Alright, friend, picture this: a sunny day, you’re strolling through rows of lush vines, a glass of wine in hand, and the countryside unfolding before you. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, you don’t have to book a flight to Bordeaux or Tuscany for this experience because we’ve got some incredible vineyards right near London! Yes, England, the land of tea and crumpets, is also producing some seriously good wine these days. Who knew?
So, if you're ready for a mini escape from the hustle and bustle of London (and let's be honest, who isn’t?), let’s dive into some of the best vineyard tours near the city. Whether you’re a wine newbie or an experienced taster, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s kick things off with the granddaddy of them all: Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey. It’s one of the largest vineyards in England, and the best part? It’s just a quick jaunt from London (about 45 minutes by train), making it perfect for a day trip.
What’s the Deal?: Denbies offers a variety of tours, from indoor tastings to outdoor vineyard walks. You can even take a train (yes, a vineyard train!) around the estate. They also have a lovely restaurant with views of the vines, so you can sip, swirl, and savour with a side of gourmet food.
The Wine: Denbies is known for its award-winning sparkling wines, and their white wines are top-notch too. Don’t miss out on their Surrey Gold—fruity and refreshing, it’s like a summer holiday in a bottle.
Pro Tip: Bring your walking shoes if you want to explore the vineyard grounds—it’s huge! And don’t forget to stock up at the wine shop before you leave.
Next up is Chapel Down, located in the heart of the Kent countryside. It’s one of the most well-known English vineyards, and for good reason—they produce some seriously delicious sparkling and still wines.
What’s the Deal?: Chapel Down offers a range of tours, but the guided vineyard walk and tasting is the one you want. You’ll learn all about the winemaking process and, of course, get to sample their best bottles. They’ve also got an amazing on-site restaurant, The Swan, which serves up dishes that pair beautifully with their wines.
The Wine: Their sparkling wines are the stars here, particularly the Brut NV, which is light, crisp, and perfect for celebrations. Their Bacchus (a fresh, zesty white) is another crowd favourite.
Fun Fact: Chapel Down is the official wine supplier for the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. So, next time you’re sipping their wine, you can pretend you’re at a fancy regatta.
For something a little more off the beaten track, head to Rathfinny Wine Estate in Sussex. It’s a bit further from London (about 90 minutes by car), but trust me, it’s worth the trek.
What’s the Deal?: Rathfinny is known for its sparkling wines, and their estate tour is a must. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how they make their wine, followed by a tasting in their sleek, modern tasting room. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can also book a table at their Michelin Plate-awarded restaurant, The Tasting Room.
The Wine: Their sparkling wines are the main attraction, particularly the Blanc de Blancs, which is light, elegant, and perfect for toasting a special occasion (or just a Friday evening).
Fun Fact: Rathfinny is located on the same chalky soil as the Champagne region in France, which is why their sparkling wines are so darn good. Who needs France when we’ve got this right here?
Just an hour from London, Hush Heath Estate in Kent is an absolute gem. This family-owned vineyard is surrounded by rolling hills, apple orchards, and woodlands—it’s like stepping into a postcard.
What’s the Deal?: Hush Heath offers a range of guided tours that take you through the vineyard, winery, and apple orchards (yes, they make cider too!). The tastings include their sparkling wines, still wines, and ciders, so there’s plenty to sip on.
The Wine: The star of the show here is the Balfour Brut Rosé, a beautiful pink sparkling wine that’s perfect for summer sipping. Their Chardonnay is also lovely if you prefer something still.
Fun Fact: Hush Heath was the first English vineyard to produce a sparkling rosé using the traditional method (the same one they use in Champagne). Fancy!
If you’re looking for a vineyard with a laid-back vibe, Greyfriars Vineyard in Surrey is the one. It’s a small, family-run operation that’s all about producing quality English wines without the fuss.
What’s the Deal?: Greyfriars offers intimate vineyard tours where you can learn about their winemaking process and sample their award-winning wines. The vibe is relaxed and friendly, making it perfect for a casual day out.
The Wine: Their sparkling wines are a hit, especially the Cuvée Brut, which is crisp, refreshing, and perfect for any celebration. They also have some fantastic still wines, including a smooth Pinot Noir.
Pro Tip: After your tour, grab a bottle and have a little picnic on the vineyard grounds—it’s a lovely spot to relax and soak up the countryside vibes.
If you fancy a vineyard with a bit of charm and quirk, look no further than The Mount Vineyard in Kent. This place has got it all—great wine, beautiful views, and even an outdoor cinema in the summer!
What’s the Deal?: The Mount offers guided tours and tastings, where you’ll learn about the vineyard and taste their still and sparkling wines. And if you’re visiting in the warmer months, you can catch a movie under the stars in their vineyard cinema.
The Wine: Their sparkling wines are excellent, particularly the Blanc de Noirs, a rich and fruity fizz. For something still, try their smooth, easy-drinking Pinot Noir.
Fun Fact: The Mount Vineyard’s outdoor cinema shows classic films, so you can sip wine and watch a movie surrounded by vines. Pretty dreamy, right?
Heading a little further afield to West Sussex, Bolney Wine Estate is well worth the trip. This award-winning vineyard is set in the heart of the Sussex countryside and offers a quintessentially English vineyard experience.
What’s the Deal?: Bolney offers a range of tours, from vineyard walks to in-depth tastings. They also have an on-site café where you can enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the vines.
The Wine: Their sparkling wines are top-notch, particularly the Blanc de Blancs and the Bolney Bubbly. For still wine lovers, the Pinot Noir is a standout.
Fun Fact: Bolney is one of the oldest commercial vineyards in England, so you’re tasting a bit of history with every glass.
Finally, we have Albury Organic Vineyard, a small, family-run vineyard in Surrey that’s all about producing top-quality organic wines.
What’s the Deal?: Albury offers guided vineyard tours where you can learn all about organic viticulture and sample their wines in a beautiful, peaceful setting. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something a bit more intimate.
The Wine: Their sparkling wines are fantastic, particularly the Classic Cuvée, which is fresh, fruity, and perfect for any occasion. They also produce a delightful still rosé.
Fun Fact: Albury is fully organic, so if you’re conscious about sustainability, this is the vineyard for you. They even use biodynamic farming methods to keep their vines happy and healthy.
So there you have it—some of the best vineyard tours near London for a fabulous day out. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual stroll through the vines or a full-blown gourmet experience, there’s something for every type of wine lover just a stone’s throw from the city.
Remember, you don’t need to be a wine connoisseur to enjoy these tours. Just show up, sip, and savour! And who knows? You might even leave with a new favourite bottle (or three) to add to your collection.
Once you've explored the countryside, why not try London’s scenic rooftop wine bars for more amazing views? For a posh evening out, our luxurious wine tasting guide has you covered. And if you want to try pairing your own wine with nibbles, take a look at how to host a wine and food tasting at home for some expert tips.
Cheers to your next adventure in the English countryside—glass in hand, of course!
