Fancy a day of luxurious vineyard wandering and fine English wine? We've got just the spot! Stroll through rolling greenery, admire grape-laden vines blooming under sunny skies then quench your thirst with an indulgent tasting. Our list of charming English vineyards will make for the perfect escape from everyday life - so go ahead and take that wine tasting trip you’ve been dreaming about.
Chapel Down
Explore the "Garden of England '' that is Kent and delight your taste buds with Chapel Down Winery, a star in Britain's wine making scene! Whether you'd like to take in panoramic views while tasting wines from each parcel as part of an amble tour or sample award-winning sparkling wine and still varieties paired perfectly with cheese - these experiences are sure to be truly unforgettable.
Chapel Down sources most of its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier from plantings across the North Downs, an area that shares similar chalky soils to Champagne in France. These are some of the best vineyards in the UK and a factor in the finesse of this winery’s sparkling wine!
Chapel Down wines grace classic English venues like Ascot Racecourse, the Royal Opera House and the Turner Contemporary as well as events such as the Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race. You’ll be in good company when you enjoy a glass of still or sparkling from this winery during a vineyard tour!
Albury Organic Vineyard
Albury Organic Vineyard is found in the beautiful North Downs in the Surrey Hills close to Guildford. Founded in 2009 by former IT professional Nick Wenman, the winery is the result of a lifelong dream and years of planning.
Today, this vineyard produces some of the finest fizz around! In addition to all your favorites, like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (the classic ingredients for any bubbly that's worth its salts) they also offer a wild ferment blend with unique flavors. Its product range features several sparkling wines including a Blanc de Blancs, a Blanc de Noirs, a bubbly made entirely from Pinot Noir, a wild ferment blend and a classic cuvee. Completing this vineyard’s line is a still Pinot Gris and a rosé.
Albury Organic Vineyard prides itself on its sustainable approach to grape growing, taking a holistic view with biodynamic principles. Letting the ecosystem breathe by replacing chemical fertilisers and pesticides with special “preparations”, they make quality wine that even top domaines of France would be proud of.
A visit to Albury Organic Vineyards includes an overview of the English wine scene, a walk through the vineyard, an explanation of the organic approach and a tasting of award-winning wines in a pleasant tasting gazebo.
London Cru
Who says a wine-filled vacation has to mean miles of countryside? How about combining a city break with a winery tour and wine-tasting sessions? Smack in the middle of London, you can do just that at the famous urban winery, London Cru. Here, city visitors can indulge in tastings from a range of UK vineyards' Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Bacchus wines exclusively from UK vineyards - expertly crafted into stills or sparklings at their onsite winery facility! Plus no need for tedious travel – just explore downtown London instead.
London Cru offers several opportunities to get to know its wines. Top of the list is a fascinating winery tour that finishes off with a wine tasting, a unique day tour for learning about making wine in the facilities and a special annual membership that gives a limited number of subscribers the chance to be involved in the winemaking process three times a year. These are great ways of getting a taste of the winemaking process, tasting some exceptional reds and whites and experiencing the urban winery movement firsthand. Stop by, sip on something special and see how making wine is done right here in town.
Shotley Vineyard
Fancy getting away from it all? Look no further than Shotley Vineyard! This picturesque winery located in Suffolk offers magnificent views of the Orwell and Stour estuaries. It's ideal for everyone - from walkers enjoying a stroll to families, tourists, wine enthusiasts... you name it! With its first vintage released in 2020, visitors can participate in vineyard tours or join one of the regular events for unforgettable experiences with some vino involved. If that wasn't enough already – glamping is also available here so don’t forget your sleeping bag!
Shotley Vineyard’s 16 acres of vines are planted to Bacchus, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Auxerrois, Seyval Blanc and Reichensteiner varieties. These grapes are made into a small but beautiful range of wines including a still Bacchus, Pinot Noir red and rosé and sparkling blend made with the Charmat Method (of Prosecco fame). Children are welcome at the winery. Just keep an eye on them as they play among the magical grape vines.
Bolney Estate
If you're looking for a great way to enjoy the warmer weather, Bolney Estate in Sussex is an absolute must! Just 14 miles away from the coast in the South Downs, it's one of the best English vineyards in Sussex to spend your summer day. From vineyard tours and cheese & wine experiences, all the way through savouring delicious local food on evening tastings. For those who enjoy the long English spring nights, Bolney is running special evening vineyard tours and tastings during May.
Bolney Wine Estate is one of the UK’s flagship wineries, opening its doors in 1972 and expanding its plantings across 18 acres over the decades. It cultivates Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Dornfelder and Rondo grape varieties from which its superb winery team crafts still red, white, rosé and even vegan wines as well as an award-winning sparkling wine range.
Camel Valley
Located in the heart of Cornwall, Camel Valley is a family-run winery that has been producing fine wines since 1989. Camel Valley offers a bunch of experiences to explore the vineyard and its wines - from the Daily Guided Tour, to the Grand Tour & Tasting Experience, there's something for everyone, no matter the budget.
Camel Valley wines are winning awards the world over, and it's easy to understand why. With a range of sparkling wines made using traditional methods such as their still whites, rosé and reds. Plus, some of their award-winning wines have become stars in their own right, such as their award-winning Camel Valley Brut. This is one winery that will make you fall in love with English wines!
Hambledon Vineyard
Finally, last but not least – Hambledon Vineyard in Hampshire - England's oldest commercial vineyard. This family-run vineyard is one of the oldest in England and has been producing award-winning sparkling wines since 1952. It’s a unique place with a great story to tell - it was even visited by Queen Elizabeth II when she celebrated her diamond jubilee!
Hambledon Vineyard produces a selection of still and sparkling wines, so whether you’re looking for something light to sip on or an elegant bottle of fizz to enjoy with friends - this is the place to be. The vineyard also offers dining experiences featuring great food paired with the finest wine, sparkling afternoon tea, winery and vineyard tours, a tasting room with cheese and wine tasting, outdoor movie nights (with wine!), comedy nights and more!
Visit the best English vineyards this year for delicious wine tastings
With all these choices, it’s easy to see why English wines are more popular than ever. England is at its best from May to September so why not check out one of the best vineyard tours in the UK from our suggestions? If you’re a fan of sparkling and still wines, make the most of the best time to visit a vineyard in the UK with a glass of wine in hand!
Looking for some quick English wines without leaving the comfort of your own home? Check out our shop, featuring the best of the best English wine.
