It was only recently that I discovered the joys of English wine culture. While our homegrown grapes have been steadily gaining acclaim for decades, the past five or so years have really seen Blighty’s viticultural scene boom. Even overseas visitors are catching on, and British wine tourism is now rivalling that of France and Spain.
As temperatures are rising, and many parts of the UK boast soil types that emulate the likes of the Champagne region in France, the crops are officially coming good. English sparkling wine is arguably our most well-known export, but trust me - it won’t be long before local still wines have their moment too.
Why English wine tourism is booming
“I first noticed a buzz around English wine during a particularly great harvest in 2018,” I’m told by Mary Bridges, head winemaker at one of the UK’s biggest name producers, Gusbourne. “Now, there are many more styles of wine being created in the UK. Not only is the quality going up each year, the range is expanding too. They’re making wine in Yorkshire! It feels limitless.”
Thanks to our slightly cooler and longer growing season, English wines are known for their zippy freshness, making them particularly satisfying to sip during the warmer months. I should know, I spent last summer touring some of the UK’s most acclaimed wineries to check out their wares.
Which UK vineyards are worth visiting?
England has become one of the most exciting wine tourism destinations in Europe, with award-winning vineyards, boutique wineries and vineyard tours attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond. Whether you're planning a wine-tasting day trip from London, a vineyard weekend break or a longer exploration of English wine country, Kent, Sussex and Hampshire offer some of the country's most celebrated wine experiences.
From guided vineyard tours and winery tastings to vineyard restaurants and luxury countryside stays, the UK wine industry has evolved into a major tourism attraction. Many of the country's leading vineyards are conveniently connected by rail, making it easy to explore England's wine regions without driving. For visitors looking to discover award-winning English sparkling wine and premium still wines, the South East is widely regarded as the heart of UK wine tourism.
Must-visit vineyards in Kent: England's garden
Often referred to as the Garden of England, Kent is home to some of the country's most recognised vineyards and wineries. The county's combination of chalk-rich soils, favourable climate and easy access from London has helped establish it as one of the leading destinations for vineyard tours, wine tasting experiences and winery visits in the UK.
Kent’s soil is chalky and lime-rich, with the addition of greensand and clay which help to produce ripe fruit and full flavours, all surrounded by picturesque rolling countryside. With the likes of Ashford International and Sevenoaks being reachable in under an hour from London by train, it’s a no-brainer day trip option.
Gusbourne Estate
Nearest station: Ashford International
One of the UK’s most prestigious producers, Gusbourne, is perhaps best-known for its sparkling offering - though its still wines are gathering acclaim, too (I’m a fan of the pale pink, delicate rosé). Tours, tastings and picnics are available on the picturesque grounds.
Address: Kenardington Road, Appledore, Ashford TN26 2BE
Phone: 01622 809763
Hours: Open daily 10am-5pm; Sundays until 7pm
Website: https://www.gusbourne.com/
Mereworth Wines
Nearest station: Tonbridge
Just outside Tonbridge, Mereworth Wines offers vineyard tours, winery visits and guided tastings showcasing award-winning English sparkling wine. Visitors can follow the journey from vine to bottle before sampling the finished wines, making it an excellent introduction to Kent's thriving wine scene. Visually, it has one of the more impressive vineyard settings in Kent.
Address: Brewers Hall, Tonbridge Rd, Mereworth, Maidstone ME18 5JD
Phone: 01622 817795
Hours: Open Thursday - Saturday 10am-11pm; Sunday 10am-8pm; Closed Monday- Wednesday
Website: https://mereworth.co.uk/
Must-visit vineyards in Sussex: the home of English sparkling wine
Coming in close second behind Kent for its bountiful vineyard coverage, Sussex is synonymous with England’s now-famous sparkling wine industry. Here, there are a wealth of wineries that are easily accessible via train, offering a variety of different tastings and experiences. Sussex is also home to the Rother Wine Triangle - the UK’s first walkable wine trail offering a 48-hour itinerary across six main vineyards (easily accessible from Rye station).
Read more: Horsham vineyards and wineries
Sugrue South Downs
Nearest station: Haywards Heath
One of the most exciting winemakers in the UK right now is Sugrue South Downs, which has gained a cult following for its multi award-winning sparkling wines (its signature bottle, The Trouble With Dreams, won the first-ever Best In Show medal for a magnum at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards). Plan ahead for your visit here - I loved the detailed tour and tasting, which included a cheese and charcuterie board.
Address: Bee Tree Vineyard, South Road, Wivelsfield Green, Haywards Heath RH17 7QS
Website: https://www.sugruesouthdowns.com/
Oxney Organic Estate
Nearest station: Rye
Known for its stripped-back, sustainable principles, this is more than a winery - it’s a full experience. If you can, make it a staycation (there’s a variety of accommodation on site from converted barns to shepherd’s huts), giving you ample time to enjoy Oxney’s innovative organic wines - and as part of the Rother Wine Triangle, you’re also within easy reach of other brilliant local producers.
Address: Hobbs Lane, Rye TN31 6TU
Phone: 01797 260137
Hours: Open Tuesday-Friday 9am-4pm; Saturday 10am-4pm; Closed Sunday and Monday
Website: https://oxneyestate.com/
Must-visit vineyards in Hampshire
Hampshire is one of the UK’s most historic wine regions, and like Sussex and Kent, benefits from those chalky soils. Here, I recommend a longer stay - there are picturesque vineyards to tour around Portchester, a quaint village between Chichester and Southampton.
Hambledon Wine Estate
Nearest station: Portchester
First planted in 1952, Hambledon is England’s oldest commercial vineyard, so a trip here is fascinating in its own right. As far as settings go, it’s one of the dreamiest of the bunch - with rolling views and a beautiful oak-framed restaurant serving a Michelin-approved menu (though of course, the sunny courtyard is just as inviting).
Address: East Street, Hambledon, Waterlooville PO7 4RY
Phone: 023 9263 2358
Hours: Open daily from 10am; Sundays from 10:30am
Website: https://hambledonvineyard.co.uk/
Exton Park Vineyard
Nearest station: Portchester
Exton Park has a slightly more private, boutique vibe and a design-led feel to the tasting rooms. Tastings are restricted to Fridays and Saturdays, but you’ll feel like a VIP guest on one of the small group tours around the grounds and behind the scenes.
Address: Allens Farm Lane, Exton, Southampton SO32 3NW
Phone: 01489 878788
Hours: Tours and tastings on Fridays and selected Saturdays
Website: https://extonparkvineyard.com/
Plan your UK vineyard getaway
Whether you're discovering boutique wineries in Hampshire, exploring renowned Sussex vineyards or sampling award-winning wines in Kent, there's never been a better time to experience England's wine scene. With vineyard tours, winery tastings, countryside accommodation and excellent rail connections all on offer, these destinations showcase why UK wine tourism continues to grow in popularity among wine lovers and weekend travellers alike.
