall and Devon
Thames and chilterns.
- Archeological Sites, Hotels & Winery Trip Ideas Near English Wine Country
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What Makes England’s Wine Regions Special?
The cool, maritime climate of the UK, influenced by the Gulf Stream, provides an ideal environment for a diverse range of grape varieties. Classic Champagne grapes like Chardonna y , Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier thrive in the chalky soils of South East England, mirroring the terroir of the famous Champagne region of France . These conditions have led to the production of exceptional English sparkling wine, crafted using the traditional method, and rivaling their continental counterparts in quality and finesse.
RELATED: A Wine Lover’s Travel Guide to Visiting Champagne France
In the sunniest regions with south-facing slopes, varieties like Seyval Blanc and Pinot Blanc thrive, further contributing to the spectrum of white wines that characterize English viticulture. The influence of climate change and global warming has allowed for experimentation with new grape varieties, including Pinot Gris and Madeleine Angevine , further diversifying the offerings of English vineyards. This climatic shift has also favored the cultivation of red wine varieties, with Pinot Noir currently leading the charge, especially in areas like the North Downs and the counties of Norfolk.
The South West of England, particularly regions like the Camel Valley and the famous white cliffs of Dover, offers a unique blend of maritime climate and diverse soils, resulting in high-quality wines with distinct character. Here, the limestone chalk soils include visible remnants of ancient marine fossils, adding a unique minerality to the wines. Vineyards like Denbies Wine Estate and Hush Heath Estate stand out for their innovation and have further advanced the quality of the modern English wine industry.
Wine Tourism in England
Wine tourism in England has become a significant draw, with vineyard tours and wine tasting sessions providing an immersive experience into the heart of English winemaking. From guided tours in the vineyards of the Surrey Hills to the scenic coastline of Kent, #Winetravelers can get a glimpse into the growing buzz surrounding UK wines. The southeastern corner of England, particularly Sussex and Kent, currently holds the greatest concentration of vineyards, offering a plethora of opportunities for wine lovers to explore and savor the flavors of English wines.
RECOMMENDED: Take a Sussex Vineyard & Winery Bus Tour on an Iconic Vintage London Bus
As you embark on this journey through England’s wine regions, you’ll encounter a world rich in history and tradition, from Roman times to the modern era. The wine trade here is not just about producing bottles of Blanc de Blancs or Rosé wine; it’s about embracing the wine world’s evolving dynamics, influenced by cooler climates, changing average temperatures, and the adventurous spirit of English wine producers.
Join us on a tour through England’s first commercial vineyards, where the marriage of classic techniques and innovative practices has placed the UK firmly on the wine world’s map. From Chapel Down Winery in the southeastern corner to the scenic vineyards of the Surrey Hills, each destination offers a unique story, a different blend, and an invitation to experience the rich range of English wines.
England’s Primary Wine Regions, Vineyard Visits & Beautiful Hotels
England has several official wine regions recognized under the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) schemes, similar to the AOC in France. These designations ensure the quality and geographical authenticity of the wine.
Sussex just recently achieved PDO status for a few of its vineyards in 2016, but has likely been producing wine for over 2,000 years. More recently renowned for its sparkling wines, Sussex’s vineyards are set against the backdrop of the South Downs and the English Channel. The region’s chalky soil, similar to that of Champagne, contributes to the high quality of its sparkling wines.
According to the UK’s Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs wine team, “The cooler climate and longer growing season gives rise to crisp lemon citrus and green apple acidity from the chardonnays, while the pinot’s can have a more earthy mix of red berry and baked apple flavors, producing wines that are clean and fresh, yet have depth and are complex, with a richness in character. The longer on-lees bottle aging produces wines with developed autolytic notes of brioche, fresh toast, melon, baked brioche and honey aromas on the nose and palate.”
Exploring Sussex’s wine country involves meandering through remarkable landscapes, with stops at various vineyards to savor their renowned fizz.
Local Accommodation Near Wineries in Sussex
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the winemaking world of Sussex, there are several excellent accommodation options available, each offering a unique experience. For instance, the Oxney Organic Estate , within the picturesque High Weald AONB, is the UK’s largest single estate organic vineyard. It provides guests with the opportunity to stay in charming cottages, converted barns, or cozy shepherd’s huts amidst scenic vineyards and rolling hills.
Tillingham , another notable estate, offers a blend of traditional and modern accommodations, including B&B rooms in a converted hop barn and luxury bell tents for summer visitors, set among 70 acres of hills and woodlands.
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at Tillingham Estate on Tripadvisor
For those preferring a coastal retreat, The Gallivant in East Sussex , renovated to resemble rustic Californian motels, offers chic rooms with white-washed wood exteriors. It’s an ideal spot for those who appreciate environmentally friendly practices and local sourcing. “Happiness is a place,” as they like to say.
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at The Gallivant on Tripadvisor
Similarly, the Flint Barns in the Cradle Valley of South Downs National Park is a cozy farmhouse hotel, located on the western end of Rathfinny Wine Estate, is perfect for groups of all sizes, offering home-cooked meals close to the rolling hills and vineyards.
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at Flint Barns on Tripadvisor
The Tinwood Estate , located near the cathedral city of Chichester and the beaches of the Witterings, offers lodges with luxurious amenities and beautiful sunset views.
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at Tinwood Estate Lodges on Tripadvisor
For a more opulent experience, the South Lodge, a 5-star estate , features individually designed rooms, a spa and a range of dining options, set on 93 acres of gardens, lakes, and woodlands.
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at the South Lodge on Tripadvisor
Best Wineries in the Sussex Wine Region
In terms of vineyard visitations, the Bolney Wine Estate , one of Sussex’s oldest vineyards, provides a range of tours and events with a café offering local foods and wines. Nutbourne Vineyard , owned by the Gladwin family, features a self-guided vineyard trail and a unique tasting room in a windmill. The Rathfinny Wine Estate is known for its high-quality Sussex sparkling wines and offers guided tours with lunch and tastings. Carr Taylor Vineyard offers an immersive experience with group tours and tastings, highlighting its historic role in the evolution of English wine.
RECOMMENDED: Book a Self-Guided Wine Tasting Tour in Sussex by Bike or Car with Grape Discovery
More Wine Tour Options in Sussex
Often referred to as the “Garden of England,” Kent’s lush, fertile lands produce both sparkling and still wines of high caliber. The region’s vineyards rest among historic estates and orchards, offering a scenic drive through the countryside. The experience here is a blend of wine tasting and exploring the rich history of the area.
If you’re looking to get a true sense of the wine culture in Kent, several vineyards offer more than just tastings. Squerryes , for instance, is a must-visit with its winery, craft brewery, deli, and farm shop, offering a glimpse into the region’s viticulture. Also worth visiting is Balfour Winery on Hush Heath Estate , which is a winery and visitor center offering tutored tastings and a chance to explore the surrounding ancient woodlands .
For the Winetraveler seeking a more comprehensive gastronomic experience, Kent offers a variety of foodie hotels. The Marquis at Alkham near Dover is a standout with its emphasis on local produce and a menu featuring the best of Kentish fare.
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at The Marquis on Tripadvisor
The Milk House in Sissinghurst , a favorite among locals, is another great choice, offering a seasonal menu sourced within a 20-mile radius and a selection of local wines .
Wine Tours in England’s Kent Wine Country
This region’s boutique vineyards are set in the beautiful Surrey Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Surrey offers a range of wines, including noteworthy sparkling varieties. The best way to experience Surrey’s wine scene is by visiting its family-owned vineyards, which provide a more intimate and personalized wine tasting experience.
Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking is about the experience. Wander through the vines and feel the gentle breeze on your face as you learn about the journey from grape to glass. Denbies makes you feel like you’re living in a landscape painting.
Greyfriars Vineyard , on the gentle slopes of the North Downs, epitomizes the elegance of English sparkling wine. Visiting Greyfriars is like stepping into a world where time slows down. The vineyard’s charm lies not just in its wines but in the serene beauty of its surroundings.
Albury Organic Vineyard offers a unique experience in the heart of Surrey. This small, family-run vineyard is a hidden gem where the charm of organic winemaking comes to life. Meeting the people who pour their hearts into the vineyard, hearing their stories, and walking among the vines, you’ll feel a connection to the land that’s as real and authentic as the taste of their wines.
Local Accommodation & Wineries in Surrey
Thinking of staying? Visitors exploring the boutique vineyards in the Surrey Hills AONB will find a variety of unique accommodations to enhance their wine tasting experience. It’s an ideal place to post up for a few days and slowly traverse the countryside.
For a luxurious stay, consider the Beaverbrook in Leatherhead . Set on a sophisticated 470-acre estate, it offers stunning views of the Surrey Hills. The estate comprises three buildings: the House, the Garden House, and the Coach House, each exuding classic country charm with a focus on art. The estate also includes excellent dining options and a spa . You can even go ice skating through the months of November and January.
