When you think of famous wine regions, your mind might go to Bordeaux, Tuscany, or Napa Valley. However, some incredible vineyards and wineries are much closer to home.
While it’s often overlooked, English wine is becoming increasingly popular and regularly wins international awards.
According to Wine GB’s latest report, more than 1.5 million people visited vineyards and wineries across the UK in 2023 – a 55% increase when compared to a year earlier. In fact, the organisation believes that with some changes, the number could rise as high as 16 million a year.
So, with English Wine Week around the corner (21 to 29 June 2025), now could be the perfect time to visit these vineyards and wineries. Here are seven to consider.
1. Gusbourne, Kent
Gusbourne is the ideal day trip from London if you want to escape the busy city or combine it with a trip to the capital if you’re travelling from further afield.
The 60 hectares of Burgundian clones have led to award-winning sparkling whites and rosés. As well as a tasting flight of limited-edition wines, you can also choose their picnic for two – perfect for a summer day – or one of the special events, which include a midsummer barbecue, an open cellar, and the chance to have a tour with the head winemaker.
2. Albury Vineyard, Surrey
Located in the picturesque Surrey Hills, Albury Vineyard is family-run and focuses on producing organic traditional sparkling grape wines.
What’s more, they hold dog-friendly open days, host musicians, offer bee-keeping demonstrations, and much more – you’re sure to find something that catches your attention on the event list. The vineyard also includes a delightful wildlife walk, where you might be lucky enough to spot barn owls and other creatures.
3. Gutter & Stars, Cambridge
Gutter & Stars will certainly catch your attention thanks to its unusual location – it’s housed in an old windmill less than a mile from Cambridge city centre. They make small-batch wine that has been known to sell out within days.
The winery is housed in the basement of the mill, and tours offer a great opportunity to discover how the team crafts its wine in the small space that’s just big enough for the equipment and fittings.
4. Dunesforde, York
Located in the Vale of York, Dunesforde is a four-acre boutique vineyard that draws inspiration from Tuscany and local Roman heritage.
Alongside tasting events, you can also enjoy events like Art in the Vineyard and a cheese and wine evening. The family behind Dunesforde also purchased a 25-acre plot that they’ve turned into a thriving nature reserve that you can visit for an off-grid experience.
5. Everflyht, Sussex
Everflyht was established in 2016 after the Ellis family was inspired by a trip to Napa Valley. Now, they produce sparkling wines with a focus on sustainability. There are plenty of tasting days and seasonal tours you can book, or, for a more tailored experience, you can opt for private access to the tasting room.
The vineyard is nestled at the foot of Ditchling Beacon in the heart of the South Downs national park. So, it could be ideal if you’re looking for a weekend break that combines great wine and stunning landscapes.
6. Camel Valley, Cornwall
On the right day, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Italy when visiting the Camel Valley vineyard in Cornwall. At the bottom of a winding road, the sun terrace is an excellent place to sit with a glass of wine.
If you want a closer look at the vineyard, the tour promises to be filled with enthusiasm and aims to show off the infectious passion of the team who work here.
7. Harrow & Hope, Buckinghamshire
If you’d love to learn more about the winemaking process, a trip to Harrow & Hope is highly recommended. The experts will show you how it goes from vine to bottle and offer you a tutored tasting of three of their award-winning sparkling wines.
The beautiful vineyard overlooks the River Thames on a gravel terrace that was formed by the river cutting into the Chilterns chalk around 450,000 years ago, which gives their pinot noir ripeness and texture.
