Vineyards? In the UK? Oh yeah – it’s a big old thing these days. From Kent to Surrey, we’re actually spoiled for choice when it comes to getting up close and personal with the vines that provide our vino. So, without further ado, here’s our roundup of the very best vineyards near London for you to enjoy a gorgeous day out at – even if (when) the weather isn’t playing ball. We’ll drink to that!
1. Chapel Down, Tenterden
It seems only right to start with the country’s leading wine producer, hey? Chapel Down Winery is nestled in the heart of the Kent countryside and is beloved for its award-winning range of both sparkling and still wines. Just an hour from the capital, the Chapel Down estate includes sprawling vineyards, a working winery, a private function space, a herb garden, a shop and an on-site restaurant. There are a variety of tours you can opt for (we’d personally recommend the Wine and Dine experience which includes a guided vineyard and winery tour, an expert wine-tasting, and a three-course meal at the restaurant), but you can also just drop in and have a roam around the breathtakingly gorgeous grounds. It’s sure to be utterly wine-derful regardless.
📍 You’ll find Chapel Down at Small Hythe, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 7NG.
🚇 Nearest stations are Headcorn, Rye, and Ashford International.
2. Mount Vineyard, Shoreham
Credit: The Mount Vineyard
This award-winning spot is set in the scenic surroundings (blimey, try saying that three times after a few glasses) 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.
3. Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking
One of the five vineyards that make up the ‘Vineyards of the Surrey Hills’ – more on the others later, of course – 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 host various winery tours throughout the year, and they’ve also got the option of afternoon tea to indulge in. I mean, why not?
📍 You’ll find the Denbies Wine Estate at Bradley Lane, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6AA.
🚇 Nearest station is Dorking.
4. High Clandon, East Clandon
Credit: @highclandon via Instagram
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 truffière (which may just be the fanciest word I’ve ever written). 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.
5. Albury Organic Vineyard, Albury
Credit: @alburyvineyard via Instagram
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 pretty much have it all, really.
📍 You’ll find Albury Organic Vineyard at Silent Pool, Shere Road, Albury, Surrey, GU5 9BW.
🚇 Nearest station is Chilworth.
6. Chilworth Manor Vineyard, Chilworth
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 hold plenty of 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,GU4 8NN.
🚇 Nearest station is Chilworth.
7. Ridgeview Wine Estate, Burgess Hill
Credit: @ridgeviewwineuk via Instagram
Another one of the best vineyards near London is the Ridgeview Wine Estate, which 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, BN6 8TP.
🚇 Nearest station is Burgess Hill.
8. Nyetimber, West Chiltington
Credit: @nyetimber via Instagram
Nyetimber’s earliest mention is in none other than the Domesday Book in 1086, but the vineyard has officially been producing bottles of the grapey good stuff since 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, RH20 2HH.
🚇 Nearest station is Pulborough.
9. Tillingham, Rye
Credit: @tillinghamwines via Instagram
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, TN31 6XD.
🚇 Nearest station is Rye.
10. Gusbourne Estate, Ashford
Credit: @dennit_karamitsios via Instagram
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 via Instagram
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 (May to October) and on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the winter months. You’ll have the chance to 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.
12. Forty Hall Community Vineyard, Enfield
Credit: @fhvlondon via Instagram
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. With plenty of tours and tastings to get stuck in to throughout the year, it would be rude not to visit a vineyard that’s right on our doorstep, right?
📍 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? Cheers!