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at Beaverbrook on Tripadvisor
For those seeking a more intimate setting, The Nest in Ranmore is an ideal choice. This stylish AirBnB garden cottage offers a tranquil getaway with rustic interior design, vaulted ceilings, and a sun trap patio. It features a private outdoor heated swimming pool with breathtaking views of the Surrey Hills and Leith Hill Tower .
Guildford Manor , located near the beauty spot of Newlands Corner, is a boutique spa hotel that offers a luxurious escape. With a variety of rooms, spa facilities, and a restaurant serving traditional and hearty dishes, it’s a perfect spot for relaxation and indulgence .
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at Guildford Manor on Tripadvisor
Barnett Hill, an Alexander Hotels property , stands as a chic and modern retreat. Its 56 boutique rooms, suites, and residences, adorned with trendy designer furnishings, span across the Mansion House, Courtyard, and Gardener’s Cottage, catering to a variety of preferences. Whether it’s a romantic stay in a four-poster suite or a countryside getaway with your dog in the dog-friendly Courtyard rooms, Barnett Hill offers a stylish escape for all. Images courtesy Barnett Hill Hotel.
Barnett Hill Hotel in Guildford offers chic and contemporary design within a traditional red brick building. The hotel features spacious rooms with plush beds and chairs, and its Oak Room Restaurant serves locally sourced ingredients from the Surrey Hills.
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at the Barnett Hill Hotel on Tripadvisor
For those preferring a more traditional and cozy atmosphere, The Plough Inn in the village of Coldharbour serves as a cozy haven in the Surrey Hills. This traditional country pub offers several en-suite rooms with a light and airy feel, complemented by large windows overlooking the local countryside. The pub sources fresh ingredients from its own vegetable garden and local sources for its seasonally produced menu .
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at The Plough Inn on Tripadvisor
Hampshire is also a sparkling wine haven, blending traditional and modern winemaking techniques. The county’s vineyards are spread across rolling hills and historic towns.
Hambledon Vineyard is England’s oldest commercial vineyard. It’s steeped in history and is a pioneer in English winemaking. A visit here is like stepping back in time but with a modern twist. The vineyard offers comprehensive tours. Learn about the influence of climate change on viticulture and the nuances of the traditional method used in their sparkling wine production. It’s an experience that marries the past with the present, culminating in a tasting session where the quality of their wines speaks for itself.
Hattingley Valley is a family-owned winery that epitomizes the modern spirit of the UK wine industry. At Hattingley Valley, innovation meets tradition, with a focus on producing high-quality English sparkling wines. The vineyard tour here is an intimate affair, offering insights into their sustainable practices and the effects of the cooler climates of Hampshire on their wine. Their tasting room is a cozy haven where you can enjoy their exquisite range of wines, including their flagship Blanc de Blancs.
Exton Park Vineyard is set on the rolling hills of the South Downs. With a unique approach to winemaking, including sea-aged wines, this vineyard focuses on expressing the distinct character of their 60-acre single vineyard. Their guided tour is an educational journey through the art of blending different harvests to create wines with depth and complexity.
Local Accommodation & Wineries in Hampshire
Exploring Hampshire’s wine region is complemented by staying in some of the county’s charming accommodations. For a cozy and traditional setting, The East End Arms in Lymington is a great choice. It’s a country pub with rooms, known for its excellent wine list and delicious food options. The atmosphere is warm, especially with a pint of local ale by the wood-burning fire. It also features five elegantly furnished bedrooms, ensuring a comfortable stay .
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at East End Arms on Tripadvisor
Another notable option is The Montagu Arms in Beaulieu , New Forest. This hotel provides a blend of traditional country house charm and excellent service. With its picturesque setting, cozy rooms, and a renowned restaurant that celebrates the local larder, it’s a perfect retreat for food and wine lovers .
For those seeking a luxurious experience, Careys Manor & Spa in Brockenhurst is an ideal destination. Known for its award-winning Thai SenSpa and three restaurants offering a range of cuisines, it’s a place for relaxation and indulgence. The hotel’s setting in the New Forest adds to its charm and provides a serene backdrop for your stay .
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at Careys Manor & Spa on Tripadvisor
Rhinefield House Hotel , hidden away in the heart of the New Forest, offers a grand and romantic setting. Built in 1887, this Gothic-style country house features stunning ornamental gardens, an outdoor pool, and a small health suite. Its luxurious rooms and suites make it a popular choice for special events and weddings .
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at the Rhinefield House Hotel on Tripadvisor
Lastly, for those visiting Hambledon Vineyard, a partnership with Lime Wood offers a luxurious escape. This retreat includes a stay at Lime Wood, indulgent dining at HH&Co, use of the Herb House Spa, and a full English breakfast, providing a comprehensive and upscale experience .
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at Lime Wood on Tripadvisor
Though smaller in wine production, Dorset’s vineyards produce both sparkling and still wines, including aromatic whites. The region’s scenic beauty, with its close proximity to the dramatic Jurassic Coast, makes for a splendid backdrop for wine exploration. Dorset’s wineries are ideal for those looking to discover emerging wine styles in picturesque settings.
Furleigh Estate is situated in the heart of the Dorset countryside and is a true gem, offering a delightful range of both still and sparkling wines. Enjoy a guided tour that touches on the nuances of their winemaking process, showcasing how the unique soil types and microclimate contribute to the distinct flavors of their wines. The estate’s tastings, set in a beautiful barn conversion, provide an intimate setting to sip and savor.
Langham Wine Estate is tucked into the rolling hills of Dorset and is renowned for its traditional method sparkling wines. The vineyard tour here offers insights into the meticulous care and sustainable practices that go into each bottle. Sitting on their terrace, sipping a glass of their exquisite bubbly, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the vine-clad landscape. There’s also a vineyard cafe to enjoy.
Melbury Vale Winery , a family-owned winery located near the historic town of Shaftesbury, offers a more personal touch. At Melbury Vale, you can enjoy a relaxed wine tasting in their cozy cellar door, set against the backdrop of the lush Dorset countryside. The winery is known for its commitment to low-intervention winemaking, producing wines that truly reflect the local terroir.
English Oak Vineyard is set in a picturesque location near Poole. Their guided tours provide an insightful look into the vineyard’s eco-friendly approach, followed by tastings of their elegant sparkling wines. The vineyard’s tranquil setting makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon of wine exploration.
Local Accommodation & Wineries in Dorset
Exploring Dorset’s wine region can be paired with stays in a variety of unique and charming accommodations. For a glamping experience, Loose Reins in Blandford Forum offers a unique stay on an American-style ranch. It features standalone log cabins complete with horse riding, a cozy atmosphere, and a close connection to nature.
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at Loose Reins on Tripadvisor
Another glamping option is Caalm Camp in Shaftesbury , where traditional Mongolian yurts set in tranquil fields provide a peaceful countryside getaway. These yurts are well-furnished and offer a blend of rustic charm and comfort .
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at Caalm Camp on Tripadvisor
If you’re looking for a boutique hotel experience, The Christchurch Harbour Hotel and Spa in Christchurch is an excellent choice. This harborfront hotel is known for its multi-award-winning restaurant, The Jetty, and offers rooms with free gin and sherry.
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at the Christchurch Harbour Hotel on Tripadvisor
The Grosvenor Arms , located in the old market town of Shaftesbury, offers a mix of history and contemporary comfort, making it ideal for English history enthusiasts.
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at the Grosvenor Arms Hotel on Tripadvisor
The Fontmell is another boutique hotel, ideal for wildlife lovers, located close to the Collyer’s Brook Nature Reserve .
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at the Fontmell on Tripadvisor
For those seeking luxury, 10 Castle Street in the village of Cranborne offers a stay in a Grade II-listed Palladian mansion, complete with an impressive art collection. The Ollerod , set in the village of Beaminster, is perfect for art aficionados, featuring works from the local art community. The Bull Hotel in Bridport is a great option for dedicated drinkers, offering a wide choice of drinks from cask ales to crafted cocktails .
Finally, The Seaside Boarding House in Burton Bradstock provides a unique stay on the Jurassic Coast, blending Edwardian style with modern comfort. The Nici in Bournemouth offers a retro and vibrant atmosphere, while The Eastbury in Sherborne is a traditional luxury hotel with contemporary chic rooms. The Pig on the Beach in Studland Bay and Moonfleet Manor in Weymouth are other excellent options, each offering unique experiences and scenic views .
These southwestern regions benefit from unique microclimates, contributing to the distinct character of their wines. The coastal influence is evident in the wines produced here. Exploring these areas often involves scenic drives along the coastline, punctuated with stops at vineyards that offer tastings with stunning sea views.
