Discover the Delights of Home: A Tour of the UK's Premier Wineries

Grow more UK wines

According to a recent article in Wales Online News, it seems that Wine-loving Brits are flocking to France this year, with almost HALF heading there specifically to sample its plonk – and a whopping eight out of 10 hitting popular wine regions, including Provence, Bordeaux, Normandy, Burgundy, Champagne and the Loire Valley. Almost one in two (49%) plan to indulge in wine tasting or are heading straight to the vineyards themselves, according to the survey of 2,000 Brits by luxury travel specialist Scott Dunn.

With Visit Britain working hard towards sustainable and local tourism, there’s never been a better time for Brits to explore the wealth of experiences right on their doorstep. The UK’s growing wine scene offers a perfect blend of everything that the Brits are flooding to France for (well, maybe not the sun hours or the air miles). But interestingly, it is the hours of sun, climate change, and warmth in the UK that are the instigator of unheard-of grape growth that has been harvested this year across hundreds of wineries that are now established across England and Wales.

“Exploring the UK’s wineries offers a unique opportunity to support local economies, enjoy sustainable tourism, and immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of British culture and cuisine. As consumers turn more towards local experiences, the UK’s wine scene stands out as a beacon of culinary excellence, environmental stewardship, and cultural richness. So, why travel far when the treasures of taste, sight, and experience of British wine tasting tours are so beautifully within our reach?”

These wineries across the UK offer unique tours where viticulture and hospitality intertwine. Offering memorable fine dining experiences, and, of course, exceptional wines that compete on the global stage. Last year, our team at UK Fizz based in the West Midlands visited Seven wineries on just two weekends, one of which was using public transport.

Raimes, Hampshire – Raimes is dedicated to producing the finest sparkling wines from grapes grown on ideally situated chalk hills within the South Downs in Hampshire. They are the fifth generation of the family to farm the fields now flourishing with vines. There are grazing options to accompany the wine, such as cheese and charcuterie boards featuring local cheeses and charcuterie. Vineyard tours run from May to September each year. Group sizes are kept small and personal. Guided tastings are available all year round.

Artelium Wine Estate, Sussex – a contemporary English wine estate nestled in the stunning landscape. Small plates of estate-grown veggies sit alongside meat, fish, cheese & charcuterie from top-quality suppliers. All are accompanied by the finest English wines, naturally. Vineyard tours & tastings are available every day that we’re open during April-September, Saturday, and Sunday during the winter months.

Brabourne Estate, Kent – Nestled in the heart of Kent, Brabourne Estate is renowned for its commitment to producing high-quality English wines. With a focus on sustainable viticulture, Brabourne takes pride in its careful stewardship of the land. The estate’s wines reflect its unique terroir, offering a taste of Kent’s rich heritage and natural beauty. A visit to Brabourne Estate is not just a tasting journey; it’s an immersion into the art of winemaking.

Bluebell Vineyard Estates, East Sussex – Set amidst the stunning landscape of East Sussex, it is a testament to the elegance and complexity of English sparkling wine. Specialising in traditional method sparkling wines, Bluebell is dedicated to capturing the essence of its environment in every bottle. The vineyard offers a range of experiences that allow visitors to explore the vineyard, learn about the winemaking process, and, of course, sample their exquisite wines.

Bolney Wine Estate,  Sussex. – Bolney Wine Estate stands as a pioneer in the English wine industry, with over five decades of winemaking expertise. Located in the heart of Sussex, Bolney Wine Estate excels in creating award-winning red, white, and sparkling wines. The estate’s approach combines traditional techniques with innovative practices, ensuring each wine is a true expression of its origin. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, tastings, and dining experiences that showcase the estate’s culinary prowess alongside its wines.

Terlingham Vineyard, Kent-   is a family-run gem in Kent, embracing a natural approach to winemaking. With a focus on biodynamic practices, Terlingham offers wines that are as much about the process as they are about the final product. The vineyard’s commitment to low-intervention techniques results in wines that are authentic, flavorful, and uniquely reflective of their terroir. Wine lovers can embark on a journey through the vineyard, enjoying intimate tastings and learning about the vineyard’s philosophy.

Renegade Urban Winery, London – If you are a City dweller or visiting London on a tour, there is no excuse not to go and visit this urban. Breaking the mould of traditional winemaking, Renegade Urban Winery in London brings the craft to the city’s heart. With an innovative approach that includes sourcing grapes from around the UK and Europe, Renegade produces bold, unconventional wines that challenge perceptions. The winery’s urban setting provides a unique backdrop for tastings and events, offering a contemporary twist on the wine experience.

Ridgeview, nestled in East Sussex, is a beacon of English winemaking excellence, producing award-winning English sparkling wines for over 25 years. With a pioneering spirit, Ridgeview was founded when English wine production was a formidable challenge. Today, it celebrates a pivotal role in the thriving English wine industry, committed to delivering memorable moments in every glass. Their wines, enjoyed in prestigious venues and recognised globally, embody the essence of quality, innovation, and tradition. Ridgeview’s estate in the South Downs National Park offers tours, tastings, and dining experiences, inviting visitors to immerse in the world of English sparkling wine.

Other wineries that are on the UK Fizz list and should be on every Brits weekend list for 2024 include:

 Busi Jacobsohn Wine Estate and Chapel Down in East Sussex and Kent, Greyfriars Vineyard and Gusbourne Estate in Surrey and Kent, Hattingley Valley in Hampshire, High Clandon Estate Vineyard in Surrey, and Nyetimber in West Sussex.

Supporting local economies, Wine GB and embracing sustainable tourism, and indulging in the rich tapestry of British culture and cuisine has never been more enticing.  

So take a British Wine Tasting Tour in ’24

  1. As we visit more of the beautiful estates and vineyard landscapes in the near future, we will post our experiences for you to follow. But better than just us posting, we encourage every Brit to share your experience. Reach out here or on our social media accounts: InstagramLinkedIn
    Facebook and Twitter
  2. Let us know if you are heading for a British wine tasting in advance, and we will do our best to meet you and have a glass of fantastic wine. 
  3. If you need help organising a vineyard tour for yourself, a large group, or your company, please contact us, and we can assist with the arrangements.

One Response

  1. Hello. I’m contacting you from Tanzania where I together with my beloved wife are organising trips across our beautiful country mainly for Nordic customers. I am Finnish citizen and my wife local Tanzanian. Our goal is to provide luxury experience at affordable prices. Now we are coming for a holiday to UK and would like to explore and experience your winelands. I came across your website and decided to say hello and ask if there is some ready made 3-5 days routes we could follow. Let’s be in touch. BR Jarmo & Anne #grandeur_expeditions

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