Famed for its patchwork landscapes and nutrient-rich soils, the UK is the perfect place to indulge in a spot of wine tourism, with plenty of beautiful vineyards vying for your attention. From the southern shores of Cornwall to North Yorkshire’s dramatic coast, the UK is home to an astonishing number of vineyards, many boasting world-class, award-winning wines.
A merry mix of microclimates, chalk and clay soils, and swathes of southern slopes promising a dreamy aspect for vines results in a variety of wines filling cellars all over the UK, including sparkling whites, dry rosés, and punchy reds, with a sprinkling of port and vermouth for good measure. There’s even a sparkling blue wine, but you’ll need to read on to find out where…
Whether you seek a glorious day out amongst the vines or a fine dining experience overlooking a near-Mediterranean scene with a three-course meal and a glass of wine in front of you, we’ve selected our favourite vineyards in the UK for a true taste of Britain. We’ll cheers to that!
Camel Valley, Cornwall
Nanstallon, Bodmin PL30 5LG
Cornwall is famous for many things, from pasties and surfing to cream teas and castles, but did you know this beautiful county is also home to some of the best vineyards in the UK - and the world? Nestled in the rolling landscapes of North Cornwall, Camel Valley is the jewel in Cornwall’s viticultural crown. The family-run vineyard has won countless awards since it began in 1989, including gold medals in international competitions, beating two of the world’s leading brands, Bollinger and Roederer.
Camel Valley’s lip-smacking line-up is predominantly sparkling wines that are made using traditional methods, with the ‘Cornwall’ Brut boasting a veritable trophy cabinet of awards. Think bright, bubbly Chardonnay bruts and berry-rich sparkling rosés, as well as fresh, fruity dry white wines made with Bacchus grapes. If you’re unsure which bottle is for you, book onto one of the excellent tours and tastings - the perfect way to explore the rolling vineyard before trying a glass or two of the vineyard’s best wines in a spectacular setting.
Polgoon Vineyard & Orchard, Cornwall
Rosehill Meadow, Penzance TR20 8TE
Overlooking one of Cornwall’s most iconic landmarks, Polgoon Vineyard and Orchard is one of the best places to visit in Cornwall when you’ve a thirst to quench. The sun-soaked vineyard produces an array of award-winning wines, including Pinot Noir, Rosé, and a zesty orange wine that pairs perfectly with a Cornish charcuterie board. This might be a list of the best vineyards in the UK, but we would be remiss not to mention Polgoon’s other offering...
Oh yes, thanks to a diversification plan back in 2007, Polgoon has become one of Cornwall’s top cider producers, with a variety of infusions to choose from, including scrumpy, elderflower, berry, and a classic Cornish cider. Polgoon also crafts delicious pressés, lemonades, and juices, resulting in a place where you can well and truly wet your whistle. The vineyard is open throughout the year for tours and tastings, as well as pop-up feast nights, from pizza to Caribbean cuisine. You can also stop by the shop for a bottle of something Cornish or the restaurant for a plate of something tasty.
Lyme Bay Winery, Devon
Shute Road, Axminster EX13 7PW
Nestled in the rolling hills of East Devon National Landscape, you’ll find the most-awarded still wine producer in England, a feat that tempts all to stop by this award-winning English winery for a glass of wine (and perhaps a bottle or two to take home). Oh yes, Lyme Bay Winery has made quite a name for itself amongst the viticultural community, crafting delicious English wines, meads, liqueurs and spirits. Lyme Bay is the largest producer of mead in the UK, with several bottles boasting national and international awards, including the delicious black cherry mead and the oh-so-festive Christmas mead.
Alongside the grape tasting wines and meads, a selection of liqueurs and spirits promises to add a luxurious twist to your liqueur cabinet. Enjoy the sumptuous flavours of the fruit cake liqueur after dinner or a chilled glass of the Lyme Bay elderflower and cucumber gin on a beautiful summer’s day. Located a stone’s throw from Axminster, the Cellar Door is always open for visitors to pick up a bottle of their favourite aperitif or stop by for a tasting session, where you’ll be introduced to an array of delicious drinks.
