Vineyards and Wine Tasting

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.

English Wine Week 

For wine connoisseurs a must-visit time is during the English Wine Week, happening from the 21st - 29th June 2025. The week draws visitors from near and far with its themed events and enticing special offers, with the chance to visit many of the vineyards and experience a tour, wine tasting, lunch or dinner.  Its also a great time to visit a local restaurant, many will be pairing English wine with delicious food to create a night to remember. The harvest season, August to October is also another great time to visit with certain vineyards offering the chance to participate firsthand. 

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.

• Balfour Winery, Tonbridge, Kent
  Situated on the Hush Heath Estate, Balfour Winery is a 400-acre family-owned estate in the heart of the ‘Garden of England’, Kent, with vast ancient woodlands, vineyards, apple orchards and wildflower meadows. With family values at its core, Balfour Winery combines conservation with an unrivalled spirit of hospitality and generosity. 
• Painshill, Cobham, Surrey
  This Surrey vineyard was re-planted in the 1990'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.
• 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.

Gorgeous Vineyard Hotels

If you want to stay overlooking the vines then head to Denbies Vineyard Hotel in Dorking, Surrey or to Wiston Estate in Pulborough, West Sussex, where you can book a stay in the brand new Pump House from July. Leonardslee 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.  

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.