English and UK vineyard tours to try this summer
Date published: 19 Mar 2026
Sunshine, rolling countryside and a glass in hand – that’s the appeal of exploring wineries in England right now. The scene has grown up quickly, with producers across the country turning out bottles that more than hold their own on the world stage.
It’s not just about what’s in the glass, either. A good wine tasting now comes with vineyard walks, behind-the-scenes access and seriously scenic settings, from the South Downs to the Welsh borders and beyond.
If you’re planning days out with a difference, these are some of the best UK vineyards to visit – each offering something slightly different, whether you want a deep dive into winemaking or a relaxed afternoon among the vines.
Chapel Down – Kent
One of England’s best-known wineries, Chapel Down is an easy crowd-pleaser. The classic guided tour and tasting lasts around two hours, taking you through the vines before a relaxed tasting of five signature wines.
Upgrade to the cheese and wine experience for local pairings, or go all out with a wine and dine experience at The Swan. For something more in-depth, the Kit’s Coty tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at production and premium wines.
Short on time? You can always just drop in for a wine flight at the cellar door.
Nyetimber – West Sussex
Set in the South Downs, Nyetimber keeps things exclusive with its seasonal Open Day tours. These limited events are worth planning ahead for, offering rare access to one of England’s most celebrated sparkling wine estates.
The experience begins with an introduction in the White Barn before a guided walk through some of the country’s oldest vines. It wraps up in a medieval barn with a tasting of four standout sparkling wines, including their classic cuvée and rosé.
Unhurried, scenic and a little bit special.
Hambledon – Hampshire
As England’s oldest commercial vineyard, Hambledon Wine Estate brings a sense of history to every visit. Tours run throughout the year, with a route that takes in the vineyards, gravity-fed winery and underground cellars, before a tasting of their sparkling wines.
The standard tour is a solid all-rounder, but the winemaker’s insight experience goes further, with access to the barrel room, samples straight from the tank and a deeper dive into how each bottle is shaped.
If you’re after something more casual, guided tasting flights let you drop in, try a few wines and settle in with a cheeseboard.
Rathfinny – East Sussex
With sweeping South Downs views, Rathfinny Wine Estate is as much about the setting as the wine. Tours run year-round, with seasonal twists depending on when you visit.
The summer tour and tasting is the highlight – a guided walk through the vines, a look inside the state-of-the-art winery, then a tasting of their Sussex sparkling wines. It’s relaxed, informative and properly scenic.
Winter visits shift focus to the production side, including access to the winery and bottling areas, plus a tasting to round things off.
Easy to get into, hard to leave.
Denbies – Surrey
Just outside Dorking, Denbies Wine Estate offers one of the most accessible vineyard days out in the country – and plenty of ways to tailor your visit.
The indoor wine tasting tour is a good place to start, kicking off with a short film on the vineyard through the seasons before a guided tasting with one of the in-house experts. It’s simple, informative and runs throughout the day.
If you’re making more of a day of it, there are upgrades worth considering. Think cellar tastings with lunch overlooking the vines, or food and wine pairings with local produce. There’s even the option to mix things up with a gin experience nearby.
Sandridge Barton – Devon
Set above the River Dart, Sandridge Barton pairs standout views with a more laid-back take on the classic vineyard tour.
The vineyard safari is the main event, taking you from the vines through to the winery for a full look at how their wines are made. It’s hands-on, wide-ranging and a good choice if you want the full story rather than just a tasting.
For something shorter, the guided tasting includes three wines, a look around the winemaking space and a cheese pairing to finish. Or keep things flexible with a self-guided tasting at your own pace.
White Castle – Monmouthshire
Tucked into the Welsh countryside, White Castle Vineyard offers something a little more personal than most other vineyard tour options. Tours are led by the owners themselves, which gives the whole experience a relaxed, story-driven feel.
You’ll walk the vineyard while hearing how it all came together, from first planting through to producing award-winning Welsh wines, before heading back to the cellar door for a tasting of six bottles.
It’s less about slick production and more about passion, which makes it all the more memorable.
Halfpenny Green – Staffordshire
For something a little different, Halfpenny Green Wine Estate keeps things flexible. Instead of set tours, you can book a tasting in the Wine Loft and take things at your own pace.
Each visit includes a self-guided trail through the vines, with plenty of scenic stops and info along the way, before settling in to sample wines from their tasting menu.
It’s a more low-key way to explore a vineyard, ideal if you’d rather skip the group tour and do your own thing.
Ryedale – North Yorkshire
For a northern take on English wine, Ryedale Vineyards keeps things small-scale and hands-on. Tours are led by one of the winemakers, so you get a proper insight into how everything works on a working vineyard.
The experience includes a short walk through the vines, followed by a tasting paired with local cheeses. It’s simple, friendly and refreshingly unpolished in the best way.
Arrive early and you can ease into things with a cream tea or a drink from the bar before the tour begins.
With so many standout vineyard tours to choose from, it’s easy to turn a simple tasting into a full weekend away. And if you really want to make the most of it, pair your plans with one of our luxury cottages – the perfect base for sipping, exploring and slowing things down between visits.
Meet the author
Ian LewisIan's worked in travel for over 15 years and has written about destinations across the whole of the UK (and beyond). He loves all kinds of getaways with every member of the family on two legs or four, seeking out the more unique and interesting properties wherever he can.
