Nine of the best vineyards in the UK
The UK has a vast number of vineyards to visit. Whether you like red, white, rose, or even a sparkling wine there are plenty of places in England and Wales where you can have a tour, and learn how the wines are made. We’ve put together a list of the nine best vineyards in the UK so you don’t have to spend hours trying to decide which ones are really worth adding to your weekend getaway list.
1. Chapel Down Vineyard
Location: Tenterden, Kent
Best for: Award-winning wines
Set in the gentle rolling hills and high hedges of Kent’s High Weald is Chapel Down Vineyard. Located close to the picturesque market town of Tenterden, the vineyard offers guided tours as well as different experiences for special occasions. Taste a selection of their award-winning still and sparkling wines. Or, take yourself on a tour through the Bacchus Vineyard and beyond, before sitting down to dine in The Swan Restaurant.
Place to stay nearby: Wagon Lodge at Forstal Farm is a stunning character cottage within walking distance of Chapel Down Vineyard.
2. St Martin’s Vineyard
Location: St Martins, Isles of Scilly
Best for: White wine lovers
St Martin’s Vineyard is located on the Isles of Scilly and is the UK’s smallest and most southerly vineyard. The first vines were planted in 1996 and until last year the vineyard was run by the same two people. The vines are grown on a traditional post and wire system, and trained according to the Double Guyot method. There are many white varieties including Pinot Meunier, Hamburg, and Chardonnay.
Place to stay nearby: Karma St. Martins is a charming property located just 40 metres from the beachfront in St. Martins.
3. Sharpham Vineyard
Location: Totnes, Devon
Best for: Red wine lovers
Planted in 1981 on the River Dart is Sharpham Vineyard. Located in the town of Totnes on the Sharpham Estate, the vineyard offers many award-winning wines including their gold medal Pinot Noir. They offer guided vineyard tours and tastings. For a more extravagant and memorable occasion try their self-guided tasting flights.
Place to stay nearby: The beautifully renovated Court Prior Cottage features exposed beams and a traditional woodburner for the ultimate country retreat.
4. Adgestone Vineyard
Location: Sandown, Isle of Wight
Best for: Blue wine
Adgestone Vineyard is the oldest continually operating vineyard in the UK. It’s a small family run vineyard located in Sandown in the Isle of Wight. They’re committed to producing the best wine in the UK and like to have fun in the process. They have produced the UK’s first blue wine, and what better way to celebrate a special occasion than with a glass of sparkling Cuvee. All their wines are made using traditional methods.
Place to stay nearby: The Sandown Retreat is a beautiful single storey annexe that’s perfect for a weekend away.
5. Tinwood Estate Vineyard
Location: Chichester, West Sussex
Best for: Finest english sparkling wine
Tinwood Estate Vineyard is located in the West Sussex village of Chichester and has quickly established itself a reputation for producing fine English sparkling wine. Experience a full tasting experience in their tasting room overlooking the vineyard. Their wine tours include three glasses of sparkling wine and a tour of the vineyard. If you’re looking for something a little more special, book a tour and finish up with a delicious afternoon tea and a stunning view of the vineyard.
Place to stay nearby: Barn in Sussex is a lovely contemporary barn conversion within easy access of the South Downs National Park.
6. Camel Valley Vineyard
Location: Bodmin, Cornwall
Best for: Champagne lovers
Camel Valley Vineyard is the only vineyard in the UK to hold a royal warrant. Located in Bodmin, right in the middle of the Cornish countryside, Camel Valley has been producing world-class wine since 1989. Camel Valley wines consistently win medals both nationally and internationally, year after year. Many of the wines produced at Camel Valley end up being served in countless restaurants across the country and some well-known attractions like the Tate Modern.
Place to stay nearby: Barn in North Cornwall is one of four attractive cottages nestled within a private 40 acre estate with easy access to the Camel trail.
7. White Castle Vineyard
Location: Abergavenny, Wales
Best for: Niche boutique wine
White Castle Vineyard aims for quality over quantity when it comes to their wine. They are based in Abergavenny, Wales and have carefully selected their grape varieties to produce a high quality award-winning Welsh wine. All their grapes are monitored and hand harvested before being transported to their winery for pressing to ensure their freshness and fruity aromas remain intact.
Place to stay nearby: Located in the shadow of the mountains in the Brecon Beacons is our dreamy Cottage in Mid Wales that’s perfect a wine getaway.
8. Giffords Hall Vineyard
Location: Hartest, Bury St. Edmunds
Best for: Quality grapes
Giffords Hall Vineyard is a family-owned vineyard in Bury St Edmunds. The sandy/clay soil under the vineyard is what makes the grapes here top quality. They offer a myriad of sparkling and still wines which can be tasted on a number of their tours. They take small group tours as well as large ones. You can also give a special someone the gift of a wine tasting. They even allow you to upgrade your tour to include a picnic box for a romantic day out.
Place to stay nearby: Grange Barn is the perfect place to get away from it all and explore nature at its finest.
9. Llanerch Vineyard
Location: Pontyclun, Wales
Best for: Tasty blush wines
Llanerch Vineyard is the oldest grape-growing estate in Wales. They offer tutored tastings of their wines as well as an onsite cooking school and restaurant. The vineyard produces a selection of Cariad Wines which can be paired with many of their wonderful dishes in their restaurant. You can also take a few bottles home to make your wine holiday last forever instead.
Place to stay nearby: Poppy Cottage is one of three cottages set in tranquil grounds with an open plan living area and a real home-from-home feel.
