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England’s wine tourism is booming, with a unique microclimate and spectacular sea views giving coastal vineyards an edge. Rebecca Pitcairn highlights ten vineyards that should be on your bucket list. This guide will provide an overview of some of the best vineyards to visit across the UK, focusing on affordability and accessibility for UK visitors.
For centuries, the English were more focused on drinking wine than producing it. However, since the dawn of the 21st century, that has changed significantly. Historically, England and Wales’ climate was considered too cold to make good quality wine, but climate change has had a huge impact on the quality and styles of wine now produced. Researchers have predicted that the exceptional vintage experienced in the UK in 2018 will soon become the norm, with significant areas projected to become a further 1.4°C warmer during the growing season by 2040. This shift has led to a rapid expansion of vineyards and increased interest in wine tourism.
According to Wine GB’s latest industry report, there are now 897 vineyards in the UK, with that number likely having risen to over 900 since the report was published in September 2022. Plantings are up 70 percent since 2017, with four times as much land under vine than there was in 2000. A key factor in the industry’s growth, according to Wine GB CEO Simon Thorpe, is the “stratospheric rise in the importance of wine tourism.” A recent VisitBritain survey suggested that 42 percent of inbound tourists would enjoy a visit to a winery, pushing vineyards to create the best visitor experience
Noteworthy Vineyards to Visit
1. Adgestone Vineyard, Isle of Wight The turquoise waters surrounding the Isle of Wight inspired Adgestone Vineyard’s unique blue-colored sparkling wine. This remarkable selling point, alongside the picturesque scenery, makes it a standout destination. The vineyard offers tours starting at £10, including a visit to the subterranean cellar. Between June and September, visitors can enjoy live acoustic music, sharing platters, and a glass of English wine on the terrace with stunning sea views. Adgestone’s ambiance is enhanced by its on-site animals, including pigs and pygmy goats, providing entertainment for all ages. For an immersive experience, stay at the traditional style shepherd hut, Violet, offering a secluded retreat surrounded by vines and wildlife. Visit Adgestone Vineyard
2. Cobble Hill Vineyard, Docking, Norfolk Situated near Burnham Market and the unspoilt Holkham sands, Cobble Hill Vineyard was planted in 2016. The Perowne family’s vineyard produces two still whites and a still and sparkling rosé. Tours start at £20 and include picturesque views. The vineyard’s south-facing chalky soil provides an ideal environment for growing Pinot Noir, Bacchus, and Chardonnay vines. Visitors can enjoy these delicious wines alongside grazing boards, making for a perfect afternoon. Stay at The Hoste Arms in Burnham Market’s village centre for a cozy stay, or consider the Vine House for group accommodations. Visit Cobble Hill Vineyard
3. Crouch Ridge Estate, Althorne, Essex Located in one of the sunniest areas of England, Crouch Ridge Estate offers various tours and tastings from £25 to £45. The estate’s 2020 Pinot Noir is a must-try, conjuring nostalgic memories of sour cherry sweets. The vineyard, set in the scenic village of Althorne, near Chelmsford, benefits from the beautiful Crouch Valley Region’s climate. Tours are available between May and October, led by head sommelier Laura-Jamie Morgan, ensuring an informative and enjoyable visit. Stay at the old dairy, transformed into six cottages, perfect for a short getaway, where you can enjoy brunch, lunch, and afternoon tea paired with estate wines. Visit Crouch Ridge Estate
4. Glyndwr Vineyard, Crowbridge, South Wales Just ten minutes from the Welsh coastline, Glyndwr Vineyard is the oldest in Wales, established in 1979. Tours from £38 include a two-course meal and wine tasting. The vineyard focuses on nature and organic treatment of its vines, with chickens, ducks, and wild pheasants roaming the grounds, and llamas in the adjoining field. Visitors can enjoy a range of wines, including an award-winning vermouth made in conjunction with Gower Gin. Stay in one of the self-catering cottages on the vineyard for a peaceful retreat, offering views of the lawn and orchards. Visit Glyndwr Vineyard
5. La Mare Wine Estate, St Mary’s, Jersey Less than 1km from Jersey’s north coast, La Mare Wine Estate produces 20,000 bottles of wine annually. Tours start at £15.95 and include tastings of wine, spirits, and local delicacies. The estate also produces cider, an apple brandy, and cream liquor from apples grown in its orchards. The vineyard’s proximity to the coast and its picturesque setting make it a perfect destination for wine lovers. Stay at Hotel La Place for comfortable accommodations and easy access to the beautiful St. Aubin’s Bay. Visit La Mare Wine Estate
6. Laurel, Aike, East Yorkshire Yorkshire, with around 16 commercial vineyards, is a premium wine-producing region. Laurel Vineyard, part of the Yorkshire Wine Trail, offers tours from May to September for £40. The vineyard, planted in 2011, produces a variety of still white, red, and rosé wines from grapes such as Solaris, Phoenix, Madeline Angevine, and Rondo. Visitors can enjoy a picnic for two and a tasting experience, making it a delightful day out. Stay at Highfield House for a luxurious experience, offering flamboyant, design-focused rooms. Visit Laurel Vines
7. Little Waddon Vineyard, Waddon, West Dorset Near Chesil Beach on the Jurassic Coast, Little Waddon Vineyard offers tours from £20, featuring low-intervention wines. The vineyard produces small batches of wild ferment wines, using traditional methods. Visitors can enjoy savoury or sweet tasting boards served in the refurbished tasting room or on the terrace overlooking the vines. The vineyard’s award-winning ‘Col Fondo’ is a must-try. Stay at The Hide for a romantic break, featuring a Shepherd’s Hut and log cabin with a fire pit and hot tub, perfect for a relaxing retreat. Visit Little Waddon Vineyard
8. Polgoon, Penzance, Cornwall Polgoon Vineyard, set up by former fish merchants, offers summer tours and hand-stretched pizzas. Their Sauvignon Blanc 2022, with notes of lime, passion fruit, and pineapple, is a standout. The vineyard, transformed from an overgrown flower farm, now boasts 14,000 vines spread across 14 acres. Visitors can enjoy a look around the vineyard and a tasting of five wines. Stay in their three-bedroom holiday cottage, offering a hot tub and views of the vines, perfect for a group stay. Visit Polgoon
9. Rathfinny, Alfriston, East Sussex Rathfinny’s 230-acre estate offers a range of experiences, including Dine in the Vines events. Their 2018 Blanc de Noirs, a blend of predominantly Pinot Noir with a small quantity of Pinot Meunier, is their signature wine. The estate, located three miles from the coast in the South Downs National Park, offers stunning views of Seven Sisters and the English Channel. Visitors can enjoy sundowners on the hilltop, listening to live music and watching the sunset. Stay at The Flint Barns, a restored ten-bedroom guest house, for comfortable accommodations. Visit Rathfinny Estate
10. Sandridge Barton, Stoke Gabriel, Devon Formerly Sharpham, Sandridge Barton offers tastings from £10 and produces award-winning wines. The estate, rebranded in 2023, moved to new facilities to accommodate a winery, bar, restaurant, and accommodation. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tastings, walking trails, and tutored tours. The estate’s Blanc de Noir, the first under the new Sandridge Barton signature range, is a highlight. Stay in the farmhouse adjacent to the winery or in the converted boathouse on the Dart for a charming stay. Visit Sandridge Barton
England’s wine tourism is on the rise, with coastal vineyards offering unique experiences and quality wines. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious newcomer, these vineyards provide excellent opportunities to explore and enjoy the burgeoning English wine scene. Cheers to your next vineyard adventure!
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