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 15th - 23rd June 2024. 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: 45
, 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…
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.
Festival
Dorking
Join us for an informal afternoon of tastings from local producers, in and around the Denbies Estate.
Including:
Wine from the Surrey Hills Vineyards
The Gin Kitchen
Dorking Brewery
Chimney Fire Coffee
Food
Mannings Heath, Horsham, Horsham
Welcome to the season of indulgence at Mannings Heath Golf & Wine Estate.
Taste wholesome, locally sourced dishes paired with award-winning Benguela Cove wines to satisfy your palate and elevate your senses.
£55 Per Person - Includes 5 Wines…
Vineyard
Henley-on-Thames
Oaken Grove Vineyard is a family-run boutique vineyard which produces award winning English white and rose still and sparkling wines. The vineyard was established in 1986 and has seven acres of Pinot Noir, Bacchus and Madeleine Angevine vines. In…
Countryside, Parks & Gardens
Horsham
One of the finest gardens in Britain, Leonardslee will reopen to the public in March 2018. The Grade 2 listed Italianate style ropery will house dining facilities and become a local attraction for wedding groups and events.
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…
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…
Vineyard
Dorking
Established in 1986, Denbies Wine Estate is England’s largest single estate vineyard with 265 acres of vines.
Special Events
Reading
How much should I spend on wine? Are more expensive wines better? Can you really taste the difference between a cheaper and more expensive bottle?
These are questions we get asked a lot so it's time to find out!
Join us on this fun evening when…
Food
Tenterden
Enjoy an intimate evening of seasonal gastronomy at The Swan with Chapel Down on 6th October. Guided by a Chapel Down Ambassador on the night, explore the art of wine and gastronomy across four bespoke dishes, each inspired by harvest and paired…
Speciality Shop
READING
Chat about and enjoy at your local Laithwaites store. Fabulous styles that give you a real taste of what our customers are enjoying most right now
Special Events
Marlow
Join us for an indulgent evening of food and wine pairing.
The evening starts with reception drinks and canapés followed by an exquisite four-course dinner with matching wines to delight the eye and excite the palate.
Friday 15th September
£99.00…
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.
Festival
Shillingford Road, Wallingford
Food and Drink Festival featuring Local Producers from the Thames Valley region. Live music and relaxed seating in a beautiful vineyard setting. Lots to taste with several wine producers. Also featuring 'The Big Welly Wang'; come have a hoot and…
Vineyard
Twyford
English wine made by passionate professionals. A luxury for everyday life.
Since 1979, Stanlake Park Wine Estate in Berkshire combines passion and expertise to produce a wide range of English wines that suits everyone’s needs, including white,…
Food
Fragbarrow Lane, Ditchling Common
Live life in full flavour at The Rows & Vine, converted into a unique winter dining space by our Chardonnay vineyard. It's the perfect spot to sip, savour and celebrate.
We are now serving seasonal Sunday Roasts alongside our small plates menu.…
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.
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