Top 10 English Wineries to Visit in 2025: A Wine Lover’s Guide

Explore the top 10 English wineries to visit in 2025. A wine lover’s guide to vineyard tours, tastings, and the best UK wine experiences.

The English wine renaissance has transformed the countryside of southern England into one of Europe’s most exciting wine tourism destinations. With nearly 1,000 vineyards now dotting the landscape from Cornwall to Yorkshire, wine lovers have unprecedented opportunities to explore world-class wineries producing award-winning wines that rival the finest international offerings. The combination of stunning countryside settings, innovative winemaking, and exceptional hospitality makes English wine tourism a compelling alternative to traditional European wine regions.

Wine tourism in England offers unique advantages that distinguish it from established wine destinations. The compact geography means multiple world-class wineries can be visited in a single day, while the English approach to hospitality ensures memorable experiences that extend far beyond simple tastings. From historic estates with centuries of agricultural heritage to cutting-edge sustainable operations pioneering the future of winemaking, English wineries provide diverse experiences that cater to every interest and preference.

The transformation of English wine from curiosity to serious contender has been accompanied by equally impressive developments in wine tourism infrastructure. Modern tasting rooms, award-winning restaurants, luxury accommodations, and innovative tour experiences now rival those found in Champagne, Tuscany, or Napa Valley. This evolution reflects the confidence and ambition of English wine producers who understand that exceptional wine deserves equally exceptional presentation.

Kent, often called the “Garden of England,” offers equally compelling wine tourism opportunities with its own distinct character and terroir expressions. The county’s proximity to London makes it particularly accessible for day trips and weekend escapes, while its historic significance and cultural attractions provide additional context for wine-focused visits.

The seasonal nature of English wine tourism adds another dimension to the experience. Spring brings the excitement of budbreak and early vineyard work, while summer offers perfect conditions for outdoor tastings and vineyard walks. Autumn harvest periods provide opportunities to witness winemaking in action, and winter allows for intimate cellar tastings and cosy fireside experiences.

Top 10 English Wineries for Exceptional Experiences
1. Ridgeview Wine Estate, East Sussex
Location: Ditchling Common, East Sussex
Established: 1995
Speciality: Premium sparkling wines

Ridgeview Wine Estate represents the pinnacle of English sparkling wine production, with over 25 years of winemaking excellence that has graced royal occasions and earned international recognition. The estate’s commitment to traditional methods combined with innovative approaches creates wines that consistently compete with the world’s finest sparkling wines.

The visitor experience at Ridgeview centres around comprehensive tours that provide deep insights into traditional sparkling wine production. Guests explore the vineyards to understand terroir influences before visiting the state-of-the-art winery where traditional methods are explained in detail. The tour culminates in guided tastings that showcase the estate’s range, often paired with local Sussex cheeses that complement the wines’ character perfectly.

Ridgeview’s educational approach makes it particularly suitable for wine enthusiasts seeking to understand sparkling wine production. The knowledgeable staff provide detailed explanations of riddling, disgorgement, and dosage, while the tasting sessions explore how different grape varieties and vineyard sites influence final wine character.

2. Gusbourne Estate, Kent
Location: Appledore, Kent
Established: 2004
Speciality: Award-winning sparkling wines

Gusbourne Estate has achieved remarkable recognition in its relatively short history, consistently earning international accolades for exceptional sparkling wines that showcase Kent terroir at its finest. The estate’s modern approach to winemaking, combined with respect for traditional methods, creates wines that embody both innovation and heritage.

The vineyard setting at Gusbourne provides stunning views across the Kent countryside, with guided tours revealing how the estate’s unique microclimate and soil composition contribute to wine quality. The state-of-the-art winery showcases modern winemaking technology while maintaining traditional production methods essential for premium sparkling wine.

Visitor feedback consistently highlights Gusbourne’s exceptional hospitality and the beauty of both vineyards and tasting facilities. The modern, elegant tasting room provides the perfect setting for exploring Gusbourne’s range, with knowledgeable staff guiding guests through the nuances of each wine while explaining the estate’s philosophy and production methods.

The estate’s commitment to excellence extends beyond winemaking to encompass every aspect of the visitor experience. From the moment guests arrive, attention to detail and genuine passion for wine create memorable experiences that often inspire return visits and lasting appreciation for English wine quality.

3. Nyetimber, West Sussex
Location: West Chiltington, West Sussex
Established: 1988
Speciality: Premium English sparkling wine

Nyetimber holds legendary status in English wine, often considered the estate that proved English sparkling wine could rival Champagne at the highest levels. The estate’s unwavering commitment to quality and its role in establishing English wine’s international reputation make it essential visiting for serious wine enthusiasts.

Access to Nyetimber requires advance planning, as open days are limited and highly sought after. This exclusivity reflects the estate’s focus on quality over quantity, with visitor experiences designed to provide intimate insights into meticulous production processes that create wines of exceptional character and complexity.

