Vineyards in the UK? Yep, seriously – it’s a big old thing these days. From Kent to Surrey, we’re actually spoiled for choice when it comes to gulping down the grape juice. So, without further ado, here’s our roundup of the best vineyards near London for you to enjoy this summer – even when the weather’s not playing ball. Cheers!
1. Mount Vineyard, Shoreham
Credit: The Mount Vineyard
This award-winning spot is, as you might’ve guessed, a real working vineyard set in the scenic surroundings of Kent’s beautiful Derwent Valley. The 104-acre site does wine tastings on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, giving you the chance to learn about what’s in your glass and exactly how it got there.
Even better, they provide a cheeseboard for you to tuck into whilst your host introduces you to the English wine industry and gives you a background into how The Mount wine is made. They’ve also got a fantastic al-fresco terrace where you can tuck into delicious sharing platters and stone-baked pizzas throughout the year.
📍 You’ll find Mount Vineyard at The Mount, Church Street, Shoreham, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7SD.
🚇 Nearest station is Shoreham.
2. Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking
One of the five vineyards that make up the ‘Vineyards of the Surrey Hills’ – more on the others later – Denbies Wine Estate is one of England’s largest single estate vineyards and measures a mighty 265 acres. The first vines were planted on the estate in 1986, and since then, the estate has expanded its production capacity to a mighty one million bottles per year.
They conduct various winery tours throughout the year, and they’ve also got a fantastic afternoon tea which you can opt to indulge in. Heck, they’re even holding a Wine Half Marathon in September. Yes, you read that correctly.
📍 You’ll find the Denbies Wine Estate at Bradley Lane, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6AA.
🚇 Nearest station is Dorking.
3. High Clandon, East Clandon
Credit: High Clandon Estate Vineyard
Founded in 2004 by Sibylla and Bruce Tindale, the High Clandon Estate Vineyard is one of the best vineyards near London and is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the stunning Surrey Hills.
They specialise in English sparkling wines here, and they’ve also got truffles and honey for sale (because, why not?), which are produced in their beautiful wildlife meadow and secret truffiere. They’ve got plenty of wine tastings, tours and talks on throughout the year, and they also showcase the work of various artists in their art events and exhibitions.
📍 You’ll find the High Clandon Estate Vineyard at East Clandon, Surrey, GU4 7RP.
🚇 Nearest station is Clandon.
4. Albury Organic Vineyard, Albury
Credit: Albury Organic Vineyard
Albury is a small, family-run biodynamic vineyard also located in the beautiful Surrey Hills, and they specialise in the highest quality organic English wines. They hold regular vineyard tours, wine and cheese tastings and afternoon teas, as well as a beekeeping demonstration which will allow you to get a glimpse inside one of their Albury hives and live music events. They really do have it all.
📍 You’ll find Albury Organic Vineyard at Silent Pool, Shere Road, Albury, Surrey, GU5 9BW.
🚇 Nearest station is Chilworth.
5. Chilworth Manor Vineyard, Chilworth
Credit: Chilworth Manor Vineyard
Chilworth Manor is a historic, Grade II-listed country house located midway between Chilworth, Surrey and St Martha’s Hill. Adjoining the house is a 10 acre, south-facing site in the Surrey Hills, where they grow Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes to produce premium quality English rosé and sparkling wine.
They conduct regular tours and tastings here, and with their emphasis in producing sustainable wines, you’ll get a real insight into how the wines are made with nature at heart.
📍 You’ll find Chilworth Manor Vineyard at Manor Vineyard, Halfpenny Lane, Chilworth, Guildford,GU4 8NN.
🚇 Nearest station is Chilworth.
6. Chapel Down, Tenterden
We’ve surely all heard of this one, right? Chapel Down is one of England’s leading wine producers, and they’re famous for making an award-winning range of sparkling and still wines.
Based in the stunning ‘Garden of England’ – AKA Kent – it’s a gorgeous spot, and they offer regular wine tastings and tours of the scenic grounds. For the past few years, they’ve also been the official sparkling wine partner for Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park – the largest food and music festival in the UK.
📍 You’ll find Chapel Down Winery at Small Hythe, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 7NG.
🚇 There are no stations near, so you’ll need to drive to this one.
