These English vineyards are perfect for alfresco days
Twenty years ago, planning a break around English vineyards and wine tasting would have been unheard of. You would have headed to Provence for rosé, Épernay for bubbles, or perhaps Porto or Tuscany for bold red wines. All of these are lovely options, of course, but today, you don’t have to travel overseas to enjoy an excellent vintage as there are an array of English vineyards to explore.
Grape-laden vineyards in England’s warmer southern counties are popping up across chalky hills, creating scenes that are more Napa Valley than English countryside. Even in Derbyshire, which doesn’t benefit from the vine-friendly microclimates of the south, there are wineries to peruse and delectable whites, rosés, and fizzes to sample as part of a weekend away.
While the English whites and reds are slowly gaining notoriety, it’s the English sparkling wines that are more in demand than ever. Consistently performing well in various taste tests and rankings, they've earned their place on-ice at our celebratory dinners and occasions. And when you can see where and how local winemakers created these wines, it makes them even more special.
To make the experience all the more enjoyable, you can pair an English wine-tasting tour with an with an overnight stay in a countryside manor house, a grand castle hotel, or a tucked-away B&B.
Whether you're a budding oenophile with a growing collection or simply love a glass or two, an English vineyard escape is the best new excuse for a staycation (as if we need one). There's plenty of romantic appeal if you're off on a loved-up break or even a mini-moon, but a wine-focused trip is also a fresh idea for hen dos and trips with friends.
Whoever you're heading off with, these are the prettiest English vineyards to visit and where to stay nearby for the perfect mini-break this summer.
Ashling Park, West Sussex
Nestled in the gorgeous West Sussex countryside, Ashling Park has created a buzz around its fizz since opening in 2013. Its Cuvée NV wins approving nods from the in-the-know wine crowd, but it’s just as welcoming to those looking to sample the vineyard’s bounty with picture-perfect vineyard views from its architecturally impressive tasting room.
Savour a lazy lunch and feast on locally sourced dishes (complete with a flight of Ashling Park’s wines) and take a short tour to brush up on dinner party conversation titbits about ideal grape-growing conditions.
Where to stay: Make a weekend of it and stay by the waterside in the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Beauty at Langstone Quays. It's only 20 minutes from Ashling Park and the ideal place to explore other highlights of the area, including the vast sands of West Wittering Beach and the Roman streets of Chichester.
Wraxall Vineyard
Somerset might not be the first place that springs to mind when thinking of English vineyards to visit, but Wraxall is putting the county on the wine lovers' map. The vineyard was planted 50 years ago, making it one of the oldest in Somerset
There's lots going on here beyond tours and tastings – though their white sparkling, bacchus and rosé are worth the trip alone. Visitors can also enjoy sourdough pizza parties, sunset drinks sessions and, coming soon, talks and workshops. Wellbeing and retreats are also in the works – who says yoga and wine can't go hand in hand?
Where to stay: There are plenty of great places to stay in Somerset, with trendy Bruton and Frome nearby, but don't miss the chance to indulge at Montigo Resorts Somerset at Charlton House. It's a rural haven that combines historic charm with touches of modern minimalism – and a great spa to crash out in.
Hambledon Vineyard, Hampshire
Claiming plenty of taste test top spots is Hambledon’s Classic Cuvée, created at the 200-acre vineyard in Hampshire with grapes grown on Newhaven Chalk – the same chalk as the Côtes des Blancs, where the grapes for some of the world’s finest Champagnes are grown.
Its Premiere Cuvée Brut is a magnificent blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir. A tour and tasting at Hambledon lets you in on a few wine-making secrets, and a peek inside the wine cellars. Then take afternoon tea with teatime classics paired with Hambledon’s delicate English fizz as you relax with views over the vineyards and the South Downs.
Where to stay: Under an hour from Hambledon, you'll find the gorgeous Four Seasons Hampshire, which is the ideal spot to head to if you're looking to make an indulgent weekend of it. Expect every luxury within the red-brick Georgian manor house run by the internationally acclaimed hotel group.
Camel Valley, Cornwall
Cornwall’s most famous vineyard, Camel Valley, has been producing wines since 1989. And while that’s not a patch on the legacy of old-world producers, it’s positively heritage status for an English vineyard.
Take a tour on a leisurely summer’s afternoon, or skip the circuit and hunt down a quiet spot on the terrace to sip their classic Camel Valley Brut NV.
Where to stay: To be close to Camel Valley, stay at the stylish Bodmin Jail Hotel, just 10 minutes from the vines. Once an 18th-century prison, this is an atmospheric and experiential hotel.
Gusbourne Estate, Kent
Award-winning Gusbourne Estate in Kent brings a contemporary zing to English winemaking. They credit their excellent vintages to warm temperatures, sunny days, and sea breezes. Opt for a short vineyard tour or go for a full estate tour complete with three-course lunch to make a day of it. Or keep things casual with a Gusbourne picnic in the Boot Hill vineyard overlooking the Pinor Noir vines. A gourmet escape is an ideal accompaniment to wine tasting, too.
Where to stay: Where better to match a trip to Gusbourne Estate than a stay at the Rocksalt Rooms in Folkstone? This seaside bolthole is known for its fresh cuisine expertly paired with excellent wines. Try the daily catch – maybe mackerel or whelks - plucked straight from the water into the kitchens.
Crouch Ridge Estate, Burnham-on-Crouch
'Come for the wine, stay for the view' is the tag line for this Chelmsford vineyard, which is increasingly known as a wine-growing hotspot. Located on gentle south-facing slopes overlooking the River Crouch, Crouch Ridge Estate flourishes in long hours of sunshine and relatively little rainfall (almost unheard of in the UK!) to produce award-winning still and sparkling wines. Coming here provides the chance to try them all, alongside a daily menu of freshly caught fish and vegetables sourced from local farmers.
Where to stay: Creeksea Place Barns are a stylish self-catering spots that can hired exclusively for up to 30, or individually for smaller groups. There's an on-site gym and spa and Crouch Ridge Estate is under 10 minutes away.
Saffron Grange Vineyard, Saffron Walden
For English sparkling wines, Saffron Grange Vineyard is the family-run name to know. Vineyard tours and tastings take place from May to October, making the most of this unique little pocket of England, which has excellent conditions to grow grapes. In fact, it sits along the same seam that runs all the way to the renowned wine region of Northern France.
Where to stay: In Saffron Walden you'll find The Cricketers Clavering, a lovely restored pub that champions local producers in its delicious seasonal menus. This happens to the pub in which chef Jamie Oliver grew up, as his parents owned it for more than 40 years. The rooms have floral and botanical themes, making it the perfect spot for your English vineyard escape.
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