When available, Nyetimber tours offer unparalleled access to one of England’s most prestigious wine operations. Guests explore vineyards that have been carefully developed over decades, learning how site selection, grape growing, and winemaking combine to create wines that consistently compete with the world’s finest sparkling wines.

The rarity of Nyetimber visits makes them particularly special for wine collectors and enthusiasts. The opportunity to taste wines directly from the estate, often including library vintages and special cuvées not available elsewhere, provides experiences that justify the exclusivity and advance planning required.

4. Chapel Down, Kent
Location: Tenterden, Kent
Established: 1992
Speciality: England’s largest winery producing still and sparkling wines

Chapel Down’s position as England’s largest and most renowned winery makes it an essential destination for understanding the scope and ambition of modern English winemaking. The estate’s comprehensive approach to wine tourism, combined with exceptional wines and dining, creates experiences that showcase the full potential of English wine hospitality.

The guided tours at Chapel Down provide comprehensive insights into large-scale English wine production while maintaining focus on quality and innovation. Visitors explore extensive vineyards and modern winemaking facilities that demonstrate how English wine has evolved from cottage industry to serious commercial operation capable of competing internationally.

The Swan restaurant at Chapel Down elevates wine tourism to fine dining levels, offering gourmet meals specifically designed to complement the estate’s award-winning wine selections. The restaurant’s commitment to local sourcing and seasonal menus creates perfect synergy between food and wine while showcasing the broader culinary excellence of the Kent region.

Chapel Down’s educational programs and events calendar provide multiple opportunities for engagement beyond standard tours and tastings. From harvest participation to winemaker dinners, the estate offers experiences that deepen understanding and appreciation of English winemaking while building lasting connections with the wine community.

5. Hambledon Vineyard, Hampshire
Location: Hambledon, Hampshire
Established: 1952 (modern era: 2000s)
Speciality: England’s oldest commercial vineyard, premium sparkling wines

Hambledon Vineyard holds the distinction of being England’s oldest commercial vineyard, with a history that provides unique perspective on the evolution of English winemaking. The estate’s combination of historical significance and modern excellence creates visitor experiences that connect past, present, and future of English wine.

The estate tours at Hambledon include visits to the famous chalk cellars that provide natural temperature control for wine aging. These underground cellars, carved into the Hampshire chalk, create atmospheric settings for tastings while demonstrating how English producers utilise natural advantages to enhance wine quality.

Hambledon’s focus on premium sparkling wine production allows for detailed exploration of traditional methods and quality considerations. Visitors learn how the estate’s commitment to excellence, from vineyard management through final bottling, creates wines that honour the site’s historical significance while meeting contemporary quality standards.

The estate’s educational approach makes it particularly valuable for visitors interested in English wine history and development. The tours provide context for understanding how English wine evolved from historical curiosity to modern excellence, while tastings demonstrate the quality achievements that validate this transformation.

6. Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey
Location: Dorking, Surrey
Established: 1986
Speciality: England’s largest vineyard (265 acres)

Denbies Wine Estate offers unparalleled scale in English wine tourism, with 265 acres of vines creating one of the most impressive vineyard landscapes in the country. The estate’s size enables comprehensive exploration of different vineyard sites and wine styles while providing facilities that accommodate large groups and diverse interests.

The visitor experience at Denbies includes multiple tour options, from indoor winery tours to outdoor vineyard explorations and unique 360° cinema experiences. This variety ensures that visitors can customise their experience based on interests, weather conditions, and available time while gaining comprehensive understanding of large-scale English wine production.

Two on-site restaurants provide dining options with spectacular vineyard views. The restaurants’ menus showcase local Surrey produce while offering perfect pairings for Denbies wines, creating complete culinary experiences that demonstrate the estate’s commitment to hospitality excellence.

The estate’s educational facilities and comprehensive tour options make it particularly suitable for group visits and corporate events. The combination of impressive scale, diverse experiences, and professional facilities creates memorable occasions for celebrations, team building, and wine education programs.

7. Bolney Wine Estate, West Sussex
Location: Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Established: 1972
Speciality: Pioneer estate producing award-winning still and sparkling wines

Bolney Wine Estate holds special significance as one of England’s pioneering wineries, established in 1972 when English wine was still considered experimental. The estate’s role in proving that exceptional wines could be produced in England makes it essential visiting for understanding the foundations of the modern English wine industry.

The comprehensive tours at Bolney include walks through mature vineyards that demonstrate how English viticulture has evolved over five decades. Visitors learn about the challenges faced by early English wine pioneers and how persistence and innovation overcame initial obstacles to create today’s thriving industry.

The Eighteen Acre Café provides panoramic views across the Sussex countryside while offering menus that celebrate local ingredients. The café’s setting and cuisine create perfect complement to wine tastings while demonstrating the lifestyle and cultural benefits that wine tourism brings to rural communities.

