When scouring the wine aisle, we’re automatically programmed to bypass English grapes, and instead, we pick up a bottle of something French or Italian as the default options. Traditionally, English wines have been unfairly overlooked, but the rise of English winemaking over the last decade has meant they are now severely underrated. What could be better than exploring the best of English wine at one of the UK’s many vineyards?

If, like us, you’re partial to a glass of fizz or rosé come the weekend, uncover traditional and modern methods of wine making through tours and tastings. Here are eleven of our favourites…

Nyetimber, West Sussex

Planning a party or a picnic? First stop: Nyetimber. Why? Because they’ve cracked the secret of consistently producing high-quality fizz using exclusively English grapes.

Discover the glorious history of the English wine producer when you visit their vineyard in West Sussex. Book in for one of their open days and enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour tour by one of the Nyetimber team’s brand ambassadors, who will guide you through the vines, as well as stopping off to take a photo or two at the rolling South Downs surrounding you.

Finish your tour by stopping off and purchasing a few bottles of your own, all at a special cellar door price.

I visited Nyetimber recently and it was the best wine tour I’ve ever been on – the staff were so knowledgable and the sparkling wine is some of the best the UK has to offer.

Natasha, Digital Editor

Gay Street, West Chiltington, West Sussex, RH20 2HH
 www.nyetimber.com

Lympstone Manor, Devon

Head on out for a weekend break at Lympstone Manor, home to one of our favourite country house hotels, and enjoy European cuisine thanks to star chef Michael Caines, and take in the sea views and rolling vineyard.

Situated on the edge of the Exe Estuary, Lympstone Manor Estate is the only Michelin-starred hotel-restaurant in the UK with its own vineyard, producing award-winning Devon sparkling and still wines. Guests can enjoy a guided tour of the vines followed by a tasting of the flagship Classic Cuvée, all while taking in the breathtaking views across the estuary to Lyme Bay. For the complete experience, pair their estate-grown Pinot Noir or Chardonnay with a world-class meal in Michael Caines’ renowned restaurant.

Courtlands Lane, Exmouth, Devon EX8 3NZ
www.lympstonemanor.co.uk

Kinsbrook Vineyard

Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, Kinsbrook is a progressive, family-led vineyard that prioritises a sustainable approach to winemaking. Driven to explore the full potential of English wine using only domestic terminology on their labels, this experience-led estate operates its own on-site winery and features a garden-to-table restaurant, deli, and farm shop open daily.

Visitors can expect an immersive experience with weekly tours and tastings alongside a selection of excellent still and sparkling varieties. Proving its status as a rising star in the industry, Kinsbrook’s flagship KIN Sparkling White recently took home a double gold and the prestigious UK Wine of the Year Award at the London Wine Competition.

Kinsbrook is one of the most beautiful vineyards I’ve been to in the UK with some of the cleanest tasting wine. Plus, the restaurant upstairs is probably one of the top five meals of my life so far.

Mallory, Junior Food & Drink Editor

Where: West Chiltington Road, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 2RZ
Website: www.kinsbrookvineyard.com

Rathfinny Estate, East Sussex

Perched on the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs, Rathfinny Estate is a world-class vineyard dedicated to producing some of the finest vintage Sussex Sparkling wines.

Beyond the bottle, guests can explore the stunning landscape through guided tours or stay overnight in the beautifully restored Flint Barns for the ultimate wine-country experience.

Whether you’re greeted with glorious British weather or it’s a dreary day, explore the vineyard on one of their exclusive estate tours and uncover how your favourite tipple is nurtured and created into crisp, fresh white or sparkling wine.

Where: White Way, Polegate, BN26 5TU
www.rathfinnyestate.com

Chapel Down, Kent

Set just outside the market town of Tenterden, Chapel Down Vineyard is known for its smooth blends and botanical-infused gins. Discover more about your favourite glass of white as you’re guided on a tour before trying the award-winning range of sparkling and still wines in one of their tastings. 

If you’re feeling peckish after your journey through the vines, stop off at The Swan (a 2AA Rosette restaurant) for a light lunch and another glass of the tempting bubbles.

 Chapel Down Tenterden Vineyard Park, Small Hythe Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 7NG
 www.chapeldown.com

Roebuck Estates, West Sussex

Nestled in the beautiful Sussex countryside, Roebuck Estates is a standout producer dedicated to crafting exceptional vintage-only sparkling wines that truly capture the essence of each growing season.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the Sparkling Cru experience with guided tours and tastings at their Little Brockhurst vineyard, or enjoy seasonal events and sunset sipping on their summer terrace.