In the heart of Cornwall, Camel Valley Vineyard is a family-run winery renowned for its award-winning wines. The vineyard takes full advantage of Cornwall’s sunniest regions, producing exceptional still and sparkling wines. Tasting sessions on their sun-drenched terrace overlooking the Camel Valley are a highlight.
Overlooking the River Dart, Sandridge Barton is also celebrated for its range of still and sparkling wines, crafted using both traditional and newer grape varieties to the region. Their vineyard tours offer a fascinating insight into their sustainable practices, followed by tastings of their diverse portfolio.
Located near the famous Eden Project, Knightor Winery offers a delightful experience with its historic buildings and beautiful grounds. Known for their quality still and sparkling wines, including varieties like Madeleine Angevine and Pinot Gris, Knightor offers informative tours and tastings. The winery also hosts regular events and has an on-site restaurant where visitors can enjoy locally-sourced dishes and pairings.
Local Accommodation & Wineries in Cornwall and Devon
In Cornwall, consider staying in Truro, a central location with access to local amenities. The Falmouth Hotel in Cornwall offers stunning sea views and proximity to the beach, ideal for those seeking a coastal experience. In Devon, accommodations like the Tavistock House Hotel on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park offer a blend of rural beauty and town convenience, perfect for exploring both the wine region and the natural landscapes.
The vineyards in Essex County, though less frequented, offer quality and variety. Exploring Essex’s wine country is a journey of discovery, perfect for those seeking off-the-beaten-path wine experiences.
Located near the picturesque town of Colchester, Dedham Vale Vineyard is a hidden gem in the heart of Essex. The vineyard’s serene setting makes it an ideal spot for picnics and leisurely afternoons.
Established in the 1960s, New Hall is one of the oldest vineyards in Essex. This family-run vineyard is renowned for its award-winning wines, particularly its varietals of Pinot Noir and Bacchus. Set in a picturesque location, New Hall is a perfect example of Essex’s combination of heritage and modern wine production.
Also in the heart of Essex, West Street Vineyard is a modern winery known for its eco-friendly approach. Indulge in a wine tasting experience that showcases a variety of wines, including sparkling and aromatic whites. The vineyard also features a delightful restaurant with a menu that pairs perfectly with their wines.
Overlooking the River Crouch, with the motto “come for the wine, stay for the view,” Crouch Ridge Vineyard offers stunning views and many high-quality wines.
Local Accommodation & Wineries in Essex
You can find a range of lodging choices in Essex that cater to different preferences and provide a great base for exploring local vineyards.
For those seeking a luxurious and immersive vineyard experience, Toppesfield Vineyard offers contemporary, eco-friendly accommodation. Their Scandi-style villa overlooks the vineyard and features high-tech amenities, including Alexa-controlled services and high-speed broadband. The villa includes luxury bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a private patio, an outdoor cooking area with a BBQ and pizza oven, and even a 4-person jacuzzi. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to indulge in a high-end, wine-focused stay .
In addition to vineyard-specific accommodations, Essex offers a variety of hotels and B&Bs in picturesque locations such as Colchester, known for its historical significance and proximity to several vineyards. You can choose from family-run inns to more luxurious hotels, depending on your preferences.
Browse the Best Hotels in Essex Near Wineries on Tripadvisor
This region, encompassing the Thames Valley and the Chiltern Hills, offers a variety of wines, including notable sparkling varieties. The experience here is characterized by gentle drives through scenic landscapes and historic towns, with plenty of opportunities to stop and taste the local produce.
Stanlake Park Wine Estate in the Thames Valley is a must-visit. This historic vineyard, housed on an estate dating back to Roman times, offers a wide range of wines, including exquisite English sparkling wines. The picturesque setting amidst the vine-clad estate offers a tranquil backdrop for wine lovers.
Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery in the Chiltern Hills combines traditional methods with innovative techniques to produce an array of wines, ales, and liqueurs. A tour here offers insights into the art of winemaking and brewing, followed by tastings in their cozy cellar door. The experience is both educational and enjoyable.
Harrow & Hope Vineyard and Winery , located near Marlow, is a family-run estate specializing in sparkling wine. Their vineyard tours give an intimate view of their passion and dedication to winemaking, where visitors can explore the vineyards, the winery, and enjoy tastings of their premium sparkling wines. The breathtaking views of the rolling hills add to the charm of the visit.
Brightwell Vineyard , near Wallingford, offers a unique experience in one of the UK’s sunniest regions. Specializing in a variety of white and red wines, their vineyard tours and tastings are a journey through the flavors of the local terroir. The vineyard’s location on the banks of the River Thames makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon of wine exploration.
Local Accommodation in the Thames Valley and the Chiltern Hills
Exploring the Thames Valley and the Chiltern Hills wine region is an experience enhanced by the diverse and charming accommodations available. In the Chiltern Hills, each lodging option offers a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and rural beauty. The Crown Inn in Amersham , a former coaching inn, marries historical charm with modern design. It’s an ideal stay for those who appreciate the blend of the past and the present, with stylish rooms and gourmet dining experiences. Meanwhile, Handywater Cottage in Henley-on-Thames epitomizes the essence of country living with its peaceful setting and homemade breakfasts, showcasing the warmth of British hospitality.
For a more adventurous stay, Shillingridge Glamping in Lower Woodend presents a luxurious glamping experience in the heart of nature. These safari lodges offer a perfect balance between rustic charm and modern amenities, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Chiltern countryside. On the other hand, Danesfield House Hotel And Spa in Danesfield is a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, offering indulgent spa treatments and beautifully landscaped gardens for a peaceful retreat.
In the Thames Valley, the accommodations are equally varied and inviting. The Chequers in Marlow is renowned for its traditional pub atmosphere coupled with boutique rooms, making it a cozy and inviting choice for those looking to unwind after a day of wine exploration. Coworth Park in Windsor offers a luxurious stay with its focus on sustainable British luxury, fine dining, a spa, and stylish accommodations. This modern take on a classic establishment provides a unique and opulent experience in a scenic location.
The Olde Bell in Maidenhead , a traditional coaching inn, provides a blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Its location by the river makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy picturesque riverside settings and want to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the Thames Valley .
As one of the smaller wine-producing regions, Yorkshire’s boutique vineyards offer a unique experience. The region’s cool climate and passionate winemakers result in a range of interesting wines. Visiting Yorkshire’s vineyards often involves a combination of wine tasting and enjoying the county’s rugged natural beauty.
In the heart of Yorkshire, Ryedale Vineyards is the northernmost commercial vineyard in England. This family-run vineyard offers a range of wines that capture the essence of Yorkshire’s terroir. Enjoy guided tours and tastings and sample a selection of their signature whites and rosés. The vineyard’s picturesque setting amidst rolling fields and traditional farm buildings adds to the charm of the visit.
Within the countryside north of York, Yorkshire Heart Vineyard is another hidden gem producing high-quality wines. Tasting sessions here are a delightful experience, where visitors can savor the unique flavors of their handcrafted wines while enjoying views of the serene Yorkshire landscape.
Near Leeds, Leventhorpe Vineyard is a pioneer in Yorkshire winemaking. The vineyard prides itself on producing everything on-site, from growing the grapes to bottling the wine. Visiting Leventhorpe allows wine enthusiasts to explore a range of varietals, including their acclaimed Madeleine Angevine and Seyval Blanc. The tranquil setting of the vineyard, with its well-tended vines and peaceful surroundings, offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Overlooking the picturesque Holme Valley, Holmfirth Vineyard is a full-package experience. The winery has a lovely restaurant with accommodation options, making it an ideal spot for a longer stay to fully immerse yourself in the Yorkshire wine experience.
Local Accommodation in the Yorkshire Wine Region
In the beautiful village of Harome, T he Black Swan stands out as a 14th-century coaching inn, brimming with character. Its blend of Tudor, Elizabethan, and Georgian architecture creates a setting that oozes Yorkshire charm. Set amidst rolling hills and quaint country lanes, the Black Swan is an ideal retreat for those seeking both rural tranquility and indulgence in fine Yorkshire food and luxurious accommodation .
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at The Black Swan on Tripadvisor
Another noteworthy option is The Red Lion in Burnsall . This 16th-century coach inn, located on the banks of the River Wharfe, is perfect for exploring the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The village of Burnsall itself is a gem, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, making The Red Lion an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in Yorkshire’s natural beauty and enjoy traditional local fare .
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at the Red Lion on Tripadvisor
For those seeking an urban touch to their stay, The Principal in York offers an elegant blend of late-Victorian charm and modern design. Located in the heart of York, it provides easy access to the city’s rich history, including the iconic York Minster and other historical landmarks. The Principal is a gateway to luxury and comfort, making it a splendid choice for those looking to explore the urban aspects of Yorkshire alongside its wine regions .
