HomeTravelThe best vineyards in the UK you can visit
The best vineyards in the UK you can visit
The UK is home to hundreds of vineyards, producing an array of award-winning sparkling and still wines – and many of these vineyards are open to visitors.
From a casual wander through the vines and cellar door shopping to guided winery tours, tutored tastings, fizz-paired feasts and boozy picnics, there are plenty of experiences to choose from – just be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment!
What could be better than a day in the great outdoors, strolling through a vineyard with a glass of British bubbly? Here’s a handful of the best UK vineyards to choose from, from Yorkshire to the Isles of Scilly.
The UK is home to hundreds of vineyards, producing an array of award-winning sparkling and still wines – and many of these vineyards are open to visitors.
From a casual wander through the vines and cellar door shopping to guided winery tours, tutored tastings, fizz-paired feasts and boozy picnics, there are plenty of experiences to choose from – just be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment!
What could be better than a day in the great outdoors, strolling through a vineyard with a glass of British bubbly? Here’s a handful of the best UK vineyards to choose from, from Yorkshire to the Isles of Scilly.
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Vineyards in Kent
Balfour Winery, Tonbridge
This 400-acre estate (including apple orchards, wildflower meadows and ancient oak woodlands) is renowned for its sparkling wines, including the award-winning. Balfour Brut Rosé. Still and sparkling wines are produced under the Balfour label, plus beer and cider.
What’s on offer? Take a self-guided tour (free), try a self-tutored tasting or opt for a one hour tasting masterclass or full estate tour and tasting . The Balfour Wine and Dine Experience includes a glass of fizz, in-depth tour, tasting and three-course lunch with wine. Visit Balfourwinery.com
Where? Balfour Winery, Five Oak Lane, Staplehurst, Tonbridge TN12 0HT
Chapel Down, Tenterden
Chapel Down supplies 10 Downing Street and was the first English wine brand served at Ascot. Established in 2001, the brand produces still and sparkling wines, plus vodka and gin. The majority of its vines are located across Kent’s North Downs, with its flagship vineyard at Tenterden.
Explore Chapel Down Winery in Kent
What’s on offer? The two-hour tour experience at the Tenterden estate and winery includes a wine tasting and there’s also a walking wine tour. Food lovers can opt for a tour that concludes with afternoon tea, lunch at estate restaurant The Swan or a wine tasting paired with local cheeses. Visit chapeldown.com
Where? Chapel Down Winery, Small Hythe Tenterden, Kent, TN30 7NG
Biddenden Vineyards, Biddenden
Originally an apple orchard, the first vines were planted at this vineyard in 1969 and today it’s run by the second and third generation of the Barnes family. 11 varieties of grape are used to produce red, white, rose and sparkling wines and there’s cider and juice too.
What’s on offer? Guests can take a self-guided tour, purchasing a guide pack and tasting flight from the vineyard shop, or book onto a guided tour (Wednesday-Saturday, May-September) to get the full story, step inside the winery and have a tutored tasting. Private tours available too. Visit biddendenvineyards.com
Gusbourne, Ashford
The Gusbourne Estate is known for its English sparkling wine, making it a prime day out for fizz fans. The estate dates all the way back to 1410, but it wasn’t until 2004 that vines were planted, with the vineyard’s debut vintages released in 2010 to acclaim.
Sip among the vines at Gusbourne, Kent
What’s on offer? Try a guided still, sparkling or limited-edition wine flight – or embark on a full tour of the estate, with extended tasting and three-course lunch. Guests can also book a picnic for two, featuring local cheese and charcuterie, to enjoy among the vines – including a perfectly chilled bottle of Gusbourne Brut Reserve. Visit gusbourne.com
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.
