The best vineyards in England and Wales

British wine is making waves

14 July 2022

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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

Kimberley Garrod
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
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

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
David Wootton
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
Richard Harris / Alamy Stock Photo
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Devon
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.

Andrew Hasson / Alamy Stock Photo
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.
Ed Dallimore
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.

TopicsEating & Drinking Food England UK Europe

Tinwood Estate, West Sussex

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