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at The Principal on Tripadvisor
In Scarborough, The Sands provides a coastal retreat. This townhouse hotel, located on North Bay Beach, offers self-catering apartments with stunning views of Scarborough Castle. It’s an ideal choice for those who love to be beside the seaside, offering a mix of beach relaxation and local dining options .
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at The Sands on Tripadvisor
Lastly, Dean Court in York , situated near the majestic York Minster, offers a luxurious stay in a building steeped in history. Its modern decor and stylish furnishings blend perfectly with its historical context, providing a unique experience right in the heart of the city .
Check Prices or Book Your Stay at Dean Court on Tripadvisor
More Things To Do in English Wine Country: Combine Archeological Sites with Hotel Stays & Winery Visits
At Winetraveler, we’re all fans of incorporating a bit of history with our wine ventures. It’s not all about the wine. As such, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite archeological sites within easy driving distance from some of our favorite English wineries and hotels to craft the perfect English wine route.
Stop at the mystical Stonehenge in Wiltshire , known for its awe-inspiring prehistoric stone circles. After exploring this iconic site, a short drive will take you to A’Beckett’s Vineyard , celebrated for its English still and sparkling wines. This vineyard offers a tranquil escape where you can savor the flavors of the local terroir. For your stay, consider The Pembroke Arms , conveniently located just a few miles from both Stonehenge and A’Beckett’s Vineyard. This accommodation blends comfort with history, providing an ideal resting place after a day of exploration and wine tasting.
In the wine-rich regions of Sussex and Kent , you have the opportunity to explore well-preserved Roman villas, such as the Bignor Roman Villa in West Sussex and the Lullingstone Roman Villa in Kent. These historic sites display stunning Roman mosaics and artifacts, offering insights into the luxurious lifestyles of Roman Britain. Nearby, the vineyards of Sussex and Kent, like the Ridgeview Wine Estate in Sussex and Chapel Down in Kent, invite you to indulge in some of England’s finest wines. Stay at accommodations like The Cat Inn in West Sussex , a quaint and cozy inn that offers easy access to both the vineyards and the Roman villas, ensuring a blend of historical exploration and modern viniculture.
For those venturing to Dorset , the ancient Iron Age hill forts such as Maiden Castle present an impressive historical excursion. Post-exploration, you can visit vineyards like Langham Wine Estate , known for its sparkling wines that reflect the unique terroir of Dorset. To complete your experience, stay at the Summer Lodge Country House Hotel , a luxurious retreat in the Dorset countryside, conveniently located to both the vineyard and the archaeological site.
Lastly, in Yorkshire , the city of York is something special for history buffs. From its Roman roots to its Viking past. After wandering through the medieval architecture of York, including the York Minster, take a scenic drive to Yorkshire’s boutique vineyards like Yorkshire Heart Vineyard . For your stay, consider The Grand, York , an opulent hotel that echoes the city’s historical grandeur while placing you within reach of both the city’s heritage sites and the tranquility of the vineyards.
Travel Practicalities
Navigating England’s diverse wine regions can be a delightful and enriching experience. Here are some key travel practicalities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey through England’s picturesque wine landscapes.
Transportation and Routes :
- Car Rental : Renting a car is often the most flexible way to explore the English countryside, especially for reaching remote vineyards. Ensure you’re comfortable with left-hand driving. You can check current rental car rates on Kayak .
- Public Transport : For those preferring not to drive, many wine regions are accessible by train or bus, especially areas like Kent, Sussex, and parts of Surrey. Plan your routes in advance, as public transport can be less frequent in rural areas.
- Guided Tours : Consider booking guided wine tours, especially in regions like the Thames Valley and Chilterns. These tours often include transportation, making it easier to visit multiple sites without the hassle of driving.
Accommodation :
- Advance Booking : Especially during peak seasons (typically May through September), book your accommodations in advance. Many boutique hotels and B&Bs in English wine regions have limited rooms and can fill up quickly.
- Location : As we’ve highlighted many in this guide, choose accommodations that are centrally located to the vineyards and attractions you plan to visit. Staying in a central location can minimize travel time and maximize your wine tasting experience.
Weather and Clothing :
- Seasons : The best time for wine touring in England is late spring through early autumn, when the weather is milder. However, English weather can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to pack layers and a rain jacket.
- Footwear : Vineyard tours often involve walking on uneven terrain. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is a must.
Local Regulations :
- Tasting Etiquette : At wineries, it’s customary to sip and spit if you’re tasting multiple wines or visiting multiple vineyards. This will allow you to savor your days for longer periods and is critical if you’re driving.
- Age Restrictions : The legal drinking age in the UK is 18. Bring identification if you look under 25, as you may be asked to prove your age.
Culinary Experiences :
- Local Cuisine : Don’t miss out on the local gastronomy. Many vineyards and nearby restaurants offer dishes that pair wonderfully with their wines.
- Bookings : For popular restaurants or vineyard dining experiences, make reservations in advance to secure a spot.
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Welcome To Great British Wine Tours
Travel in style on board an iconic vintage bus for a wine tour of Sussex like no other. Journey with us into the scenic Sussex countryside to explore the growing number of English vineyards and their wines. Our hosts will ensure you have a great day out, touring Sussex vineyards and wineries, enjoying tutored tastings of award winning English wines and dining in beautiful locations.
Vintage Bus Wine Tours
Travelling to the vineyards of Sussex on board an iconic vintage London Red Routemaster bus is what makes our UK wine tours particularly memorable. These vintage vehicles are the perfect talking piece and photography backdrop for group or corporate wine tours.
Leave the Driving to Us
Our scheduled vintage bus tours depart from Brighton station meaning you’re free to relax and enjoy the wines without the need for a designated driver. Our tailor-made vineyard tours pick up from a convenient mainline rail station or venue of your choice.
English Vineyard Tours
You can choose our regular vintage bus wine tours from Brighton to vineyards in Sussex, or to book a tailor-made wine tour to vineyards in Sussex, Surrey or Kent. Whatever the occasion you’ll experience seamless travel, personalised guided wine tours and delicious food at some of England’s finest vineyards.
Award-Winning Wines
English wine is booming, and many of the award winning English sparkling wines are produced in Sussex, Kent and Surrey. Whether an admiring beginner or a wine connoisseur, you’ll have the chance to hear from and chat to some of the winegrowers putting English wines on the world map.
Dine in the Vines
Our scheduled vintage bus Sussex wine tours usually include a homemade picnic served from a classic wicker basket that you can enjoy with a glass of wine among the vines. For private and corporate bookings we offer a range of dining options from simple sharing boards to a full tasting menu with paired wines.
Vintage Bus Wine Tour of Sussex
Embark on a unique journey on our iconic Big Red 1960’s Routemaster vintage bus for a vineyard tour in Sussex. Departing from Brighton station on select dates, enjoy seamless transportation together with guided tours and tastings of two renowned English vineyards plus a delightful picnic lunch amidst the vines.
Our tailor-made wine tours are perfect for a team building day or corporate day out in Sussex, Surrey or Kent. Whether you’re looking to treat your team for all they’ve achieved, celebrate a company milestone or take clients out for a day to remember – our corporate wine tours to the high quality vineyards of Sussex and beyond are sure to impress.
Hen Party Wine Tours
A Great British Wine Tour is highly rated as one of the best things to do in Brighton for a hen party and for a group. Celebrate together while discovering the local area and the local wine producers, and enjoying delicious English wines and food. At Great British Wine Tours, we’ll take care of all the driving and arrangements so you can just sit back, relax, enjoy the fine wines and toast the bride-to-be.
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Gift a truly memorable wine tour & tasting experience with one of our Great British Wine Tours Gift Vouchers. Available as an e-voucher or sent in a presentation pack.
Steam & Vine
Join us on a captivating 1950s vintage bus journey from Brighton to the famous Bluebell Steam Railway. Enjoy guided railway history, a scenic locomotive ride, and a visit to Kingscote Estate & Vineyard for lunch, a tour, and wine tasting. A delightful day filled with history, landscapes, and wine awaits.
Cheese & Vine
Join our delightful journey from Brighton aboard a charming 1960s Routemaster vintage bus to e xplore two premier Sussex vineyards and savour a tasting menu of High Weald Dairy cheeses paired with English wines. Witness cheese-making, taste delicious English wines and explore the Sussex countryside – a truly special day out.
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10 English Pink Sparkling Wines to celebrate Valentine’s Day
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Beyond its visual appeal, pink sparkling wine offers a taste experience that's both refined and celebratory. It's the ideal choice for those looking to express their affection this coming Valentine’s Day with a touch of elegance and a splash of romance. English...
