Life & Soul Lifestyle Beauty . Fashion . Health . Life
English Wine Week 2025 has officially kicked off (21 to 29 June 2025), and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a day trip (or long weekend) to one of the UK’s stunning vineyards. Once a niche curiosity, English wine has evolved into a world-class offering, with award-winning still and sparkling wines now competing on the global stage.
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a full-blown fizz aficionado, a vineyard visit is the perfect way to celebrate the country’s flourishing wine scene, and soak up a bit of countryside magic while you’re at it. From Kent to Sussex to Surrey, here are five of the most scenic, stylish and experience-rich vineyards, each offering tastings, tours, and foodie moments worth planning a weekend around.
Ready to raise a glass to English Wine Week in style? These are the best vineyards to visit.
1. Chapel Down (Kent)
Tenterden, Kent – 1 hour from London by train
A true icon of English winemaking, Chapel Down is a must-visit, and not just because their sparkling wines are poured at No.10 and Royal weddings. Nestled in the heart of the Garden of England, their vineyard and winery estate in Tenterden offers a full-bodied countryside escape, just an hour from London.
New for 2025 is the Wine & Dine Experience, a day of indulgence that includes a guided tour of the vineyard and winery, a tutored tasting of Chapel Down’s award-winning wines, and a three-course lunch at The Swan – the estate’s acclaimed 2 AA Rosette restaurant. With a herb garden, winery shop, and private dining spaces also on site, this is far more than your average vineyard visit.
Whether you’re celebrating English Wine Week or simply craving a countryside day out, Chapel Down offers the perfect blend of education, elegance, and English charm.
Wine & Dine Experience available Wednesday to Sunday, £110 per person
Tour starts at 11.30am, lunch at 1.30pm
chapeldown.com
2. Denbies Wine Estate (Surrey)
Dorking, Surrey – just under 1 hour from London
Set against the rolling hills of the Surrey countryside, Denbies is the largest single-estate vineyard in the UK and one of the most accessible from London – just a short train ride to Dorking and a stroll through the vines.
This 265-acre estate isn’t just about wine (though the sparkling whites are a highlight); it’s a full sensory experience. Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor vineyard tours, a 360° immersive cinema, and guided tastings that dive into the story of English winemaking. For those looking to turn their visit into a staycation, there’s even a boutique vineyard hotel onsite, making it a convenient and romantic weekend escape.
Foodies will also love The Gallery Restaurant, where estate-grown wines are expertly paired with seasonal, locally sourced dishes – or head to the Vineyard Restaurant for a more relaxed lunch overlooking the vines.
Whether you’re planning a last-minute day trip or a longer countryside break, Denbies is a quintessential English Wine Week destination.
3. Rathfinny Wine Estate (Sussex)
Alfriston, East Sussex – 1.5 to 2 hours from London
Tucked into the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, Rathfinny is one of the UK’s most elegant wine destinations, and a jewel in Sussex’s sparkling wine crown. Known for its refined, traditional method English sparkling wines, the estate offers a serene escape surrounded by wildflowers, big skies, and vine-laced views.
During English Wine Week, book a guided vineyard tour and tasting, or simply explore the grounds at your own pace before settling in for lunch at the Rathfinny Tasting Room or a relaxed meal at the Flint Barns Dining Room. The estate also offers boutique accommodation at the Flint Barns – a former 19th-century field shelter turned stylish rural retreat.
Ideal for couples or solo travellers looking to unplug, Rathfinny feels luxurious without being pretentious.
4. Gusbourne (Kent)
Appledore, Kent – just over 1 hour from London by train + short taxi
For those who prefer their vineyard experiences sleek, intimate and quietly luxurious, Gusbourne is the one. This award-winning estate in Appledore, Kent, is known for its elegant sparkling wines and attention to detail – both in the glass and the guest experience.
During English Wine Week, you can book a Discovery Tour that includes a guided walk through the vines, an in-depth tasting of still and sparkling wines, and a generous cheese and charcuterie board featuring local produce. For something even more elevated, opt for their hosted Estate Tour with lunch, available on select dates.
The setting is low-key chic; a contemporary tasting room with panoramic vineyard views, surrounded by peaceful countryside. It’s a stylish escape for those who want to enjoy great wine without the crowds, making it perfect for solo escapes, couples, or curated group experiences.
5. Hush Heath Estate – Balfour Winery (Kent)
Staplehurst, Kent – approx. 1 hour from London by train
If you’re looking for a vineyard that blends award-winning wines with woodlands, art, and a side of countryside charm, Hush Heath Estate delivers. Home to Balfour Winery, this 400-acre estate in Kent offers one of the most scenic and relaxed wine experiences in the UK.
Book a tutored tasting, join a vineyard and winery tour, or simply enjoy a self-guided walk through the estate’s woodlands and wildflower meadows. The on-site Cellar Door Restaurant serves local, seasonal dishes perfectly matched with Balfour’s expressive still and sparkling wines.
With its Instagrammable outdoor terrace, live music events, and family- and dog-friendly atmosphere, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger. Whether you’re a wine newbie or just craving a chic countryside outing, this one’s worth putting on your English Wine Week must-visit list.
English Wine Week is the perfect excuse to escape the city, slow down, and explore the flourishing world of English wine. Whether you’re booking a full-blown vineyard retreat or simply planning a leisurely tasting tour, these stunning estates offer more than just great wine; they deliver memorable experiences, countryside calm, and a deeper connection to what’s in your glass.
From Chapel Down’s indulgent Wine & Dine experience to Gusbourne’s curated tastings and Rathfinny’s rolling South Downs views, there’s something here for every kind of wine lover.
Planning a trip? Be sure to check vineyard websites for tour dates and availability, and don’t forget to tag us on social media with your vineyard adventures.