What’s on offer? Brighten up a weekday afternoon wit a tutored wine tasting or visit at the weekend to explore the Roman Road vineyard and inside the winery. On Friday nights during summer, add a glass of sparkling and cheese and charcuterie platter to your tour. Visit simpsonswine.com
Where? Simpsons Wine Estate, The Barns, Church Lane, Barham, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 6PB
Vineyards in Suffolk
Giffords Hall Vineyard, Hartest
This family-owned vineyard says its bottles have a floral quality distinctive to this region, where the sandy/clay soil is particularly suited to creating sparkling and dry, aromatic wines.
What’s on offer? Book onto one of the monthly grand tours with tasting, more frequent tour and tasting events, or book a private tour for a small or large group: all include info on the vineyard’s grapes, the history of English wine and production process, and a still wine and liqueur tasting with canapés. Add a cheeseboard or glass of sparkling for an extra charge. Visit giffordshall.co.uk
Where? Giffords Hall Vineyard, Hartest, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 4EX
Wyken Vineyards, Bury St Edmunds
You’ll find Shetland sheep, beautiful gardens and a shop stocking pottery, clothes and books on this 1,200-acre farm as well as seven acres of vineyard. There’s also a café serving wood-fired pizza and a well-regarded restaurant, Leaping Hare – which you can walk to the vineyard through a meadow and woodland from.
What’s on offer? Two-hour guided tours, including a tasting, are held on selected dates. Visit wykenvineyards.co.uk
Ridgeview Wine Estate, East Sussex
There are rare-gem spots in the UK where you feel you’re holidaying abroad, even when the closest town is Brighton. Ridgeview vineyard is one of those places: on a sunny day, eating in The Rows & Vine restaurant, surrounded by flowers and with views towards the South Downs, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the winelands of South Africa.
What’s on offer? The welcome is warm and the wine first rate (NB the vineyard’s still rosé is only available to buy here). Food takes the form of relaxed sharing plates (no fine dining here), on our visit we enjoyed locally-sourced Beal’s Farm Charcuterie and Boho Gelato. Our tour with guided tastings (1.5 hours; booking essential) was packed with history and joyously geeky facts about wine-making, and the tasting at the end will take your sparkling wine knowledge to the next level. Visit ridgeview.co.uk
Wiston Estate, West Sussex
There’s top-notch drinking in the offing at this 6000-acre vineyard in West Sussex – Wiston’s sparkling wines are ‘right up there,’ says wine and drinks writer Susy Atkins.
What’s on offer? Wine tours are excellent value. You’ll learn about the history of the family-owned estate, gain an understanding of vine cultivation and the vital role played by the soil, move on to see how the grapes are pressed and the wines created, finishing with a tutored tasting – and a chance to buy.
Across the courtyard from the tasting room, fine-dining restaurant Chalk is in a bright, vaulted-ceiling barn, with tables outside in summer. Chef Jordon Powell’s menu, elegant in style, has all the local, sustainable creds and is ever-changing. Highlights when we visited: a palate-teaser of ajo blanco (almond soup) with herb oil; spanking-fresh day-boat fish; crispy potatoes with smoked garlic aioli and great local cheeses.
You can stay on the estate, too, as the converted pump house is available for rent, with the promise of a chilled bottle of Wiston sparkling Brut to greet you on arrival. Visit wistonestate.com
Where? Wiston Estate, North Farm, Pulborough RH20 4BB
The pretty courtyard at restaurant Chalk (Photo: Jo Hunt)
Tinwood Estate, Chichester, West Sussex
Set at the foot of South Downs National Park, the Tinwood Estate is known for its sparkling wines, producing a brut, blanc de blancs and rosé.
What’s on offer? Tinwood’s daily vineyard tour lasts and hour and half and includes three glasses of sparkling wine with lots of lovely to add-ons to choose from, including sharing boards for larger groups. There’s also the option to enjoy a sparkling afternoon tea after your tour (£49pp) and you can stay the night in one of the vineyard’s lodges. Visit tinwoodestate.com
Where? Tinwood Farm, Halnaker, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0NE
Ashling Park Estate, Chichester, West Sussex
Just an hour away from London and by the south coast, West Ashling brings you a new style of vineyard stay, dining tours and tastings. Think Napa Valley but with a twist of the English countryside.