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Discover England’s oldest vineyard, a piece of British history that is at the core of one of England’s leading sparkling wine producers. Enjoy a guided tour of our historic vineyards in one of our highly-rated Tours & Tastings , the finest cuisine in our upcoming Restaurant , or our wide-range of Seasonal Events .
Experience the very best of England's most historic vineyard on one of our guided tours, led by our team of friendly in-house wine experts. Wander through our historic vineyards, visit our state-of-the-art winery, and explore Hambledon's underground cellars cut directly into perfect white chalk. Finish the tour by sampling our award-winning range of sparkling wines, which are celebrated around the world for their quality and craftsmanship.
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Our Sparkling Afternoon Teas are set against the breathtaking backdrop of our sprawling vineyards. Each experience includes a guided Vineyard and Winery Tour, followed by a delectable spread of seasonal treats created by our renowned Head Chef, and a glass of our Finest English Sparkling Wine. Indulge in finger sandwiches, delicate pastries, and freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and homemade preserves.
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Located behind our iconic Mill Down House, next to our winery, the beating heart of Hambledon Vineyard, sits a new and improved tasting room turned into a confidential restaurant. Our cellar door is ready to deliver a unique dining experience that celebrates the very best cuisine, paired perfectly with our finest English wines- born from the very vines that you will be dining amongst. The closest fine dining kitchen after yours.
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Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey
Nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Denbies Wine Estate is one of England’s largest single estate vineyards. Visitors can enjoy indoor wine tasting tours, outdoor vineyard train tours and eat at a number of restaurants, including Gallery Restaurant, Vineyard Restaurant & Wine Library, Conservatory Restaurant, and the Hatch On The Lawn Takeaway. The estate is also home to the Denbies Vineyard Hotel, which has 17 en suite rooms. The hotel has been “designed with the vineyard at its heart”, said The Telegraph . One of Britain’s first vineyard hotels, the “setting of this boutique property doesn’t disappoint”. denbies.co.uk
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Greyfriars Vineyard, Surrey
Located in the Surrey Hills, Greyfriars Vineyard has been making wine since 1989. Its " stunning south-facing chalk slopes" said Surrey Live . Greyfriars's tour with wine tasting takes visitors on a guided walk through the beautiful vineyards finishing with a "tutored tasting" of several of its "prize-winning sparkling and still wines". Alernatively, you can opt for a free self-guided tour. greyfriarsvineyard.co.uk
Hambledon Vineyard, Hampshire
Hambledon Vineyard boasts the title of England's oldest commercial vineyard and despite "flying the flag for English fizz" since 1952 "it's still full of new ideas", said Time Out . The small family-run operation's "charm" is showcased in its wine tours and the pop-up restaurant is a "lovely touch". Tours include a "walk around the vineyards and underground cellars", said Good Housekeeping , before sampling "English sparklers", or add on an afternoon tea. hambledonvineyard.co.uk
Oastbrook Estate Vineyard, East Sussex
Set in a rolling valley, Oastbrook Estate's winery is itself an "outstanding architectural feature", said WineTourism.com . Surrounded by vineyards and offering luxury accommodation "this truly is a unique place to visit to try amazing wines". Oastbrook produces a range of award-winning sparkling and still wines that "reflect the exceptional micro-climate of the Rother Valley". As well as luxury glamping and the Scandinavian-style Avalon Waterside Lodge, the estate also has its own "Hobbit house", Vineyard Hollow, within the vineyard, with two bedrooms, a living area, wood-burner and even a hot tub. oastbrook.com
Tinwood Estate, West Sussex
There's plenty of attractions for wine aficionados at the Tinwood Estate. On the edge of the South Downs near Chichester, visitors can book vineyard tours, tastings and afternoon teas. There's a "small-plates restaurant" open during the day, said The Times . One of the big highlights here are the three luxury vineyard lodges "each decorated in beautiful materials, with a terrace for better views of those ripening grapes" as well as a barrel sauna and a hot tub". The estate first started planting in 2007 and "boasts 110 acres of land under vine, where it largely produces Blanc de Blancs, Brut and English Sparkling Rose", said Square Meal . tinwoodestate.com
Oxney Organic Estate, East Sussex
Near Rye in East Sussex, the Oxney Organic Estate makes “delectable chardonnays and fizz”, said The Times . As the name suggests, this 35-acre vineyard is said to be the "largest single-estate" maker of organic English wines, with wine tours every Saturday from April to November. And on a sunny day, you'll be able to take in the beautiful country views on an idyllic picnic lunch after your tour. Best of all, "you can sleep it off" in the estate's converted barn, shepherd's hut or farmhouse cottage. oxneyestate.com
Ashling Park Estate, West Sussex
Ashling Park is a vineyard and winery – and "what wine it is", said Neil Davey on TheWeek.com . But it also offers a gin school, an excellent restaurant and some delightful luxury lodges. The visitor centre and shop is very good and the tour is informative. In 2023 Ashling Park won gold for its eponymous rosé at the Wine GB Awards. It's also a Decanter Gold Medal winner. ashlingpark.co.uk
Ridgeview Wine Estate, East Sussex
Looking out of the tasting room window at Ridgeview Wine Estate, the inspiration for the name is clear. Beyond the vines stretching out across the valley, the landscape rises towards the chalk escarpment of the South Downs, which divides the vineyard from Brighton and the sea. As "one of England's most prestigious producers", said the Daily Mail , Ridgeview offers guided tours, relaxed wine tastings, or all-day dining at The Rows & Vine restaurant. ridgeview.co.uk
Tillingham Winery, East Sussex
Less than a 15-minute drive from the historic town of Rye you'll find Tillingham Winery, "one of the most exciting wine-makers in Britain," said The Times , which is "known for natural, non-intervention wines plus fermentation in earthenware qvevri jars". Book onto one of the vineyard tours in advance and enjoy the "country life" that's incorporated into the surroundings, said Kaye O'Doherty on TheWeek.com . As well as tours and tastings, Tillingham also offers 11 double rooms in a former hop barn and a restaurant with vistas over the Sussex countryside. Chef Brendan Eades, who scooped a Michelin Green Star in 2022, cooks up an exceptional, pescatarian feast with fish caught daily from Rye Harbour. tillingham.com
Rathfinny Wine Estate, East Sussex
Here "each bottling is supposed to reflect the unpredictable nature of the British summer season", said Elite Traveler . "Three miles from where the rolling hills of the South Downs give way to the coast" the 600-acre estate is home to The Flint Barns, which has 10 en-suite bedrooms, and the Tasting Room and Flint Barns Dining Room restaurants. Rathfinny's Cellar Door shop is open daily for drop-in wine tastings and shopping, while the estate also offers seasonal vineyard tours and tastings all year round. rathfinnyestate.com
Chapel Down, Kent
On the chalky North Downs, Chapel Down is perhaps "the most well-known wine producer in the UK", said Time Out . The guided tour is "a lot of fun" and it helps that "the wine is great, too", with Flint Dry a bestseller. Chapel Down has won numerous awards throughout the years and its Classic NV Brut is one of the "most accessible" English sparkling wines – "both from a price point and national availability", said Great British Wine . As well as tours Chapel Down also hosts experiences and visitors can book a table at its restaurant, The Swan Wine Kitchen. chapeldown.com
Biddenden Vineyards, Kent
The county's "oldest family-run vineyard", Biddenden produces "top-notch white, rosé, red and sparkling wines", said Country Living , from 11 grape varieties. All vine work is still carried out by hand. Vineyard tours, self-guided tours, meet-the-winemaker tours and picnics are available to book. Stay a little longer in a romantic cottage with a wood-fired hot tub. biddendenvineyards.com
Langham Wine Estate, Dorset
At this environmentally conscious vineyard in the heart of the West Country, they take a "low-intervention approach to wine making, from grape growing to wine production", said Square Meal . English sparkling is the "brand's main forte" which you can sample on a guided tour and tasting. And if an afternoon of wine tasting really takes it out of you, a sumptuous collection of lunches and afternoon teas are available in the vineyard café. With wines made solely from the classical champagne grape varieties of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier, this is high-quality fare – be sure not to miss the Rosé NV, which is packed full of gorgeous berry flavours. langhamwine.co.uk
Darts Farm's Pebblebed Vineyard, Devon
Visitors can book tours and tastings at Darts Farm's 18-acre Pebblebed Vineyard and traditional winery, in the village of Clyst St George in east Devon. The vineyards and winery are located on their farm and "the team are proud" said Luxury Lifestyle magazine, "to be one of very few single-estate producers" in the country, with the vineyard and winery in one place and wines made from their own grapes. dartsfarm.co.uk
Castlewood Vineyard, Devon
