Tonbridge, Kent
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 46
, 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…
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…
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…
Participatory Event
Tonbridge
A celebration of Rosé with tours, tastings, art and live music.
Visit the Woodland art installation by RHS Gold award-winning floral designer Louise Roots.
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…
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…
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…
Food
Chipping Norton
Rathfinny Wine Estate is delighted to celebrate the summer at the beautiful Feathered Nest, bringing a taste of Sussex Sparkling to the Cotswolds.
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…
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
Bolney, Haywards Heath
Find out why Sussex sparkling wine has been beating champagne in blind taste tests. Bolney Wine Estate carries a tradition brought to Britain nearly 2,000 years ago.
Tour
Tonbridge
Balfour Winery knowledgeable tour guides will lead you in a fun and relaxed tasting of six, where you can learn the technique of wine tasting without the bravado.
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.
Music
Tenterden
Join us for a unique evening of wine tasting perfectly pitched with Opera.
Enjoy a tasting of our award-winning wines in the Wine Sanctuary whilst regaling in classical songs about drinking, harvest and wine, from the likes of Gershwin, Händel,…
Vineyard
Albourne
Set deep in the glorious Sussex countryside overlooking the South Downs, yet just 8 miles from Brighton. Visitors are warmly welcome at our vineyard as well as in our Tasting Room to sample our award-winning wines.
Other
Tenterden
An introduction to Chapel Down with a tutored tasting of a selection of our award-winning wines. Your host will give you the background and history of Chapel Down and will then advise you on how to taste wine and lead you through a selection of 5…
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…
Food
Staplehurst
Head to Balfour Dining Club to enjoy an evening of live music and delicious seasonal dining.
These intimate performances from some great musicians will complement your evening of exceptional food, and Balfour wines.
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…
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