What’s on offer? At West Ashling you can find everything from beautiful lodges for an overnight or weekend stay, an excellent restaurant, gin-making experience, vineyard tours and award-winning wines. Request a wine tour with Albert and be entertained as he takes you on a tour of the vineyard and a tasting of their excellent wines. Visit ashlingpark.co.uk.
Where? West Ashling, Chichester, PO18 9DJ
Rathfinny Wine Estate, Alfriston, East Sussex
This family-owned vineyard was established in 2010 and produces vintage sparkling wine from grapes hand-harvested in the South Downs. It also makes a limited number still Sussex wines under the label Cradle Valley, plus grape-based spirits.
‘Dine in the vines’ at Rathfinny
What’s on offer? Learn about a year in the life of the estate on a tour, concluding with a guided tasting (Friday-Sunday). Other options: take a self-guided tour or book a Dine in the Vines experience, including lobster dinners and a barbecue feast, in a secluded setting overlooking the vineyards. Walk-ins can enjoy antipasti platters al fresco or light bites from the two restaurants on site – or just coffee with a view. Visit rathfinnyestate.com
Where? Rathfinny Wine Estate, Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5TU
Bolney Wine Estate, Haywards Heath
Five unique vineyard sites at the edge of the South Downs contribute to Bolney’s still and sparkling wines, made from six types of grape: pinot noir, rondo, dornfelder, chardonnay, bacchus and pinot gris.
View the vines at Bolney Wine Estate, West Sussex
What’s on offer? The estate offers a variety of tours and wine tasting packages, including food matching and cellar-door tastings. Visit the Eighteen Acre Restaurant or try an al-fresco yoga or pilates class followed by lunch at the Bolney Café and Wine Bar.. Visit bolneywineestate.com
Greyfriars Vineyard, Puttenham, near Guildford
Greyfriars’ original vineyard was planted in 1989; new owners took over in 2011, adding another 40 acres of vines and building a new winery and underground cellar. Today the focus is on sparkling wine that reflects the local landscape of the Surrey North Downs.
What’s on offer? Summer tours include a relaxed walk through the vines, finishing with a tasting on the viewing deck, sited in the middle of a vineyard. Or simply opt for a self-guided tour (free). Collect a map from the Cellar Door shop then head off into the vines. Visit greyfriarsvineyard.co.uk
Where? Greyfriars Vineyard, The Hogs Back, Puttenham, Surrey, GU3 1AG
Denbies, Dorking
This large estate has a farm shop, four eateries, a vineyard hotel and brewery (tours available) in addition to the vines. It produces a wide range of still and sparkling wines.
What’s on offer? Mix and match from variety of experiences at Denbies, including an indoor tour, comprising a screening of a film on a year in the life of the vineyard followed by a tasting, an outdoors tour onboard Denbies ‘train’, with pre-recorded commentary, and a secret vineyard tasting trail that takes you to areas of the vineyard not usually open to the public. Visit denbies.co.uk
Sandridge Barton, Totnes
Within (wine) spitting distance of Agatha Christie’s former holiday home, Greenway House (now a National Trust property), and overlooking the River Dart, Sandridge Barton vineyard is one of the English wine scene’s most exciting innovators. Fans might remember their previous iteration (and location) as Sharpham Wine but their new, 450-acre home is a must visit. It features south-facing vines bordered by wild flowers, a visitor centre for tours and tasting, a shop complemented by local goodies such as Sharpham Dairy Cheese, a burgeoning kitchen garden, and a very good new restaurant, ROAM, and bar. Plus, the chic on-site accommodation is a dream for a family/crowd of friends.