If you're seeking "fizz and festivals" look no further than Castlewood Vineyard in Devon, said Condé Nast Traveller . Its story began in 2006 on a south-facing Devon hillside overlooking the River Axe with owner Rob Corbett planting his vines by hand. Now the vineyard offers private tours and a June festival, held to celebrate the release of the latest vintage. If you stay in one of the Grade-II listed cottages you'll be "surrounded by pretty gardens and countryside". Equally, if you're there for just a day the steep slopes of the vineyard offer "amazing views of the Axe Valley". castlewoodvineyard.co.uk
Camel Valley, Cornwall
Made up of 82 acres of rolling hills bathed in southerly sunshine, Camel Valley is Cornwall's largest vineyard, and was "the first English wine producer to be granted a royal warrant", said Muddy Stilettos . Visitors can join a number of tours and tastings, or sit on a stone-clad terrace, sipping Pinot Noir Rosé Brut as they watch the sun set over vineyards that slope down to the River Camel as it snakes from Bodmin Moor to Padstow. And it's "handy for non-driving access", being on the Camel Trail cycle route. camelvalley.com
Three Choirs Vineyards, Gloucestershire
One of England's oldest vineyards, in 2023 Three Choirs celebrated 50 years since the first vines were planted on the estate in Newent, Gloucestershire. It now boasts 75 acres of vines and currently produces around 250,000 bottles of wine a year. Facilities and experiences include The Brasserie restaurant, Cellar Door shop, plus wine tastings and vineyard tours. A "pretty vineyard" with "fabulous views", there's even accommodation on site, said The Hotel Guru . The lodges and rooms are "smart and spacious" with "hints of luxury". three-choirs-vineyards.co.uk
Woodchester Valley Vineyard, Gloucestershire
This south Cotswolds vineyard is "putting Gloucestershire on the map as a world-class wine destination", said Muddy Stilettos . Set in the Stroud valleys, "family-run boutique winery" Woodchester Valley has been producing world-class white, rosé and sparkling wines since 2016 and visitors can book tours, tastings or enjoy a "sip-and-stay experience with a difference". In 2023 its vintage Pinot Gris "beat Italian rivals", said The Times , to win gold at the Global Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio Masters. woodchestervalleyvineyard.co.uk
Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard, Conwy
There are vineyards "blossoming" all across Wales, said Natasha Lovell-Smith on Great British Food Awards . And one of the most popular is Gwinllan Conwy, which has received multiple national and international awards. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountain Range, the "success" of this vineyard is "underpinned by the microclimate" of north Wales, which "pairs resemblance" to the climate of New Zealand. Thanks to its proximity to the sea, this means the vineyard "experiences mild winters allowing the vines to develop earlier". This beautiful vineyard offers tours and wine tasting experiences throughout the year and at the online shop you can buy Welsh artisan produce or Welsh hampers, as well as wine. gwinllanconwy.co.uk
Llanerch Vineyard, Glamorgan
Tucked into the Welsh countryside, yet only 20 minutes from Cardiff, Llanerch Vineyard offers "a drop of romance", said Kerry Walker in The Daily Telegraph . While the vineyard itself is centred on a "whitewashed farmhouse" from 1851 and pulls off the "delicate act of combining original features", the hotel rooms are "bright and contemporary". Beyond the hotel and wine, is the "perkily turreted Neo-Gothic" Hensol Castle which is only a 15-minute walk away. But where Llanerch really "shines" is its restaurant which overlooks the vineyard and offers "great" food and "bang-on" service. You may "come for a wine tour" but you'll "stay for the imaginative locally sourced food". llanerch.co.uk
Ryedale Vineyards, North Yorkshire
The most northerly vineyard in Britain, Ryedale offers more than wine – it also makes cider from the estate's orchards. Voted one of the best vineyards to visit and tour in England, it offers an "informal, humorous and informative guided tour". For those wanting to stay, Ryedale has two "cosy en suite rooms in the farmhouse", said The Guardian , and the "slap-up breakfast" is the "perfect way to start a day" exploring the surrounding North Yorkshire wolds. ryedalevineyards.co.uk
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Being the UK's sunniest region and blessed with chalk soil similar to that of the Champagne region of France, it's no surprise that South East England is known as the Wine Capital of the UK! Home to over 140+ vineyards across the destination, you won't have to go far to explore one. Discover jaw dropping landscapes, deliciously refreshing English wines, informative tours, tasty lunches, and even the chance to stay the night, and wake up to the view of the vines.
Where are the vineyards in South East England
Vineyards thrive in every county in South East England and their numbers are continuously increasing. The chalk-rich soil, gentle sloping countryside and abundant sunshine make the destination a prime spot for wine production. Sussex , Kent and Hampshire boast the highest concentration. South East vineyards come in all shapes and sizes, some welcome visitors for tastings and tours, whilst others offer accommodation, others focus solely on production, selling through the cellar door or organised outlets. Taste your way around the destination and uncover the top wine producers in UK who craft some of finest award-winning English wines the UK currently has to offer.
Vineyards near me
Take a look and discover some of the best vineyards in the UK. From some of the newest vineyards to the largest in the South East, from Sabrage demonstrations to vineyard picnics, you'll find a whole host of different ways to enjoy a visit this summer.
>Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Horsham, West Sussex A new Sussex vineyard, located inside the Grade I listed ornamental garden. 37 acres of vines where planted in 2017/2018, the first harvest was in 2020, they are due to release their first sparkling wine in 2024.
>Painshill, Cobham, Surrey This Surrey vineyard was re-planted in the1990's on the site of an historic vineyard, it is now producing an annual harvest which is sold exclusively within their shop and online.
>Denbies Wine Estate , Dorking, Surrey Set in the heart of the Surrey countryside, the vineyard runs an extensive event calendar with regular wine tasting experiences, it has its own vineyard hotel in a breath-taking location amongst the vines.
>Bolney Wine Estate, Haywards Heath , West Sussex Located on the edge of the stunning South Downs and offering tasty Sussex Cheese and wine tasting tours and wonderful wine gift sets. It is also home to the stunning Eighteen Acre Café with its viewing balcony overlooking the ripening vines.
> Chapel Down Winery , Tenterden, Kent This Kent vineyard is the largest in the South East, they are the official wine supplier to 10 Downing Street and English Cricket. The Swan Wine Kitchen serves exquistie locally and regionally-sourced produce and the brand new elevated terrace provides a fantastic outdoor dining experience amidst the sunshine and beautiful landscape.
Gorgeous Vineyard Hotels
If you want to stay overlooking the vines then head to Denbies Vineyard Hotel in Dorking, Surrey, Stanlake Wine Estate in Twyford, Berkshire, or to Wiston Estate in Pulborough, West Sussex where you can book a stay in the brand new Pump House from July. Mannings Heath Golf and Wine Estate , in Horsham, is the perfect collaboration of wine and golf. There first wine release from its 30 acres will also come next year (2024), currently wine tasting is from its sister vineyard in South Africa.
If you are looking for ultimate wine experience, then try The Vineyard Newbury, its a wine lovers dream. With rooms called Atrium, California, Oakville and Calistoga Suites after iconic wine from around the world, to a cellar that holds 30,000 new and old world wines and a 90+ page wine list to choose from what's not to make you happy! With a gorgeous spa and gourmet restaurant to complete the package, an escape to The Vineyard Hotel, Stockcross is the complete bubble.
Other accommodation options with wonderful wine experiences include the The Grand, Brighton which serves fantastic English wine flights in the Victorian Bar and Lounge, The Five Arrow in Aylesbury, part of the Waddesdon Manor with its historic wine cellars and Rothschild wine tasting experiences. Leonardslee House which is set in the heart of the Grade I listed gardens with access to the vineyard for wine tours, with tastings from their vineyard at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, South Africa. Whilst The Goudhurst Inn is owned and managed by Balfour Winery and is located a short drive from the vineyard.
English Wine Week
For wine connoisseurs a must-visit time is during the English Wine Week, happening from the 15th - 23rd June 2024. The week draws visitors from near and far with its themed events and enticing special offers. Another thrilling time to visit is The harvest season, August to October with certain vineyards offering the offering to participate firsthand.
If you love wine of all types, you can enjoy our latest blog to discover vineyards and some unique places in the South East to try wine.
Wine Tasting near me
Use the Map View button to find a whole host of wine tasting events including the option to enjoy wine tasting at home, wine tasting courses and Sussex vineyards tours. Plus no matter where you are staying in the South East, you can use this tool to find the local vineyard and wineries near to you.
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Number of results: 45
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Wiston Estate Winery
Awarded Winery of the Year 2018, the beautiful family-run Wiston Estate offers Wine Tours by appointment from their vineyard nestled in the heart of the rolling South Downs in West Sussex. Each tour concludes with a guided tasting of their English…
Father’s Day Pizza, Pinot & Pints on the Lawn
Father's Day
Celebrate Father's Day in style at Denbies Wine Estate with our Pizza, Pinot & Pints event! Treat dad to a delicious freshly-made pizza, paired perfectly with our award-winning Pinot Noir or a refreshing pint of local craft beer.
