It’s English Wine Week, so to celebrate all things home-grown, we’ve rounded up 10 vineyards you can visit nearby
The Mount Vineyard
Tucked away in the village of Shoreham, you’ll find The Mount Vineyard, with award-winning wines and plenty to offer the discerning foodie too. From Thursday to Sunday take in the vineyard views, then enjoy a tasting of their fine wines.
www.themountvineyard.co.uk
Squerryes
A tour of Squerryes is a tour with a difference – jump in the vineyard manager’s Land Rover up to Pilgrim’s Way vineyard where you’ll be given a tour of the land, then head back to the winery for a tutored tasting. Plus, there’s a new terrace that’s worth a visit toowww.squerryes.co.uk
Chapel Down
With 22 acres to explore and a whole host of world-renowned wines to sample, a visit to Chapel Down is a must for any true wine lover. Book on to a guided tour and tasting (£15 per person) to discover more about the vines, wines and history of the UK’s biggest winemaker. Or, take a leisurely stroll at your own pace and stock up on wines from the shop after.
www.chapeldown.com
Hush Heath
Nestled in the Wealden countryside near Staplehurst, Hush Heath is the producer of some fantastic English wines. You’re welcome to stroll through the vineyards and orchards, then sample up to three wines and ciders for free – but there are also plenty of tour and tasting packages available too, where you’ll be guided through the aspects of grape growing, then enjoy a tutored tasting of six wines.
www.hushheath.com
Biddenden Vineyards
This popular vineyard is open every day (excluding January & February) for you to visit and find out more about their wines and ciders. Self-guided tours are free and there’s the option to taste the wines too for free too. For a more in-depth experience and to learn more about the history of the vineyard, the wine and the cider making process visitors can pre-book group and private guided tours.
www.biddendenvineyards.com
Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard
With various tour packages available (including a self-guided tour for £9.50 per person), a visit to this organic vineyard in East Sussex is a must. Find out more about biodynamic wines and their creation, explore the woodland nature trail and of course, taste some wines too.
www.englishorganicwine.co.uk
Gusbourne
The original Gusbourne estate in Appledore dates back to 1410, but it was in 2004 when the vines were first planted, and since then Gusbourne has become a favourite on the sparkling wine scene. Book a tour and tasting (from £25 per person), or drop by the tasting room to sample their award-winning fizz.
www.gusbourne.com
Woodchurch
Available to visit by appointment, this family business was created in 2009 and now produces exceptional English sparkling wine. Book a voucher for a tour and tasting (£25 per person) and visit the site in Woodchurch, near Tenterden to learn more.
www.woodchurchwine.co.uk
Simpsons Winery
One of the newer additions to the English wine scene, Simpsons which are based near Canterbury, planted their first vines in 2014, and are due to produce their first sparkling this year. You can enjoy a tour and tasting for £22.50 per person, where you’ll explore the Roman Road vineyard before heading to the new Glass House tasting room for a special tasting of wines from the Simpsons’ southern French Estate, Domaine Sainte Rose.
www.simpsonswine.com
Carr Taylor
Situated in Westfield, East Sussex, Carr Taylor vineyard originated in 1971 and now has 37 acres of vines to explore. A self-guided tour costs just £1.50 per person, or if you’d prefer to take part in a tutored tour and tasting, it’s just £6.50. Since the vineyard was founded, they’ve received more than 130 awards for their wines.
www.carr-taylor.co.uk