Where: Little Brockhurst Farm, Lurgashall, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 9EP
Website: www.roebuckestates.com

Roebuck Estate is one of the smaller UK vineyards but the tasting setup is beautiful with a marquee nestled among the vines. Make sure you grab a bottle of the 2013 Classic Cuvée – it’s just over £30 but rivals some of the best champagne I’ve ever had.

Natasha, Digital Editor

Langham Wine Estate, Dorset

Escape the city and venture to Langham Wine Estate in Dorset. The vineyard itself is south-facing and set on chalk soils, making it a great spot for producing sparkling varieties, including chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier.

Join the expert team on one of their guided tours around the grounds and learn the ins and outs of traditional sparkling wine production. If you’d rather explore the vine fields yourself, they also offer self-guided tours and tastings.

Crawthorne Farm, Crawthorne, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7NG
www.langhamwine.co.uk

Gusbourne Estate

This boutique winery in Kent is known for its award-winning sparkling wine, meaning it’s the perfect choice for celebration and the summertime. You can stroll on a self-guided tour or with an expert, before rewarding yourself with a well-earned glass of wine back at its wine bar. 

Kenardington Rd, Appledore, Ashford TN26 2BE
www.gusbourne.com

Ridgeview Wine Estate, East Sussex

Ridgeview’s history stretches back to 1995 when Mike and Chris Roberts made their dream of creating a world-renowned English sparkling wine come to life. Fast-forward to the present day, and you can explore its history in its entirety when you take a tour of its Ditchling vineyard in East Sussex.

Slotted alongside the picturesque village of Ditchling, you’ll be guided on a tour by one of their winery experts, and you’ll learn the ins and outs of Ridgeview’s sparkling wines. Or, book in for one of their tastings to try their selection for yourself and learn what pairs well with each blend. 

Fragbarrow Lane, Ditchling Common, Sussex, BN6 8TP
www.ridgeview.co.uk

Hattingley Valley, Hampshire

Family-owned, Hattingley Valley is slotted into the heart of Hampshire and specialises in sparkling wine. Settle in for a vineyard tour before heading back to the winery to uncover the traditional processes used in production. In August and September, the grapes are harvested, so it’s the perfect time to explore and taste some of the yield.

Wield Yard, Lower Wield, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9AJ
www.hattingleyvalley.com

Bluebell Vineyard, East Sussex

Formally a pig farm, Bluebell Estate was transformed into a beautiful vineyard stretching over 100 acres.

Drive out of the city and to Uckfield and book a tour and tasting session where you’ll sample some of their best yields. Or make a day of it and try one of their cheese and wine tastings. The grapes are all harvested, fermented, and packaged on-site, too. 

Glenmore Farm, Slider’s Lane, Furners Green, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3RU
www.bluebellvineyard.org

Giffords Hall Vineyard, Suffolk

Just a couple of hours’ drive out of the big smoke and you’ll find yourself surrounded by flat, sweeping fields and green landscapes. Slotted in the heart of Suffolk, just outside the market town of Bury St Edmunds, Giffords Hall Vineyard is a family-owned vineyard that’s been producing grapes for over 25 years. 

Hartest, Bury St Edmunds, IP29 4EX
 www.giffordshall.co.uk

Tinwood Estate

Family-run Tinwood Estate neighbours the Goodwood Estate, just a stone’s throw from the stunning Chichester coastline. Formerly an iceberg lettuce farm, owners Art and Jody have painstakingly transformed their land into a successful vineyard, with a delicious food offering and comfortable accommodation that ensures visiting here entails far more than just a wine tasting. 

The estate boasts eight luxury lodges positioned amongst the vines for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the experience (& ditch the car), each furnished with pieces designed by Jody and perfectly appointed to appreciate the calming views. Don’t forget to snaffle one of the estate’s four incredible sparkling wines before you depart. 

This is a gorgeous, family-run vineyard. It’s accommodation is to die for – think cute little pods, and private sauna cabins. There are lots of lovely walking routes around the estate and a couple of other pubs nearby too for those who want to make a proper weekend of it.

Robyn, Managing Director

Tinwood Estate, Halnaker, PO18 0NE
www.tinwoodestate.com 

Travel, UK

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