7. Ridgeview Wine Estate, Burgess Hill
Credit: Ridgeview Wine Estate
Another one of the best vineyards near London, the Ridgeview Wine Estate has been producing world-class sparkling wines for over 25 years now. They’re specialists in cool climate viticulture and sustainable winemaking, and they offer regular tours and tasting sessions here, too.
Don’t miss the chance to visit The Rows & Vine Restaurant, which is nestled by their Chardonnay vineyard and specialises in small plates and tapas-style dishes too.
📍 You’ll find the Ridgeview Wine Estate at Fragbarrow Lane, Ditchling Common, East Sussex, BN6 8TP.
🚇 Nearest station is Burgess Hill.
8. Nyetimber, West Chiltington
Credit: @victoriakremneva
With a mention in none other than the Domesday Book back in 1086, this vineyard is no doubt Britain’s oldest, and they’ve been producing bottles of the stuff since back in 1988. They specialise in English sparkling wine here, and they’ve got regular open days which’ll give you a chance to visit the stunning 15th-century Medieval Barn and the surrounding rolling vineyards.
You’ll get to try three different sparkling wines here, and will also be able to soak up some awe-inspiring views of the South Downs. Winner, winner!
📍 You’ll find Nyetimber at Gay Street, West Chiltington, West Sussex, RH20 2HH.
🚇 There are no stations near, so you’ll need to drive to this one.
9. Tillingham, Rye
Credit: Tillingham
Another one specialising in organic wines, Tillingham is a charming vineyard set amongst 70 acres of rolling hills and woodlands, with far reaching views along the Tillingham River valley and across to the fortified, hilltop town of Rye.
A mixed farm which dates all the way back to the 13th century, it’s home to vineyards, fruit trees, ancient woodland and livestock. On top of vineyards – which can be visited on a vineyard tour – you can also stay the night here in their gorgeous rooms – two of which are dog-friendly!
📍 You’ll find Tillingham at Dew Farm, Dew Lane, Peasmarsh, East Sussex TN31 6XD.
🚇 There are no stations near, so you’ll need to drive to this one.
10. Gusbourne Estate, Ashford
Credit: Dennis Karamitsios
Another vineyard tucked away in the Kent countryside is Gusbourne. Striving to create the finest damn wines in the world, Gusbourne planted its very first vine back in 2004, and – well – the rest is history, really. They grow the highest quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes across the estate, resulting in some pretty delicious vino.
They host a range of wine tours, tastings and events throughout the year – and if the weather’s playing ball, you can even enjoy one of their specially-made picnics within the grounds. Sounds like a dreamy day out to us!
📍 You’ll find Gusbourne Estate at Kenardington Road, Appledore, TN26 2BE.
🚇 Nearest station is Ashford International.
11. Kinsbrook Vineyard, Thakeham
Credit: @kinsbrookvineyard
Kinsbrook is a progressive vineyard in the heart of Sussex, run by some of the youngest vineyard owners in the UK, Joe Beckett and Rebecca Dancer. They host engaging wine tours every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the summer months where you can wander around the vineyard, learning all about the wine you’ll be drinking and Kinsbrook’s commitment to sustainability.
Kinsbrook also boasts a ‘wine bar-inspired‘ restaurant that serves up a seasonal, carefully-curated menu of delicious dishes, using sustainably sourced local produce.
📍 You’ll find Kinsbrook Vineyard at Kinsbrook Farmhouse, West Chiltington Road, Pulborough, RH20 2RZ.
🚇 Nearest station is Billinghurst but you’ll need to get a taxi from the station.
12. Forty Hall Community Vineyard, Enfield
Credit: @londonideass
Rounding off our list of the best vineyards near London is one that’s actually in London – who would have thought? In fact, it’s London’s only commercial scale vineyard, dedicated to producing high quality, certified organic English wines.
Based on an 170-acre mixed farm, the vineyard is a social enterprise, largely looked after by volunteers. They’re currently looking for fundraising opportunities to stay open, so to find out more and donate, head to their website.
📍 You’ll find Forty Hall Community Vineyard at Forty Hall Farm, Enfield, EN2 9HA.
🚇 Nearest station is Turkey Street.
So there you have it – a roundup of the best vineyards near London. From Sussex to Surrey, you really don’t have to travel far, so what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!