Langham Wine Estate, Dorset
Crawthorne Farm, Crawthorne, Dorchester DT2 7NG
Dorset’s countryside is a haven of idyllic landscapes, from the azure-lined coast to the patchwork interior. Making the most of the nutrient-rich soil throughout Dorset’s chalk hillsides, Langham Wine Estate boasts 34 hectares of sweeping vines that could easily belong on the southern slopes of France. Taking a low-intervention approach to winemaking, Langham’s wines have made their name amongst England’s finest sparkling vintages, using traditional methods and the same porous chalk found in Champagne’s Côte des Blancs.
The result? A selection of sparkling wines that will have you seeking a top-up in record time, whether you opt for the vineyard’s Culver Classic Cuvée, which has won a gold medal at the WineGB Awards two years in a row, or the Blanc de Blancs chardonnay with its toasty flavours and opulent aroma. Experience the award-winning wines in person with a self-guided or guided tour, or book a table at the vineyard’s café, Smiths Kitchen, for a plate of something tasty paired with a glass of something utterly delightful. The sun-soaked vineyard also holds a fabulous selection of events throughout the year, from live music to seafood feasts.
Woodchester Valley Vineyard, Cotswolds
Convent Lane, Stroud GL5 5HR
A National Landscape that oozes countryside charm from every honey-dipped corner, it’s perhaps little surprise that the Cotswolds is home to a few of the best vineyards in the UK. One of the newer vineyards to take the country by storm, Woodchester Valley promises a tempting mix of wines, including silky reds, deliciously dry rosés, and an English Sauvignon Blanc so good it was the first of its kind to win an international medal.
Surrounded by the Cotswolds’ famous countryside, Woodchester Valley offers a range of tours and tastings to delve deeper into the world of viticulture, whether you want a simple introduction to Woodchester’s wines or a complete dining experience with grazing hampers adding a tasty touch to the proceedings. We particularly love the ‘Fizz and Chips’ events for a perfect combination of English favourites, or the vineyard tour and dog walk for those who want to explore with their furry best friend by their side.
Adgestone Vineyard, Isle of Wight
Upper Road, Brading, Sandown PO36 0ES
There are few vineyards in the UK with more laurels to their name than Adgestone Vineyard on the Isle of Wight. Not only is it the oldest, continuously operating vineyard in the UK, but their famous ‘Something Blue’ is the only blue sparkling wine in the UK, and the only one in the world to be made in the ‘Method Traditionale’. Put these together, and you have an utterly unique destination that’s sure to tickle your tastebuds.
Adgestone’s offering reflects every part of the Island, from its turquoise coast and golden beaches to its red squirrels, inviting you to sip dry whites, sparkling reds, country concoctions, and flavoursome liqueurs - alongside a range of hot sauces to celebrate the Island’s balmy climate! Stop by for a fascinating tour and tasting (no need to book), and meet the friendly team, who are only too happy to answer your questions (as long as it’s not how to make a wine blue!) There’s also a lovely restaurant where you can dine on sprawling sharing platters while gazing out to sea, with live acoustic music playing in the background in the summer months.
Rathfinny Wine Estate, Sussex
Alfriston, Polegate BN26 5TU
Home to sprawling countryside and gently rolling hills, the South East of England is known far and wide as the UK’s wine country, and it’s very easy to see why. Sussex is home to an astonishing number of vineyards, with East and West Sussex both making the most of the perfect conditions for growing. One such vineyard is the extensive Rathfinny Wine Estate in the tranquil charms of the South Downs, which sits a stone’s throw from the sea and boasts chalk-rich soils and south-facing slopes.
This spectacular setting, plus a true affinity for producing sparkling wines using traditional methods, has led to Rathfinny collecting a host of international awards, as well as being the first grower/producer of sparkling wine to be awarded B Corp status. Surrounded by glorious Sussex countryside, the Rathfinny estate makes for a rather special day out. Embark on an exclusive seasonal tour to find out all you need to know about the process from vine to wine, before stopping by the Flint Barns Dining Room or The Hut for a bite to eat. The estate also hosts tasting sessions, with a shop on hand so you can stock up on your favourites before you go.
