Our favourite English vineyards

England has a thriving wine production industry, particularly in Kent and Sussex where you can find many vineyards both large and small, although there are hundreds of vineyards to be found all across England. It may come as a surprise that you do not have to travel abroad to enjoy a vineyard visit, where you can learn about and taste award-winning wines that rival some of the best in the world. To narrow things down, we’ve selected ten premium English vineyards that are more than capable of demonstrating England’s increasing wine-producing prowess.

Chapel Down

Chapel Down is an award-winning winery and vineyard in Tenterden, Kent. Guided tours of the vineyard and winery are available every day from April to October, during which visitors can learn about the history of English wine production as well as the various processes that Chapel Down uses to produce their wines. A tasting is also included and guided tours cost £10 for adults and £2 for children aged 12 to 17. Visitors are also able to explore the vineyard throughout the year free of charge but this does not include access to the winery.

Denbies

Regardless of the weather, Denbies in Dorking, Surrey offers interesting daily tours and tastings for visitors. Indoor tours are offered throughout the year, while visitors can also explore courtesy of the outdoor vineyard train from March to November. Indoor tours which include a tasting start at £9.95 per person (£3 for children aged 2 to 17), while train tours start at £6 per adult (£3 for children aged 2 to 16).

Three Choirs Vineyard

Three Choirs is situated two miles from Newent in Gloucestershire. Guided tours and tastings are available each day at 2.30pm regardless of the weather. Tickets cost £12.50 per person and there is no need to book in advance unless there are over 8 people in your party. During busy days a second tour may be scheduled to start around 3pm. A variety of wildlife call the vineyard home, from woodpeckers and rabbits to badgers and hedgehogs, and visitors can enjoy a vineyard nature trail in addition to tastings and exploring the winery.

Camel Valley

Cornwall’s picturesque Camel Valley Vineyard produces still and sparkling wines and has won a variety of local and international awards. The vineyard offers guided tours from April to September. Tours run from Monday to Friday and start at 2:30pm and in addition to learning about the vineyard and winery visitors will get to enjoy a glass of wine. Tour prices are £7.50 for adults and £2.50 for visitors under 18 years old.

Ridgeview

For anyone who is interested in discovering more about sparkling wines, Ridgeview in the South Downs of Sussex is a particularly good choice as it is dedicated to producing sparkling wines. Guided tours http://www.ridgeview.co.uk/pages/tours/tastings/9001 are available on various dates throughout the year and take in the vineyard and the winery. The tours include a tasting session and cost £15 per person.

Biddenden

Biddenden is the oldest commercial vineyard in Kent and produces both sparkling and still wines. The vineyard is a great choice for visitors who are looking for an economical yet entertaining day out as they can explore the vineyard and enjoy tastings free of charge throughout the year. In addition, Biddenden http://www.biddendenvineyards.com/visiting-us/ also offers free guided tours at different times of the year, though places do need to be booked in advance.

Bolney Wine Estate

Bolney Wine Estate is situated in Sussex and specialises in red wines, though white and sparkling wines are also produced. Bolney offers a variety of tours (starting at £16 per person) to suit different budgets and preferences, all of which include a tour of the vineyard, the winery and a tutored tasting.

Sharpham

The award-winning Sharpham vineyards produce rosé, red, white and sparkling wines. Situated near Totnes in Devon, the vineyards form part of a farm that also produces award-winning cheeses. Visitors can choose from a selection of tours. Self-guided tours of the vineyard start at £2.50. Guided tours cost £19.95 per adult and are available from May to September. The guided tours include discovering the vineyards and the winery as well as a wine and cheese tasting.

Ryedale

Ryedale is England’s most northerly situated commercial vineyard. The family-run vineyard is located in Westow in Yorkshire and guided tours of the vineyard and winery take place at different times throughout the year, with tasting sessions included, starting at £8 per person.

Leventhorpe

Also situated within Yorkshire near Leeds is the vineyard of Leventhorpe. The vineyard produces still dry red and white wines as well as sparkling rosé and white wines, though it is particularly noted for its white wines. Leventhorpe is open to the public most days from 11am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and noon to 4pm on Sundays, though it is advisable to phone in advance of a visit.

Top-notch vineyards for a terrific day out

With their informative tours and the chance to taste fantastic English wines for yourself, these premium vineyards in England will appeal both wine connoisseurs and visitors who are seeking an entertaining day out with a difference. Beautiful settings and the chance to increase their knowledge of fine English wines – not to mention taste them! – will ensure every visitor enjoys touring these intriguing vineyards.