What’s on offer? A guided tasting of three wines, winery tour and cheese sampling; self-guided DIY tasting, where you’ll choose four wines to try at your leisure; and two-hour ‘Vineyard Safari’, visiting the vines and winery and including a tasting of four wines, plus some local cheese and charcuterie. With 18 bottles available to sip and shop, including cider and even elderflower wine, standouts include Don’t Feed the Ponies Billy 2023 (a light red, delicious chilled); Don’t Feed the Ponies Furze 2021 (a refreshing skin-contact orange, great with food); and the Sandridge Barton Blanc de Noirs 2020 (award-winning fizz). Check for activities on site too, from live music and yoga amongst the vines. Visit sandridgebarton.com
Where? Sandridge Barton, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 7UT
Vineyards in Yorkshire
Ryedale Vineyards, near Malton
This family business planted its first vineyard in 2006 and another 2008 at the foot of the North Yorkshire Wolds and produces still and sparkling wines. It has two apple orchards, home to heritage varieties, that produce cider and juice.
What’s on offer? A “informal and informative” tour includes a talk with one of the winemakers, walk through the vines and wine tasting with local cheese. Grab another drink from the bar afterwards and soak up the vineyard atmosphere. Visit ryedalevineyards.co.uk
Where? Farfield Farm, Westow, York, North Yorkshire, YO60 7LS
Yorkshire Heart Vineyard & Brewery, near York
Owners Chris and Gillian Spakouskas planted their first vines in their garden twenty year ago and today look after 22,000, including 17 grape varieties, at their vineyard between York and Harrogate. There’s also a microbrewery, overseen by son Tim, which produces pilsner, ales and stouts using water from the site’s very own bore hole – plus a cider apple orchard.
What’s on offer? Learn about the vineyard’s ‘grape to glass’ ethos with a tour and tasting hosted by the owners, with the option to add a light lunch (+£10pp) or afternoon tea – including a proper cup of Yorkshire tea! Or enjoy an afternoon tea picnic in the vineyard for two, including a bottle of wine or three beers . Visit yorkshireheart.com
Where? Yorkshire Heart Vineyard & Brewery, Pool Lane, Nun Monkton, York, YO26 8EL
Renishaw Hall & Gardens Vineyard, Eckington, near Sheffield
This private country estate’s gardens are a popular attraction, with a museum and café, but it also has a vineyard – which was the most northerly in the world until 1986.
Where? Renishaw Hall, Renishaw, near Sheffield, S21 3WB
Vineyards in Wales
Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, near Cardiff
This hotel, cookery school and restaurant on a vineyard grows the grapes for the white, rosé and sparkling wine it serves, sold under the label Cariad – a term of endearment in Welsh.
What’s on offer? Book the wine tasting experience and learn what it takes to care for grape vines, how the local environment influences wine’s taste and sample three Cariad wines with expert instruction (daily)). Visit llanerch.co.uk
Where? Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8GG
Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard, Conwy
Owners Charlotte and Colin Bennett began their wine venture with 300 vines in 2012 and have now expanded to 3,000 over three acres, including pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. They currently produce six wins, including a sparkling.
What’s on offer? Tours include an outdoor talk on a year in the vineyard by the vineyard manager, followed by tasting of four still wines and introduction to the wine-making process – plus there’s the option to add a cheese or grazing board to snack on, featuring Welsh produce (Thursday-Saturday).
Where? Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard, Y Gwinwydd, Llangwstenin, Conwy, LL31 9JF
White Castle Vineyard, Monmouthshire
At White Castle Vineyard, wine lovers can take a relaxed and friendly tour around the vineyard and accompanying barns. The beautifully restored 16th century grade II* listed Croft Barn is available to be hired for events or weddings, with breath-taking views of the vineyard. Visitors can even adopt a vine of their own.
What’s on offer? The vineyard is open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from 10am-5pm for wine tasting and wine purchases, with guided tours at 11:30am and 3:00pm (book online). Artisan charcuterie, fish platters and meat platters are also available to buy online and enjoy during your visit. Visit whitecastlevineyard.com
Where? The Croft Farm, Llanvetherine, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 8RA
Langham Wine Estate, near Dorchester
Crawthorne Vineyard occupies 30 acres of Langham’s 1,000-hectare agricultural estate and is planted with classic champagne grape varieties, which are transformed into Dorset sparkling in the winery just metres away. There’s a tasting room, shop and café on site.
