The best English vineyards to visit in 2024
It’s English Wine Week and to celebrate, here’s the best vineyards to tour
It’s English Wine Week from June 15 - 23, with special events being held all over the country. English wine just goes from strength to strength, winning prestigious prizes and our bubbles even giving Champagne a run for its money. The Hambledon Classic Cuvee famously caused a sensation when it scored more points in a blind-tasting than Pol Roger, Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger. Ooh, la la.
Great Britain is now home to 943 vineyards, so, why not take a day trip to a winery near you and wander through the beautiful landscape, then enjoy some wine-tasting, or make a weekend of it. I’m lucky to live near lots of fabulous vineyards in Kent – shout out to Balfour Winery, our favourite place to wander around - and really love some of our local vintages.
To get inspired, there are vineyard trails and clusters, including:
Here’s my pick of five of the best vineyards to visit in 2024.
Gusbourne, Kent
This glorious vineyard in lovely Appledore, Kent, produces high-quality vintages made from grapes grown that season in its vineyards in Kent and also Sussex. You can take vineyard tours, dinners and tasting sessions, plus special events. Visit gusbourne.com
Greyfriars, Surrey
For award-winning sparkling wine, head to Greyfriars near Guildford. “Greyfriars was one of the first vineyards in England to plant the traditional Champagne varieties, producing stunning English sparkling wine,” explains Searcys’ Head of Champagne Martin Dibben. You can book vineyard tours, or take a self-guided ones and tasting sessions. Visit greyfriarsvineyard.co.uk
Bolney, West Sussex
One of England’s oldest and loveliest vineyards is Bolney, near Hayward’s Heath.“Their journey began over 50 years ago and has been marked by excellence, reflected in the numerous awards for both still and sparkling wine,” says Martin. You can take a tour, do a wine-tasting, or dine in the café and restaurant. Visit bolneywineestate.com
Hambledon vineyard, Hampshire
England’s oldest commercial vineyard is Hambledon, north of Portsmouth, which was established in 1952 and has the goal of producing the finest English sparkling wine. They are on track – with an array of award-winning fizz. They have all sorts of tours, wine-tasting, dinners and special events and links to local accommodation. Visit hambledonvineyard.co.uk
Ryedale vineyards, North Yorkshire
England’s most northerly commercial vineyard is Ryedale, York. You can tour the family-run vineyard, do a wine-tasting and even stay over in the farmhouse, although you’ll need to book ahead as it’s super-popular. Look out for special events, such as Yorkshire Day and Wine and Yoga (sounds dangerous/brilliant). Visit ryedalevineyards.co.uk