Summer Cocktail Evening
Summer Cocktail Evening FRIDAY 18TH AUGUST 2023 | £25PP
7.30pm – 10.30pm
Celebrate the summer with an elegant Summer Cocktail Evening on the evening of Friday 18th of August.
We welcome you to enjoy this year's uniquely crafted cocktails whilst…
Thames Valley Food and Wine Festival
Shillingford Road, Wallingford
Food and Drink Festival featuring Local Producers from the Thames Valley region. Live music and relaxed seating in a beautiful vineyard setting. Lots to taste with several wine producers. Also featuring 'The Big Welly Wang'; come have a hoot and…
'A Taste of Denbies' Sparkling Vineyard Trail & Gallery Dinner
Enjoy the summer evening commencing with our Outdoor Vineyard Train tour, your evening commences with an Outdoor Vineyard Train tour, offering spectacular views of the vineyard, overlooking Box Hill and Dorking. Sparkling wine will be served during…
Opera & Wine Tasting
Join us for a unique evening of wine tasting perfectly pitched with Opera.
Enjoy a tasting of our award-winning wines in the Wine Sanctuary whilst regaling in classical songs about drinking, harvest and wine, from the likes of Gershwin, Händel,…
A Taste of Chapel Down
An introduction to Chapel Down with a tutored tasting of a selection of our award-winning wines. Your host will give you the background and history of Chapel Down and will then advise you on how to taste wine and lead you through a selection of 5…
Denbies Live Music on the Lawn
Join us for a relaxing afternoon on the lawn with live music from guitarist, singer-songwriter Luke Edney from 13:00 – 16:00.
Build your own pizza, wine tasting and bar will be available between 12noon – 16:00 (cost applies)
The Hatch on the Lawn…
Chapel Down Harvest Wine Dinner
Enjoy an intimate evening of seasonal gastronomy at The Swan with Chapel Down on 6th October. Guided by a Chapel Down Ambassador on the night, explore the art of wine and gastronomy across four bespoke dishes, each inspired by harvest and paired…
WSET Level 1 Award in Wine Stanlake Park
Special Events
The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 Award in Wine (formerly known as the Foundation Certificate) is an ideal starting point for anyone who is considering embarking on a professional career in the drinks industry or those with no…
Last of the Summer Wine
Join us for an indulgent evening of food and wine pairing.
The evening starts with reception drinks and canapés followed by an exquisite four-course dinner with matching wines to delight the eye and excite the palate. Friday 15th September £99.00…
Mannings Heath Estate
With the collaboration of wine and golf, we are aiming to attract visitors for wine visiting, fine food experiences, with a challenging experience for golfers.
Festive Wine & Food Pairing Evening
Introducing our Festive Wine & Food Pairing evening on Friday 8th December, 7pm to 10pm. Join us for an unforgettable evening of Albourne Estate wines perfectly paired with festive nibbles. Taste through 5 of our favourite wines, all expertly…
Ridgeview Wine Estate
Ditchling, Hassocks
Ridgeview was established in 1995 and is renowned as a pioneer in emerging English sparkling wine industry. We offer tours, tastings and corporate hire at our state of the art winery, which overlooks the South Downs National Park.
Balfour Dining Club Music Sessions
Staplehurst
Head to Balfour Dining Club to enjoy an evening of live music and delicious seasonal dining.
These intimate performances from some great musicians will complement your evening of exceptional food, and Balfour wines.
Friday Night Supper Club - Chef Dan Matthews
We are very excited to be welcoming back the hugely talented chef and local resident, Dan Matthews for his incredible barbeque. After experiencing his fantastic cooking at our Feast over Fire event in 2021 he is returning for two dates for this…
Posh VS Plonk!
How much should I spend on wine? Are more expensive wines better? Can you really taste the difference between a cheaper and more expensive bottle?
These are questions we get asked a lot so it's time to find out!
Join us on this fun evening when…
The Vineyard
The Vineyard is a 5 red star 49 bedroomed hotel, with a 3 rosette restaurant and Tasting Room. Located in Stockcross, Berkshire, the hotel boasts a 30,000 bottle wine cellar, one of the largest private artwork collections in the UK and a private…
Seasonal Wine & Dine Evening
Mannings Heath, Horsham, Horsham
Welcome to the season of indulgence at Mannings Heath Golf & Wine Estate.
Taste wholesome, locally sourced dishes paired with award-winning Benguela Cove wines to satisfy your palate and elevate your senses.
£55 Per Person - Includes 5 Wines…
Albourne Estate Vineyard
Set deep in the glorious Sussex countryside overlooking the South Downs, yet just 8 miles from Brighton. Visitors are warmly welcome at our vineyard as well as in our Tasting Room to sample our award-winning wines.
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16 incredible UK vineyards every wine lover should staycation at this year
You won’t believe these vineyard tours are on your doorstep.
If you're looking for a weekend mini break, and you're looking to stay in the uk, there's a host of wonderful vineyard stays available right on your doorstep this summer - and they won't break the bank, either.
We've rounded up the best UK wine tasting experiences with overnight stays you can book now for 2023 and beyond. There are some amazing vineyards across England and Wales to discover – who needs Provence and Tuscany when you have these beauties nearby! British winemaking should not be underestimated; The UK is known for producing delicious sparkling wines, whites and rosés – and the market is steadily growing. And what better way to support UK businesses than by enjoying a glass of vino in the sunshine?
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How we chose the best vineyard wine tours in the uk.
- Location: Obviously, UK only. But we wanted each location to fit with a possible holiday. There are so many beautiful areas in the UK and these options below could fit right into a week-long holiday.
- Affordability: Wine tasting should be for everyone, no matter your budget.
- Gifting options: Below you'll find plenty of gifting options for friends and loved ones, or your other half.
Chapel Down Wine Experience, Kent
One of the UK's best-known winemakers, Chapel Down produces some of the most amazing sparkling and still wines. Take a tour of the vineyards and state-of-the-art winery, before tumbling into bed at Sissinghurst Farmhouse , a charming rustic B&B.
£161 FOR TWO AT VIRGIN EXPERIENCE DAYS
Rathfinny Wine Estate, Sussex
Famed for their Sussex Sparkling wine, this small vineyard is a real gem. Stay at the gorgeous, on-site Flint Barns for a romantic and rustic autumn getaway. Rathfinny Wine Estate is also the perfect location for long hikes in the surrounding countryside (when you're not downing the vino, of course).
Balfour Winery, Kent
Set across 400 acres of stunning Kent countryside, Balfour Winery is best known for their famous Balfour Brut Rosé. Stay at the Goudhurst Inn on the estate, which boasts four boutique suites, locally-sourced food and a dining room.
Holmfirth Vineyard, West Yorkshire
Holmfirth Vineyard is a Yorkshire gem with incredible views of the Holme Valley. The best part about a visit to the seven-acre vineyard has to be its stunning restaurant with panoramic views. BUYAGIFT usually has a fabulous deal available: £67 for a vineyard tour and wine tasting for two people.
£67 FOR TWO AT BUYAGIFT
Llanerch Vineyard, South Wales
We bet you didn't think you could find vineyards like this in Wales! This charming venue in Hensol, South Wales is a farmhouse hotel cookery school and vineyard all rolled into one. Celebrated for their Cariad wines, Llanerch Vineyard is the perfect retreat for any foodies out there.
Sandridge Barton, Devon
Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham wines , is a great option for all the cheese lovers out there. Aside from the winery, there's also a dairy farm on-site so your tour will include trying their internationally-loved cheeses. Boasting breathtaking views of the River Dart, there are plenty of local options to stay nearby.
Bolney Wine Estate, Sussex
The stunning Bolney Wine Estate has a huge range of tours available - you can even go virtually! Virgin Experiences has come up trumps with a £130 Grand Gourmet Tour for two, which includes a two-course seasonal lunch and a tour of the 18-acre grounds, not to mention tasting opportunities galore to try their award-winning red, white, rosé and sparkling wines.
£130 FOR TWO AT VIRGIN EXPERIENCE DAYS
Kingscote Vineyards, East Sussex
One of the most established winery experiences in the UK, this Kingscote Vineyards minibreak is perfect for visitors looking for an action-packed weekend, with walking and fishing available on site. The nearby Gravetye Manor is the perfect escape.
£30 FOR TWO AT BUYAGIFT
Oxney Organic, East Sussex
Oxney is the largest single-estate producer of English organic wine. Their 35 acres of vines account for around 20 per cent of all organic grapes grown in the UK. Stay in the stunning Jacobean house in the vineyard itself or in their cosy shepherd's huts , or in nearby Stone Cum Ebony at The Oxney Barns.