What’s on offer? Learn about the different stages of producing sparkling wine on a walk through the vineyard and winery and taste three Langham wines; add a picnic lunch and glass of fizz for an additional price. Self-guided tours and tastings also available – or a deluxe tour, including tastings of all wines (£37.50pp). The estate also runs ‘Fizz Friday’ events throughout the summer, pizza and seafood nights with live music. Visit langhamwine.co.uk
Astley Vineyard, near Kidderminster
Established in the Severn Valley in the seventies, today this five-acre vineyard specialises in white wine, producing some sparkling, orange and late harvest wines too. From 2021, the vineyard has committed to following organic principles.
What’s on offer? Book a tour and you can expect a welcome drink and introduction to Astley’s history, a walk and talk on viticulture and grape varieties, explainer on basic winemaking in the winery and sit-down guided tasting of three wines with tasters of local produce. Visit astleyvineyard.co.uk
Three Choirs Vineyards, Newent
Beginning life as a fruit farm before the first vines were planted in the seventies, Three Choirs Vineyards now numbers 75 acres. You can stay the night too: its vineyard view rooms let guests bask in the estate’s beauty, with a handful of luxury lodges in the heart of the vineyard.
What’s on offer? Try a self-guided wine tasting and vineyard walk, paired with a cheeseboard, charcuterie board or lunch. Each includes your choice of five 50ml wines from the vineyard, including sparkling. The vineyard brasserie serves tapas-inspired food designed to complement its wines. Visit three-choirs-vineyards.co.uk
Where? Three Choirs, Baldwins Farm, Newent, Gloucestershire, GL18 1LS
Vineyards in Cornwall
Camel Valley, Bodmin
Bob and Annie Lindo initially reared sheep and cattle on their Cornish farm before planting 8,000 vines in 1989. The sparkling wines they’re known for have won a slew of awards over the years and son Sam has since taken the reins as winemaker from dad Bob.
What’s on offer? A tour of the vines and winery finishes with a wine flight of the vineyard’s four flagship wines (Monday-Friday), with a ‘Grand Tour’ held on Wednesday evenings that takes in a minimum of five wines. Or simply book to experience a glass of wine on the terrace and take in the view (Monday-Friday). Visit camelvalley.com
Where? Camel Valley Ltd, Nanstallon, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 5LG
Trevibban Mill Vineyard & Orchards, near Padstow
You’ll find sheep grazing the vineyards and orchards at Trevibban Mill, which Engin and Liz Mumcuoglu established in 2008, planting vines and over 1,000 apple and other fruit trees. The majority of the land is organic certified and produces an exciting variety of wines, including pink and pét-nat sparkling wines, alongside cider and apple liqueurs.
What’s on offer? Guided tours are usually led by an owner or family member, followed by a tutored wine tasting (Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday), and sharing boards are available to order beforehand. Relax with a glass of wine or cider and enjoy the views from the vineyard balcony, sunspot among the vines or tasting room anytime Tuesday-Saturday. The calendar also includes tutored cider tastings and wine tastings. Visit trevibbanmill.com
Where? Trevibban Mill Vineyard & Orchards, Dark Lane, near Padstow, PL27 7SE
St Martins Vineyard & Winery, St Martins
Holly Robbins and James Faulconbridge took over this beautiful vineyard from Val and Graham Thomas in 2020, who planted their first vines on land Val’s father had once worked. James is an ecologist, and the pair are passionate about sustainable agriculture and the environment. The wildflower-filled vineyard sits above the dunes at Par Beach.
What’s on offer? Visit to enjoy a flight of St Martins’ wines outdoors (with tasting notes to guide you) or follow the signposted vine trail with a guidebook and learn about viticulture on a self-led tour. Open days change and are announced for the week ahead; visit stmartinsvineyard.co.uk
Where? St Martin’s Vineyard and Winery, Higher Town, St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, TR25 0QL
