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.
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.
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.
>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.
>Painshill, Cobham, Surrey
This Surrey vineyard was re-planted in the1990'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.
If you want to stay overlooking the vines then head to Denbies Vineyard Hotel in Dorking, Surrey, Stanlake Wine Estate in Twyford, Berkshire, or to Wiston Estate in Pulborough, West Sussex where you can book a stay in the brand new Pump House from July. Mannings Heath Golf and 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.
For wine connoisseurs a must-visit time is during the English Wine Week, happening from the 17th - 25th June 2023. The week draws visitors from near and far with its themed events and enticing special offers. Another thrilling time to visit is The harvest season, August to October with certain vineyards offering the offering to participate firsthand.
If you love wine of all types, you can enjoy our latest blog to discover vineyards and some unique places in the South East to try wine.
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.
Number of results: 43
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Vineyard
PULBOROUGH
Awarded Winery of the Year 2018, the beautiful family-run Wiston Estate offers Wine Tours by appointment from their vineyard nestled in the heart of the rolling South Downs in West Sussex. Each tour concludes with a guided tasting of their English…
Other
Dorking
What better location to learn and appreciate the world of wine than Denbies Wine Estate, England's largest vineyard. Denbies One Day Wine Enthusiast Workshop will cover all aspects of wine tasting and appreciation, grapes varieties and wine regions…
Vineyard
Tenterden
Chapel Down is England’s leading wine producer with an award-winning range of sparkling and still wines. Based in Kent, in the heart of the Garden of England, we produce wines of the highest quality and which we believe offer the best expression of…
Tour
Dorking
Enjoy the summer evening commencing with our Outdoor Vineyard Train tour, your evening commences with an Outdoor Vineyard Train tour, offering spectacular views of the vineyard, overlooking Box Hill and Dorking. Sparkling wine will be served during…
Special Events
Reading
It's time for our annual local wine tasting. I spend some of my days wandering from vineyard to vineyard to sniff out the best there is on offer.
Quality wines are made in vineyards stretching from Yorkshire to Cornwall and the Thames Valley…
Special Events
Reading
The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 Award in Wine (formerly known as the Foundation Certificate) is an ideal starting point for anyone who is considering embarking on a professional career in the drinks industry or those with no…
Sightseeing
ASHFORD
UK Electric Bike Tours run scheduled and bespoke electric bike tours in and around Kent. We also hire out electric bikes and help to advise you where to go and what to see.
Vineyard
Ditchling, Hassocks
Ridgeview was established in 1995 and is renowned as a pioneer in emerging English sparkling wine industry. We offer tours, tastings and corporate hire at our state of the art winery, which overlooks the South Downs National Park.
Sightseeing
Brighton
Take to the skies to see Brighton and the South Coast as you have never seen them before!
Food
Dorking
Pair your visit to Denbies with an artisanal experience at Denbies Vineyard restaurant and hotel. Away from the activity of the main winery, the hotel is in the heart of the vineyard with sweeping views across the avenues of vines. The Vineyard…
Music
Staplehurst
Join us at our Balfour Dining Club to enjoy an evening of live music and our delicious seasonal menu for June.
These intimate performances from our favourite musicians will complement your evening of exceptional food, and Balfour wines.
Arrive at…
Food
Albourne
Joining us for the very first time at Friday Night Supper Club are The BBQ Project. Bringing their innovative style of bbq cooking using only fresh and local ingredients served from JOAN, their lovingly restored vintage Citroen van, The BBQ Project…
Father's Day
Dorking
Celebrate Father's Day in style at Denbies Wine Estate with our Pizza, Pinot & Pints event! Treat dad to a delicious freshly-made pizza, paired perfectly with our award-winning Pinot Noir or a refreshing pint of local craft beer.
Walking
Dorking
Enjoy an informal self-guided tour of the 265 acre vineyard. Enjoy the outstanding viewpoint from 'Radius' sculptural seat created by artist James Tunnard, made from locally sourced oak, the undulating curves of this reflect the shapes of the…
Food
Albourne
We are very excited to be welcoming back the hugely talented chef and local resident, Dan Matthews for his incredible barbeque. After experiencing his fantastic cooking at our Feast over Fire event in 2021 he is returning for two dates for this…
Food
Tonbridge
Summer Cocktail Evening
FRIDAY 18TH AUGUST 2023 | £25PP
7.30pm – 10.30pm
Celebrate the summer with an elegant Summer Cocktail Evening on the evening of Friday 18th of August.
We welcome you to enjoy this year's uniquely crafted cocktails whilst…
Music
Dorking
Join us for a relaxing afternoon on the lawn with live music from guitarist, singer-songwriter Luke Edney from 13:00 – 16:00.
Build your own pizza, wine tasting and bar will be available between 12noon – 16:00 (cost applies)
The Hatch on the Lawn…
Concert
Wickham Rock Lane, Winchelsea
Sundays return to kick off your Sunday Sesh in raucous style with a celebration of local seafood, wines and live Sea Shanty music.
Vineyard
Tonbridge
Balfour Winery on the Hush Heath Estate 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…
Vineyard
WALLINGFORD
Brightwell Vineyard was first planted in the late 1980's and acquired by its present owners in 2000. It covers 16 acres and grows 8 varieties of grape including Bacchus, Chardonnay, Huxelrebe, Dornfelder and Pinot Noir.
© Visit South East England 2023. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
