Alfresco dining and English wine tasting at Balfour Winery

Balfour Winery

Tonbridge, Kent

Vineyards and Wine Tasting

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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.
  • Leonardslee Family Vineyards, 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.
  • Oaken Grove Vineyard, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
    Producing award winning English white and rosé still and sparkling wines, the vineyard is surrounded by ancient woodlands and set in the stunning Chiltern Hills and is home to host of exciting music events.

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 Experiences in South East England

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. 

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Number of results: 45

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  1. Wiston Estate Winery

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  2. Opera & Wine Tasting

    Type

    Type:

    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,…

  3. Ridgefest

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Ditchling Common, Ditchling

    Set amongst the vines with panoramic views of the beautiful Sussex countryside and South Downs beyond, this unique location offers you the perfect backdrop to a day of live music with HEADLINE ACT'S PROK FITCH & NO LIMIT STREET BAND, sumptuous…

  4. Leonardslee Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  5. 'A Taste of Denbies' Sparkling Vineyard Trail & Gallery Dinner

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  6. Oaken Grove Vineyard

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  7. Ridgeview Wine Estate

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  8. Leonardslee Wine Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Golf Course

    Horsham

    With breathtaking views and stunning landscapes, Leonardslee Wine Estate is home to a 37-acre vineyard, following sustainable practices, with the first release of wine in June 2024. The estimated production of 125,000 bottles of sparkling wine…

  9. Balfour Dining Club Music Sessions

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  10. The Grand Brighton

    Type

    Type:

    Hotel

    Brighton

    The Grand Brighton is an iconic Victorian hotel standing centre stage on Brighton’s famous seafront. Grand in both its size and its looks, this magnificent hotel is the epitome of luxury and is enriched in British history.

  11. Sunday Roasts at The Rows & Vine

    Type

    Type:

    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.…

  12. Albourne Estate Vineyard

    Type

    Type:

    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. 

  13. Denbies One Day Wine Enthusiast Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  14. Thames Valley Food and Wine Festival

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  15. Seasonal Wine & Dine Evening

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  16. Denbies Summer Spectacular - English Artisan Tasting on the Lawn

    Type

    Type:

    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

  17. A Taste of Chapel Down

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  18. Balfour Winery

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  19. Local Winery Tasting (English Wine Week)

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  20. Denbies Food & Wine Matching Experience

    Type

    Type:

    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…