The Best Vineyards to Visit in the UK
Visiting a vineyard in the UK can sometimes feel like you’re in a different country - especially when the sun is beating down on the vines and the rolling hills beyond shimmer yellow and gold.
While wine has been made in the UK since Roman times, it wasn’t until 1952 that Hambledon, the first commercial vineyard was established.
Now, vineyards are popping up all over the UK, from sun-drenched South Downs to the Dart Valley’s lush slopes. Many of them have top quality restaurants, beautiful accommodation, and of course, incredible wine that you can sip and savour.
So, whether you’re after a weekend escape or a day trip from London, here are my top vineyards to visit in the UK.
1. Sandridge Barton – Stoke Gabriel, Devon
A relatively new jewel of the Dart Valley, Sandridge Barton is the successor to Sharpham Wine’s long legacy. With 32 acres of south-facing vineyards on the River Dart, a brand-new visitor centre, and a wonderful new restaurant, this estate blends scenic beauty with hands-on sustainability. Expect guided tastings, cellar door picnics, and woodland-walks. You can even stay in one of their newly refurbished manor houses!
📍 sandridgebarton.com
2. Greyfriars Vineyard – Puttenham, Surrey
Situated on the chalky southern slopes of the Hog’s Back, near Guildford, Greyfriars crafts elegant sparkling wines from classic Champagne varieties. Their underground chalk cellar, modern winery, and multiple award-winning releases make it ideal for sparkling lovers. Plus, they also have lots of events on the weekends, from music and food to tastings and tours.
📍 greyfriarsvineyard.co.uk
3. Westwell Vineyard – Westwell, Kent
Driven by innovation, Westwell is famed for its still and sparkling wines, including a fun and fruity pet-nat, and skin-contact styles - think orange wine. Nestled near the historic Pilgrims’ Way, this family-run estate hosts pizza nights, supper clubs, and creative vineyard events. One of my favourite places for a day out from London.
4. Nutbourne Vineyards – Pulborough, West Sussex
A family-owned haven since the early '90s, Nutbourne spans 24–26 acres of south-facing vines on green-sand soils reminiscent of Champagne. Expect alpaca-lined walks, lakeside views, and guided tastings by the historic windmill. They also do a monthly BBQ during summer, showcasing local meats - the burgers are delicious!
📍 nutbournevineyards.com
5. Chapel Down – Tenterden, Kent
One of England’s flagship vineyards, Chapel Down was one of the main estates that put English wine on the map. Expect top quality tasting tours, delicious food, and unique events.
6. Rathfinny Wine Estate – East Sussex
Perched on the South Downs, Rathfinny excels in modern winemaking. A sleek visitor centre, vineyard walks, and an upscale restaurant offer a refined tasting journey through their celebrated sparkling portfolio.
📍 rathfinny.com
7. Denbies Wine Estate – Dorking, Surrey
As England’s largest vineyard (c. 265 acres), Denbies offers family-friendly winery tours, a vineyard train ride, grape-picking experiences, and multiple eateries - ideal for a full-day wine outing. During summer, they have a marquee at the front, where people can enjoy wine from the cellar door, pizzas, and music among the vines. And if you like to run like me, be sure to sign up for the Bacchus run!
📍 denbies.co.uk
8. Camel Valley – Bodmin, Cornwall
Cornwall’s top wine estate holds a royal warrant for its sparkling and cider. Enjoy educational tours, shaded terraces, and the rugged coastal charm - perfect for combining wine and seascapes.
📍 camelvalley.com
9. Three Choirs Vineyard – Newent, Gloucestershire
One of England’s oldest, Three Choirs offers vineyard walks, gourmet brasserie lunches, tastings of classic Bacchus and Ravens Hill, plus stay options in stylish lodges - a refined country retreat.
📍 three-choirs-vineyards.co.uk
10. Velfrey Vineyard – Lampeter Velfrey, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Yes, there are even vineyards in Wales - and this is one of my favorites! Nestled on a south-facing slope with clay-loam soil, Velfrey has grown its 3 acre vineyard since 2016. Tours include vineyard walks, tastings, and grazing boards.
📍 velfreyvineyard.com