Calling all wine lovers! Do you want to taste some delicious wines without having to hop on a plane? We have you covered with our list of the five best vineyards in the England, all of which make for an unforgettable, and slightly boozy, day out!
Langham Wine, Dorset
Located in the heart of Dorset, Langham Wine grows a variety of wines all made from the beloved Champagne varieties of grape, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. All of the wines are made freshly onsite and the grapes are handpicked from their vineyard before being transported to the winery. Additionally, this vineyard refrains from filtering their wines, which means that all of their products are vegetarian and vegan friendly! This Dorset-based vineyard offers a range of private, guided, and self-guided tours — all of which are affordable. The guided vineyard and winery tour and tasting costs just £25 per person and includes samples of three of their most popular wines, all of which are available to purchase at the end of the tour.
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Hambledon Vineyard, Waterlooville
The family-owned Hambledon Vineyard was established in 1952, making it England’s oldest commercial vineyard. This estate strives to create England’s favourite bubbly by growing its vines on the same chalk that’s found in the Chardonnay areas in Champagne. Hambledon offers tours and tastings to visitors for just £25 per person, and guests can add an optional cheeseboard to accompany their wines and complement each one in turn. This Waterlooville vineyard boasts a rich history and incredibly beautiful hilly surrounds, making it an excellent choice for those in search of a picturesque and informative wine tasting experience.
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Forty Hall Vineyard, London
While many people associate vineyards with the countryside, there are a number located in and around London. Forty Hall Vineyard is the only commercial-scale vineyard in the capital and is situated in Enfield Town, which means it boasts incredible views of the London skyline. Many of the workers at Forty Hall Vineyard are volunteers and this vineyard is dedicated to producing organic wines as sustainably as possible. You’ll also find Forty Hill Farm within the estate, where a range of fresh produce is grown and farmyard animals roam. If you fancy visiting, Forty Hill offers free guided walking tours and a hawk-flying show!
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Tillingham, East Sussex
This vineyard takes a modern approach to winemaking, blending ancient and contemporary methods to create a sustainable yet traditional final product. The setting of this 70-acre vineyard, amongst rolling hills and leafy surrounds, is also something to behold. While you can take a tour of Tillingham, we recommend trying out the pizzeria, which is located in a converted barn, or the field-to-fork restaurant, which uses fresh produce grown on the farm and meat and fish reared and caught in the area.
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Oxney Organic Estate, Rye
At this beautiful vineyard located near Rye, tours start from £25 per person. The wine tastings offered at this venue are nothing short of luxury and there are a few options to choose from, including a picnic in the rustic and whimsical barn in which all food and drink is provided. Visitors can even choose to stay in one of the beautiful barns for a romantic and relaxing night away. The classic wine tasting option at this organic vineyard is still tempting though, and includes a homemade charcuterie board, so guests can pair some delicious cheeses with Oxney’s delectable vintages.
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