8 wine tasting tours worth a visit
There’s something undeniably satisfying about discovering a great bottle of wine right where it’s made. Across the country, wine tasting tours are popping up in some of the most scenic corners of the countryside, offering a fresh way to explore rural Britain while picking up a new favourite vintage.
From the rolling hills of Sussex to the tucked-away valleys of Cornwall, the best UK vineyards to visit aren’t just about what’s in the glass. They’re about slowing down, soaking up the setting and enjoying a day that feels a little bit indulgent, but never over the top.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed weekend or something a little more celebratory, these wine tours combine great scenery, expert insight and seriously good flavours. All that’s left is choosing where to stay nearby – preferably somewhere cosy, with room for one more bottle.
Camel Valley Vineyard, Cornwall
Camel Valley keeps things refreshingly unpretentious, with relaxed, friendly tours that focus on genuine passion rather than polish. Set among rolling Cornish hills, the vineyard’s terrace is a highlight – the kind of place where a glass of sparkling wine stretches into a long, lazy afternoon.
Guided morning tours walk you through the growing season and winemaking process, finishing with a tasting flight of their flagship wines. For something more in-depth, the popular summer Grand Tours offer extended tastings led by the winemakers themselves. Prefer to keep it casual? Drop in for a glass and simply soak up the view.
Chapel Down, Kent
Set among the gentle hills near Tenterden, Chapel Down offers a wine experience that feels both polished and wonderfully easy-going. Guided tours take you through the vineyards and into the winery, finishing with a tutored tasting of their signature wines.
If you’re in the mood to linger, there’s plenty more – cheese pairings, long lunches at The Swan restaurant or even full dining experiences that stretch into the evening. Prefer to explore at your own pace? You can wander the estate and stop by the cellar door for a relaxed wine flight. It’s an effortlessly enjoyable day out in classic Kent countryside.
Nyetimber, West Sussex
Nyetimber offers a wine experience that feels every bit as refined as its reputation suggests. Open Days and seasonal events give you access to this prestigious estate, where tastings unfold against the rolling backdrop of the South Downs. Expect beautifully structured sessions, with the chance to purchase wines at cellar door prices – ideal if you find a new favourite.
For something truly special, their limited-edition dining experiences pair standout cuvées with seasonal menus in historic surroundings. It’s an elegant, thoughtfully curated way to explore English sparkling wine, best followed by a cosy pub stop nearby.
Ridgeview Wine Estate, East Sussex
Ridgeview strikes that sweet spot between laid-back and expertly curated. Set within the South Downs National Park, their tours take you from vineyard to winery, with plenty of insight into the craft behind their award-winning sparkling wines.
The classic tour is a great starting point, finishing with a guided tasting overlooking the Chardonnay vines. Seasonal experiences add something different – from winter cellar tours to vegan wine and cheese pairings – while shorter tastings are perfect if you’re just passing through. However you visit, it’s an easy place to settle in, sip slowly and make a day of it.
Three Choirs Vineyard, Gloucestershire
Three Choirs is all about easy-going enjoyment, set within a sprawling 75-acre vineyard on the edge of the Cotswolds. Their experiences lean refreshingly relaxed – think self-guided tastings paired with a leisurely lunch, followed by a wander through the vines at your own pace.
If you prefer a little more structure, guided tours take you behind the scenes of the winery, complete with tastings, cheeseboards and a glass in hand. Staying overnight? There are exclusive resident experiences too. It’s the kind of place where a quick visit easily turns into a full afternoon of good wine, good food and countryside calm.
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Llanerch Vineyard, Vale of Glamorgan
Llanerch keeps things informal, informative and genuinely good fun – ideal if you want to learn without feeling like you’re in a classroom. Tours dive into the story behind their Cariad wines, from grape to glass, with a focus on how the Welsh landscape shapes every bottle.
Tastings are guided but relaxed, giving you the chance to properly explore flavours and test your palate. Depending on the season, you’ll sip among the vines or settle into the cosy Tasting Lodge. Add in a meal at the on-site restaurant and you’ve got all the ingredients for a laid-back countryside escape.
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Bolney Wine Estate, West Sussex
Bolney offers one of the most varied wine experiences in the South East, with everything from quick cellar door tastings to full-blown vineyard tours with food pairings. Start with a guided walk through the vines, then settle in for a relaxed tasting – often paired with Sussex cheeses for good measure.
If you’re going all in, their more immersive experiences include sparkling wine on arrival and deeper dives into the winemaking process. There are also seasonal events, including dining and even opera in the vines, adding a touch of occasion to your visit.
Stanlake Park Wine Estate, Berkshire
Stanlake Park offers a lively, flexible approach to wine tasting, with a packed calendar of tours and events that keep things fresh. Their classic vineyard tours and tastings are a great entry point, guiding you through English winemaking while sampling up to six wines along the way.
If you’re after something a little different, options like wine and cheese pairings or even cream tea tours add a playful twist. There are also seasonal events and relaxed experiences like “work from the vineyard”, making it easy to turn a visit into something more than just a tasting.
With vineyard views, guided tastings and plenty of opportunities to linger a little longer, these experiences are made for memorable countryside escapes. Whether you’re planning a sociable group getaway or something more low-key and romantic, they’re a great starting point – just don’t forget to browse our cottages for the perfect place to stay.
