UK wines have a very good reputation these days, competing with traditional European varieties when it comes to quality and flavour. So why not enjoy an escape to a vineyard close to home?
Whether you’re looking for a romantic trip, a group activity or a solo excursion, here’s our pick of the best UK vineyards – with top-rated hotels nearby so you can just roll right into bed after a day of tastings.
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The Best UK Vineyards for a Perfect Wine Escape
Here’s our pick of where to go in the UK for a wine-based adventure.
Tinwood Estate, Sussex
- Daily wine tours from £21
- Focus on sparkling wines
- 15 min drive from Chichester
Tinwood Estate is on the edge of the South Downs National Park, and known for its world-class sparkling wines and modern tasting room. James and I loved our visit here!
This family-owned estate has a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the vines, making it one of the most picturesque spots in the south of England for a crisp glass of fizz.
Tillingham Wines, Sussex
- Daily wine tours from £40
- Michelin starred farm-to-table dining
- 10 min drive from Rye
Tillingham, near Rye, is all about natural wines. It’s actually a working farm that combines ancient winemaking techniques with more modern, biodynamic methods.
It’s a warm, rustic set-up in a refurbished barn that houses a restaurant and bar, and of course you can shop all their delicious wines here too.
Llanerch Vineyard, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
- Daily wine tours from £25
- Events like afternoon tea and sip and paint
- 20 min drive from Cardiff
You’ll find Llanerch Vineyard and its boutique hotel in the lush green Vale of Glamorgan.
It combines Welsh hospitality with a sophisticated feel, channeling the kind of New World vibes you’d find on a Napa wine estate.
Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey
- Tours from £12
- 3 on-site restaurants
- Easily accessible by train
Denbies, in the picturesque Surrey Hills, is the largest vineyard in the UK.
You can do tastings and tours, and even take a little road train through the estate for panoramic views. It’s also walkable from the nearest station, with trains taking an hour from London.
Balfour Winery, Kent
- Tours from £50
- Restaurant serving locally-sourced cuisine
- Free shuttle from Marden station on weekends
Balfour Winery is on Hush Heath Estate, a huge historic estate with vineyards, woodlands, orchards and more.
The winery’s founders wanted to replicate their favourite pink Champagne here in the UK – and they’ve done a good job, now producing award-winning traditional method sparkling wines.
Ryedale Vineyards, North Yorkshire
- Tours from £25
- Cream teas on request
- 20 minutes' drive from York
Because of the geography and climate of the UK, most wine estates are found in the south – but not all! Enter Ryedale Vineyards – most northerly commercial vineyard in England.
This family-run working vineyard makes award-winning wines and ciders in a relaxed, intimate setting near the Yorkshire Wolds. They don’t have a cafe or restaurant but they can serve up cream teas for tour guests.
Cairn O Mohr, Perth, Scotland
- Tours from £10
- Quirky vibe
- Cafe on site
For something completely different, and even further north, take a trip to the Carse of Gowrie in Scotland.
Here you’ll find Cairn O’Mohr, a winery that makes wines from berries, fruit and flowers, and they do ciders too. It’s not wine as you know it, but it’s a fun and unique destination that contrasts with the more traditional vineyards.
Consider a UK Vineyard for A Delightful Wine Escape
A visit to a UK vineyard isn’t just about trying the wine it’s also about exploring the landscape, supporting a local business and getting out in nature.
Choose a vineyard with a good hotel close by, and you can totally immerse yourself in the tasting experience without worrying about how you’ll get home.