Hambledon Wine Estate, Hampshire
East Street, Hambledon, Waterlooville PO7 4RY
Curious about the roots of England’s viticultural history? Hambledon Wine Estate in Hampshire began life in 1952, becoming the first commercial vineyard in the country in a few short years. The estate’s location amidst the chalky hills of the South Downs has led to decades of excellent harvests and a heady selection of sparkling wines, with the Blanc de Blancs Cuvée holding many awards to its name.
For those curious about life behind the vine-laden curtain of England’s oldest winery, a series of guided walks and tastings is on offer throughout the year. Join a tour and tasting for an in-depth look at how the vineyard operates, before heading to the Tasting Room to try three of Hambledon’s delightful sparkling wines, and add a cheese board or charcuterie platter to really kick things up a notch. For the ultimate dose of vinspiration, book the Safari Tour, Tasting, and Lunch. You’ll enjoy a fascinating drive around the vineyard followed by a wine flight tasting and finally a three-course lunch accompanied by a glass of the award-winning Classic Cuvée for a truly unforgettable fine dining experience.
Balfour Winery, Kent
Five Oak Lane, Staplehurst, Tonbridge TN12 0HT
Entering the viticultural scene in 2007 with 10,000 bottles of the Balfour Brut Rosé, which won a gold medal at the International Wine Challenge, Balfour Winery in Kent certainly hit the ground running with their bubbly debut. Since then, Balfour has expanded and grown to boast one of the best winemaking estates in England, with an incredible array of things to see and do for visitors. Join tutored tasting sessions and learn to tell your Bacchus from your Brut, stop by for a sunset tour for some honeyed tipples amidst the sun’s golden rays, or even book onto some yoga in the vines, which invites you to stretch and breathe before tasting three immaculate vintages.
Balfour’s wine cellar has something for everyone, whether you enjoy a light and bright sparkling rosé or a Pinot Noir that’s silky smooth and oh-so-sippable - not to mention a selection of beer and cider to really round out the offering. To find your favourite, we recommend joining a tasting or booking a table at the Cellar Door Dining restaurant, where you can sup and sip to your heart’s content.
Glyndwr Vineyard, Vale of Glamorgan
Llanblethian, Cowbridge CF71 7JF
The oldest vineyard in Wales and a pioneer for Welsh viticulture, Glyndwr Vineyard is a must-visit for anyone staying in Wales. Glyndwr is one of the smaller estates on our list, but there’s a magical beauty here that makes it feel like a true pocket paradise surrounded by rolling pastures and tree-topped hills. There’s a wonderful atmosphere of life here, with pheasants and chickens roaming between the vines and hedgerows left to bloom, providing a rich habitat for local birds.
Boasting something for every palate and occasion, Glyndwr’s wines range from dry white and vintage sparkling wines to deep reds and even a brandy or two. The vineyard tour here is rather famous amongst visitors and locals alike, often appearing at the top of lists touting the best things to do in South Wales. Starting with a glass of sparkling wine, you’ll be shown around the vineyard and introduced to the resident llamas before enjoying a toothsome lunch full of homemade quiche, local sausages, rustic bread and a selection of Welsh cheeses - and two glasses of Glyndwr wine, of course!
Robin Hood’s Bay Vineyard, Yorkshire
Greenhills Farm, High Lane, Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby YO22 4PJ
Overlooking one of the most famous stretches of coast in Yorkshire, Robin Hood’s Bay Vineyard is a hidden gem you simply won’t want to miss. The setting alone is cause for celebration, with breathtaking views across the bay and surrounding countryside, which you can soak up during a vinsome tour and tasting. You’ll learn all about the fascinating history of the vineyard before trying some of the unique wines.
Starting in 2017, Bay Vineyard is actually the second Yorkshire vineyard from Sheveling Wine Estate, with the first blooming into existence in Holmfirth. Although both vineyards grow the same grapes, the wines are remarkably different, with Bay’s coastal location playing a pivotal role in the flavours and bouquets found in each bottle. Starting with a selection of white wines and rosés, Bay Vineyard has also crafted its first sparkling wine, a Rondo Rosé with oodles of character and bubbles to spare.
Feeling thirsty? Explore our beautiful holiday cottages around the UK and plan your next vinspirational getaway today.
