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12 beautiful English vineyards to visit this summer for wine, views and long lunches
From guided tastings and scenic walks to long lunches overlooking the vines we’ve got you covered
Nothing says summer quite like a cold glass of wine in the dappled shade of a tree – and when it has been produced just a few feet away, all the better.
With vineyards from Kent to Cornwall, there's a growing buzz surrounding the south of England's wine industry. And it's easy to see why – English sparkling wine in particular has gained international recognition, winning awards and taking pride of place on the wine lists of the best country house hotels and finest restaurants.
Made using the same grape varieties as champagne – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – English sparkling wine has gone from niche interest to serious contender. The chalk soils and temperate conditions found in parts of southern England have proved particularly well suited to these classic sparkling-wine grapes.
But don’t just take our word for it. With a whole host of vineyard tours to choose from, you could be sipping a glass of English sparkling wine in a scenic spot this summer. Guided tastings also offer the chance to learn more about the production process and different varieties, deepening your appreciation and leaving you feeling a little more wine-savvy.
We’ve rounded up some of the best wine experiences and vineyards to visit this summer – from wood-fired pizza at sunset to boutique winery tours.
Nyetimber, West Sussex
One of the best-known names in English sparkling wine, Nyetimber has played a major role in putting English wine on the map. Its award-winning sparkling wines are made in the traditional method and regularly win international acclaim. Nyetimber offers a selection of bookable estate tours and tastings across the season, giving visitors the chance to explore the vineyards and learn more about its winemaking heritage.
Biddenden Vineyards, Kent
Kent’s oldest commercial vineyard, Biddenden has been producing wine since the 1960s and remains family-run today. Best known for its still wines, ciders and juices, it offers tastings and tours that make it easy to learn more about English wine in an unflashy, approachable setting. There’s also a shop on site, making it a good stop for stocking up before heading home.
Halfpenny Green Wine Estate, Shropshire
Set in the South Staffordshire countryside near the Shropshire border, Halfpenny Green is one of England’s longest-established family-run wineries. It produces still, sparkling and sweet wines, and offers tours and tastings for those keen to learn more about the process. With a restaurant and shop on site, it also makes an easy choice for a long lunch or relaxed afternoon.
Roebuck Estates, West Sussex
From its picturesque spot in the South Downs National Park near Petworth, Roebuck specialises in vintage sparkling wines that have won a host of accolades.
Its award-winning Classic Cuvée 2018 is a bestseller, with notes of citrus fruits and a balanced finish – but visit the vineyard to try different varieties and pick a favourite for yourself.
As well as guided vineyard tours and tastings, Roebuck also runs popular "sunset sippings" on Friday evenings, where you can raise a glass of its sparkling wine and enjoy wood-fired pizza as sun sets over the vineyard.
Gusbourne, Kent
One of the biggest names in English wine, and for good reason, Gusbourne's sparkling wines have been much lauded. Its location (6 miles from the coast) and unique soil helps to create flavoursome grapes, which are crafted into its award-winning wines on site.
Explore its Appledore estate on a tour focusing on sparkling, still or limited edition wines. Alternatively, tag on some fine dining with a vineyard picnic or a tour followed by a three-course lunch with wine pairing.
St Martin's Vineyard & Winery, Isles of Scilly
Not many vineyards can boast sea views – but if you find yourself on the island of St Martin's (part of the Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall), pay a visit to this regenerative vineyard and you could be wandering through vines above sandy beaches with a sea breeze on your skin.
Run by James and Holly, who moved here from the Midlands as winemaking novices in 2020, the focus is on sustainability – look out for wildflowers and wildlife including butterflies, songbird and Scilly shrews.
No need to pre-book: simply drop in on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday to take a self-guided tour of the vineyard and woodland trails, or enjoy a tasting or wine flight.
Sugrue South Downs, Sussex
With celebrity fans including Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville, this South Downs vineyard has been making waves in the sparkling wine world – one of its 2009 expressions recently won the prestigious 'Best in Show' at the Decanter World Wine Awards.
Book onto a tasting with its winemakers on the last Friday evening of each month to see what all the fuss is about. Sugrue South Downs is also hosting a series of gourmet food events over summer, including food and wine pairing masterclasses and pop-up alfresco lunches with the UK's top chefs.
Black Chalk, Hampshire
On the banks of the River Test in Hampshire, a visit to Black Chalk Estate's vineyard is a great option for families, as children and dogs are welcome.
The Old Diary has been thoughtfully converted into a Tasting Room, with a courtyard garden leading to a circular vineyard (pictured) – drop in for a glass of wine, tasting flight, coffee or a meal with locally-sourced ingredients.
Pick from self-guided vineyard tours, an expert guided vineyard and winery tour, or even a private tutored tasting from a treehouse. All are available with cheese, charcuterie or lunch add-ons for delicious pairings.
Bolney Wine Estate, Haywards Heath
Nestled in the stunning Sussex countryside, Bolney Wine Estate is one of England's oldest vineyards. Less than an hour from central London by train, it's the perfect place to visit for a boozy lunch, vineyard tour, or lunch in the beautiful award-winning Eighteen Acre Restaurant (we recommend the Charcuterie Board to share washed down with a glass of Bolney Cuvée Noir NV).
Wiston Estate, West Sussex
2,000 years ago, the Romans were the first to grow grapes on the chalky slopes of the South Downs where Wiston Estate now produces award-winning sparkling wines.
Explore it on a vineyard tour and tasting, join a sundowner safari, tasting and dinner or, if you're feeling adventurous, embark on an off-road bike tour with lunch and wine pairing after.
Denbies Estate, Surrey
Founded in 1986, Denbies, near the market town of Dorking, is England's largest single-estate vineyard at 265 acres. Hop on its "train" for a tour, encompassing views over neighbouring Box Hill (one of Britain's most popular walks).
Alternatively, if the weather isn't playing ball, you can also take an indoor tour to you can learn about how its wines are produced and explore the vast cellar, complete with tasting.
Chapel Down, Kent
A stone's throw from the picturesque market town of Tenterden in Kent, Chapel Down winery offers an award-winning range of sparkling and still wines. Learn about the winemaking process, from grape to glass, through various experiences with their team of experts.
New for 2026, the vineyard is also hosting theatre shows, orchestra evenings and a 'taste of England' series with various guest chefs taking over the restaurant.
Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.
Lizzie is the multiplatform editor at Country Living, where you’ll find her writing about unique property market finds and dreamy UK staycation spots. Her specialisms include interiors, property, wildlife, travel, slow living and more. Previously, she’s written for Metro, Evening Standard, Ideal Home, Woman & Home and various other home and lifestyle titles. Lizzie studied English Literature at University of Liverpool, where she also was a writer and editor for her uni paper.
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