8. Squerryes Estate, Kent
Location: Westerham, Kent
Established: 1731 (wine production began 2006)
Speciality: Historic estate producing elegant sparkling wines

Squerryes Estate combines centuries of English heritage with modern winemaking excellence, creating visitor experiences that showcase both historical significance and contemporary quality. The estate’s 1731 establishment provides unique context for understanding how traditional English agriculture has evolved to embrace wine production.

Tours at Squerryes explore the estate’s rich heritage while focusing on modern winemaking philosophy and techniques. Visitors learn how the estate’s historical knowledge of land management translates into successful viticulture, while tastings demonstrate the elegant sparkling wines that result from this combination of experience and innovation.

The picturesque gardens at Squerryes provide stunning settings for tastings and events. The combination of formal gardens, historic architecture, and modern vineyard plantings creates uniquely English wine tourism experiences that distinguish the estate from purely commercial operations.

The estate’s approach to wine tourism emphasises quality over quantity, with intimate experiences that allow for detailed exploration of wines and meaningful interaction with knowledgeable staff. This focus creates memorable visits that often inspire deeper engagement with English wine and return visits to explore seasonal variations.

9. Tillingham Wines, East Sussex
Location: Peasmarsh, East Sussex
Established: 2017
Speciality: Progressive biodynamic vineyard with innovative practices

Tillingham Wines represents the cutting edge of English winemaking, combining biodynamic viticulture with innovative techniques that challenge traditional approaches while respecting natural processes. The estate’s progressive philosophy creates unique visitor experiences that showcase the future direction of sustainable wine production.

Accommodation options at Tillingham enable extended visits that provide deeper immersion in the estate’s philosophy and practices. Weekend retreats allow visitors to experience the full cycle of vineyard and winery activities while enjoying the peaceful Sussex countryside setting.

Tours at Tillingham focus on biodynamic practices and sustainable winemaking techniques that minimise environmental impact while maximising wine quality. Visitors learn about innovative approaches to viticulture and winemaking that may influence the broader English wine industry’s future development.

10. Simpsons Wine Estate, Kent
Location: Barham, Kent
Established: 2016
Speciality: Modern estate combining traditional methods with cutting-edge technology

Simpsons Wine Estate represents the newest generation of English wineries, combining traditional winemaking methods with cutting-edge technology to create exceptional still and sparkling wines. The estate’s modern approach and impressive facilities showcase the ambition and sophistication of contemporary English wine production.

The Glass House Tasting Room at Simpsons provides panoramic views of the Kent countryside while offering elegant settings for wine tastings and events. The modern architecture and thoughtful design create memorable experiences that reflect the estate’s commitment to excellence in every aspect of operation.

Tours at Simpsons demonstrate how modern technology enhances traditional winemaking methods without compromising quality or character. Visitors explore state-of-the-art facilities while learning how innovation and tradition combine to create wines that compete at the highest international levels.

The estate’s focus on both still and sparkling wine production provides comprehensive insights into the diversity of English wine styles. Tastings showcase the range of expressions possible from English terroir while demonstrating the skill and ambition of the newest generation of English winemakers.

Planning Your English Wine Tour
Successful English wine tourism requires thoughtful planning to maximise experiences while accommodating the practical considerations of visiting multiple estates. The concentration of wineries in Sussex and Kent enables ambitious itineraries, but advance booking is essential for most premium estates.

The integration of sustainability practices and environmental responsibility into wine tourism reflects broader consumer values while demonstrating industry leadership in responsible tourism development. These commitments enhance the appeal of English wine tourism while protecting the countryside settings that make it so compelling.

English wine tourism in 2025 offers world-class experiences that rival any international wine destination. The combination of exceptional wines, stunning countryside settings, innovative hospitality, and genuine passion creates memorable experiences that often exceed expectations. From historic estates with centuries of heritage to cutting-edge operations pioneering sustainable practices, English wineries provide diverse experiences that cater to every interest and preference.

The accessibility of English wine tourism, combined with the quality of wines and experiences, makes it compelling for both domestic and international visitors. The compact geography enables comprehensive exploration within short timeframes, while the English approach to hospitality ensures memorable experiences that extend far beyond simple wine tasting.

As English wine continues gaining international recognition and investment, wine tourism infrastructure and experiences will undoubtedly continue improving. The foundation of exceptional wines, beautiful settings, and passionate producers ensures that English wine tourism will remain compelling for years to come, offering discoveries and pleasures that justify any wine lover’s attention and time.

Whether seeking educational experiences, romantic getaways, celebration venues, or simply the pleasure of exceptional wine in beautiful settings, English wineries provide options that satisfy every desire while showcasing the remarkable achievements of the English wine renaissance.

References
[1] BBC Travel. (2024). “The English wine that’s rivalling Champagne.” Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240918-the-english-wine-thats-rivalling-champagne

[2] Blacklane. (2025). “21 of the Best English Vineyards to Visit in 2025.” Retrieved from https://www.blacklane.com/en/blog/travel/best-english-vineyards/

[3] The Guardian. (2025). “The best UK vineyards to visit this summer – and what to drink at them.” Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2025/aug/07/best-uk-vineyards-wine