These days, it’s a very different story. Last year, Wine GB, the official body for wine production in the UK, released an annual report which revealed that there are now 37,000 hectares given over to wine production in the England and Wales – that’s an increase of 70 per cent in the last five years. In 2021, we glugged some 9.3 million British-produced bottles, two-thirds of which were sparkling, and wine tourism is on the up too.
After all, what could be nicer than a wine tasting weekend in the UK? Lush scenery, excellent wine (naturally) and no need for a designated driver to sit out the fun. If you’re looking for a truly grape escape (we know, we know), we’ve rounded up our top spots for wine tasting with an overnight stay in the UK.
How We Selected The Best Vineyards With Accommodation
We have previously delved into some of the best British vineyards to visit in the UK. Here we take a look at those you can stay in. And whilst many are clustered around the south coast, we have endeavoured to include a geographic diversity of options, as well as those at a range of prices. There are dog-friendly and child-friendly options; there are relaxed self-guided tours and there are those for serious oenophiles too; and there are luxury lodges alongside glamping options. Grab a glass, have a read and take your pick.
Wine Tasting with Overnight Stay UK: GWG TOP Vineyard List
Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey
One of the trailblazers, Denbies was established in 1986 and is now one of the largest vineyards in the UK. And yet, despite its stratospheric success, it is still run by the same family who planted the first vines 37 years ago. Set in Dorking amid the Surrey Hills, visitors should try its Ranmore Hill 2017, which won Wine GB’s McNie Trophy for ‘Best Blended White Wine’ as well as a Gold medal in 2019. Its Denbies Sparkling Greenfields Cuvée NV too is a must-try, having scooped Gold at the International Wine Challenge in 2016. There are all manner of ways in which to visit; you could plump for the indoor wine tasting winery tours; an outdoor vineyard train tour; or a group tour of the vines. But best of all, do book into its 17-room hotel, housed within a beautiful converted farmhouse. With three restaurants on-site with stunning views across the vines, it is an ideal spot for a wine tasting weekend that’s not too far from London. Book it.
Tinwood Estate, West Sussex
We do love a trip with multiple possibilities. Tinwood, which Art and Jody Tukker founded in 2006, presents exactly that thanks to its proximity to the ever-lovely town of Chichester, where those of a cultural persuasion can pop into the exemplary Pallant gallery, as well as the excellent theatre. Speed demons, meanwhile, might combine a trip to Tinwood with a visit to the famous Goodwood, which is just down the road. However, for oenophiles with just one thing on their minds – which is to say, sparkling wine – Tinwood is very much worth the trip in its own right.
Tour the vineyard and taste its award-winning wines over 90 minutes, learning along the way how it harnesses the local flinty, chalky soil to create such beautiful flavours. Afterwards, repair to the tasting room to enjoy the three English sparkling wines made in Sussex. Running daily all year round, the experience is best capped with reservation at the exquisite Vineyard Kitchen, with its breath-taking views across the South Downs and its light bites, from arancini truffle rice balls and chickpea fritters to its excellent selection of cheese. But, if you’re not ready to say goodbye yet, why not make it a cheese and wine tasting overnight stay? There are three wonderful wine lodges on the site, a night spent at any of which immerses you beautifully in the surroundings and relaxes the soul, thanks to the views and the two-person jacuzzi each features. Do try the rosé 2020, which is made from 20 per cent chardonnay, 60 per cent pinot-noir and 20 per cent pinot-meunier for a summery sip that evokes raspberries and strawberries. Book it.
Llanerch Vineyard, South Wales
Llanerch has been in operation as a working farm since the 1800s. In 1970, the land was snapped up by couple Peter and Diane, who raised their children, as well as many horses, in idyllic conditions there. But when, in the 1980s, they sold their five pharmacies and their children left home, fortuitous happenstance dictated that Diane should stumble across an article in the Guardian on the subject of British vineyards. With that, a seed was sewn and soon the vineyard was established. A few twists and turns later, Ryan Davies took the site over in 2010 and, in 2019, opened a hotel extension with 26 rooms which has since been recognised as the AA Best Hotel in Wales. Its vineyard tours take one hour, or you could book one of the top wine tasting breaks in the UK, including enjoying a night at the award-winning, two-rosette restaurant, which specialises in locally sourced ingredients and, of course, excellent wine pairings. Known for its crisp and lively Cariad sparkling white, guests are in for a real treat. Book it.
Sandridge Barton, Devon
Much of Britain’s wine production happens in Kent and Sussex, its conditions ideally suited to creating sparkling beauties that many compare favourably to those from Champagne. With Sandridge Barton, however, we travel some way west to Devon where a relaxed vibe pervades and oenophiles are offered a range of tours, from the self-guided to the in-depth (we love that well-behaved dogs are welcomed too). Maurice & Ruth Ash originally founded the operation as Sharpham Wines on the banks of the River Dart in 1981. Later, their nephew, Mark Sharman, continued the family business, along with Sandridge Barton’s top winemaker, Duncan Schwab, and the duo have since won many national and international awards for their wines (do try Sandridge Barton Blanc de Noirs 2020, which was one of only seven wines out of 230 entries to win a ‘Master’ medal at the Global Sparkling Wine awards in 2023).
They have since decamped down river to Sandridge Barton, where they continue the good work – and offer one of the best vineyards with accommodation in the UK. Visitors can book into one of three self-catering holiday properties on the estate, right in the heart of the Dart Valley. They say, ‘The original Sandridge Barton House is set on our vineyard and orchard with views over the river Dart and sleeps up to 12 people, whereas The Boathouse is a secluded two-bedroom property right on the tideline of the river. Our brand-new Farmhouse at Lower Well Farm is now open too after being newly renovated and sleeps eight. This property is located next to our visitor centre, restaurant and winery with views over our oldest orchards.’ Book it.
Secret Valley Vineyard Glamping, Somerset
Sitting on the edge of the Quantock Hills, Secret Valley Vineyard is an idyll for those who like to shake off the formality of bricks and mortar and take their holidays al fresco. Part farm, part vineyard, part glamping site, this is, we should note, not rough-and-ready camping; rather the accommodation comes in the form of deluxe lodges that sleep up to five. There are, however, bell tents available too if you want to inch a step closer to camping proper. Once installed, do book tours and tastings to try the red, white, rosé and sparkling wines that the estate has been producing since 2010. If you’re coming with children, Secret Valley makes an ideal choice thanks to the family friendly vibe and the child-pleasing facilities, from a play barn to zorbing. Self-guided vineyard tours are available. One of the most fun vineyard stays in the UK. Book it.
Balfour Winery, Kent
Set amid 400 acres of stunning Kent countryside, Balfour on the Hush Heath Estate claimed its spot on the English wine-making map when 10,000 bottles of Balfour Brut Rosé that had been made from the first harvest in 2004 won a gold medal at the International Wine Challenge in 2007. The brainchild of Leslie Balfour-Lynn who, along with her husband Richard, conceived of the idea to create a wine that might rival Billecart Salmon Rosé, their motto back then was that, ‘If we can’t sell it, we’ll drink it.’ Though they have, no doubt, drunk their fair share of bottles along the way, happily, it was an instant success. As wine tasting weekends in the UK go, this is a great option. Its tours are comprehensive, with walks through vineyards, orchards and ancient oak woodlands on the bill, followed by tastings under the tutelage of Head Winemaker, Fergus Elias. (Do note, they only run the tours at weekends.) Balfour owns a number of pubs in various locations across the country. Those coming to the estate should book into the nearby The Wooldpack Inn in Tenterden to make a weekend of it. Book it.
July 2023
By Nancy Alsop