Secret Valley Vineyard Glamping, Somerset
Fancy a bit of glamping? Secret Valley Vineyard is the ultimate destination for wine-lovers looking for a relaxing mini break at the foot of the Quantock Hills in Somerset. Virgin Experiences is doing a cracking deal for a two-night stay for £135. Vineyard tours and tastings are also available.
£160 AT VIRGIN EXPERIENCE DAYS
Three Choirs Vineyards, Gloucestershire
Three Choirs wine is a favourite tipple nation-wide – and their highly informative tour won't disappoint. There's a brasserie on-site for post-tasting refreshment and a great choice of accommodation, from log cabins to idyllic rooms overlooking the vineyards.
Gusbourne Vineyard, Kent
The Nest at Gusbourne Estate is now open to visitors for vineyard tours, luxury picnic experiences and wine tastings. Just a 40-minute train ride from London St Pancras, the vineyard provides a picture perfect day out in the rolling hills of Kent. Gusborne, famed for producing award-winning sparkling wines, is the only three-time winner of the IWSC English Wine Producer of the Year - so you know you're in for a treat.
Carr Taylor, Hastings
Carr Taylor has been producing award-winning English wines since 1971. Their sparkling and still wines are hand-picked, produced and bottled at their family vineyard in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
£52 FOR TWO AT BUYAGIFT
Ridgeview, East Sussex
Situated in the beautiful South Downs, Ridgeview has been producing world-class sparkling wine for 25 years. They were one of the first English vineyards to focus solely on the production of sparkling wines from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grape varieties Tours last 1.5 hours and promise killer views. Treat yourself to a romantic weekend away and stay in this super cute Duck Lodge B&B complete with hot tub .
Stanlake Park Wine Estate
Located near Twyford, Stanlake Park is set across 150 acres of picturesque grounds and approached by a sweeping tree-lined driveway. The tour includes six wines - white, rosé, red and sparkling. There's also a Wine & Cheese Tour if you're feeling a little peckish! Stay on-site in a luxurious four-bedroom villa - how pretty is it ?
£40 FOR TWO AT BUYAGIFT
Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey
We couldn't not mention Denbies Wine Estate , located near Dorking. Great for a day trip out of London, the popular site attracts 300,000 visitors a year and boasts 265 acres under vines. Roll into bed at the Denbies Vineyard Hotel, England's first carbon-neutral vineyard hotel.
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Ryedale Vineyard is the UK's most northerly commercial vineyard, hidden away in an idyllic spot at the foot of the Yorkshire Wolds. The sunny south-facing slopes are key to producing some of England's award-winning wines. Throughout summer Ryedale offers guided tours and tasting sessions which include a selection of wines accompanied by homemade nibbles.
Vineyards & wine tasting. English wine production is turning heads on both sides of the Channel. There are nearly 400 commercial vineyards dotted around England, from Cornwall to Suffolk and Yorkshire. Many are open to the public and offer luxury on-site accommodation in B&Bs, self-catering cottages and barn conversions so you can really make ...
Chapel Down. One of Britain's best-known vineyards, Chapel Down is set amongst 22 glorious acres of Outstanding Natural Beauty and hailed as one of the UK's most exciting drinks companies. Their growers are experts in using traditional methods to make a world-class range of sparkling and still wines, as well as spirits, beers and cider.
10. Private Royal Walk and Champagne Moet Chandon at Harrods. 11. Food & Drink. 2 hours. Immerse yourself in Royal History and British Heritage with the perfect blend of sightseeing and luxury indulgence with …. Free cancellation. Recommended by 100% of travellers. from.
Albourne Estate West Sussex. While the South Downs are ripe with vineyards, Albourne proves popular thanks to its proximity to Brighton. Enjoy walk-in wine tastings and tours of the 12-hectare site and winery established in 2010, which is home to traditional and charmat method sparkling wine, a Bacchus awarded Bronze at the IWSC 2023 and, curiously, an English vermouth.
At Bolney we pride ourselves on knowing a thing or two about wine. We were one of the first UK commercial vineyards and have always been pioneers in the industry, so we wanted to share our passion and knowledge of wine with you. Explore our guides from the Beginners Guide to Food and Wine Pairing to Host Your Own Cheese and Wine Evening and ...
5. Oxney Organic Estate. Rye is to the English wine community what the Napa Valley is to California. Sort of. Oxney Organic Estate is a winery and vineyard near the town that also happens to be ...
Continue your winery experience with lunch or dinner at one of our local Balfour Hospitality pubs where you can expect locally sourced produce, a great atmosphere and beautiful boutique bedrooms. View Our Pubs & Hotels. Balfour Winery offers year-round tours and tasting experiences from self-guided vineyard tours to full estate tours.
Award-winning Vineyard near Norwich producing elegant wines & offering exclusive vineyard tours, wine tasting, and holidays on the vineyard. 01508 333002; 07716 875235; [email protected]; Wholesale; My Account ... Popular wine tasting locations within England generally include Kent, East Sussex, Cambridgeshire, Shropshire, Oxfordshire ...
15. Stanlake Park Wine Estate. 214. Wineries & Vineyards. By V3601YFclairen. ... perfect, and best of all we can come back at any time and sit in the wine shop garden and reminisce on the best day. 2023.
Chet Valley Vineyard offer value-filled English vineyard experiences including Norfolk vineyard tours & the best virtual wine tasting experiences in the UK. 01508 333002 07716 875235
Wine Tours of Kent offer guided and bespoke wine tours of English wineries in the Kent Countryside. The day includes a guided winery or vineyard tour, tutored wine tastings and lunch. Corporate events, private tours and hen parties available. Visiting Chapel Down, Gusbourne, Woodchurch wine, Hush Heath Balfour Estate, Biddenden Vineyard, Wayfarer, Herbert Hall, Yotes Court, Mereworth and many ...
Check back in 2023 to see which vineyards we'll be doing tours and tastings with. ... 2021 2021 Diary of a Tour Season; 15th March, 2021 England's Oldest Commercial Vineyard; Connect with us.
Vineyard Tour & Tasting. £25.00. Shipping calculated at checkout. Book now. Powered by Tock. Discover England's oldest vineyard, a piece of British History that is at the core of one of England's leading sparkling wine producers. Walk through the historical vineyards, visit the state-of-the-art winery and explore Hambledon's underground ...
One of the best vineyard tours in the UK, Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham Wine is a great experience. Sharpham Wine has been established for more than 40 years and is a serious producer of more than a dozen wines. It opened a brand-new visitor centre in summer 2022 at its new home, Sandridge Barton.
Castlewood Vineyard, Devon. Fizz and festivals in the Axe Valley. In 2006, Rob Corbett started planting the vines at Castlewood by hand. Now, private tours with tastings (and cheese) take place in the cellar door at this Devon vineyard. The bottles are made in old stone farm buildings at a nearby winery, and the steep slopes have amazing views of the Axe Valley and out towards the English Channel.
Image courtesy Ryedale. In the heart of Yorkshire, Ryedale Vineyards is the northernmost commercial vineyard in England. This family-run vineyard offers a range of wines that capture the essence of Yorkshire's terroir. Enjoy guided tours and tastings and sample a selection of their signature whites and rosés.
English Vineyard Tours. You can choose our regular vintage bus wine tours from Brighton to vineyards in Sussex, or to book a tailor-made wine tour to vineyards in Sussex, Surrey or Kent. Whatever the occasion you'll experience seamless travel, personalised guided wine tours and delicious food at some of England's finest vineyards.
Experience the very best of England's most historic vineyard on one of our guided tours, led by our team of friendly in-house wine experts. Wander through our historic vineyards, visit our state-of-the-art winery, and explore Hambledon's underground cellars cut directly into perfect white chalk. Finish the tour by sampling our award-winning ...
Vineyard tours, self-guided tours, meet-the-winemaker tours and picnics are available to book. ... One of England's oldest vineyards, in 2023 Three Choirs celebrated 50 years since the first vines ...
Discover jaw dropping landscapes, deliciously refreshing English wines, informative tours, tasty lunches, and even the chance to stay the night, and wake up to the view of the vines. Where are the vineyards in South East England. Vineyards thrive in every county in South East England and their numbers are continuously increasing.
Vineyard stays and wine tasting with overnight accommodation for a UK staycation in England and Wales for summer and autumn 2023 - top wineries available to book now for the ultimate wine tours
Gusbourne, Kenardington Road, Appledore, Ashford, Kent, TN26 2BE. Simpsons Wine Estate, Canterbury. Elham Valley in the North Downs is home to Simpsons' two vineyards, the Roman Road vineyard and Railway Hill vineyard, both planted with chardonnay, pinot meunier and pinot noir grapes. Between the two is the winery.