Raise a Glass: The Best Wine Experiences in Britain

From crisp sparkling whites to elegant reds, English wine is on the rise - and so is Britain’s reputation as a destination for memorable wine experiences. There’s a quiet revolution happening in the vineyards of Kent, Surrey, and beyond, and it’s pouring straight into your glass. 

Gone are the days when English wine was politely tolerated rather than sought after. Thanks to an ever-growing cast of ambitious winemakers, today’s vintages rival their European counterparts in both quality and character. UK vineyard tours and luxury hotels now promise more than a simple stroll among the vines, they offer cellar-door tastings, sommelier-led pairings, and stays that elevate the entire experience. 

So where should you begin your journey through this flourishing landscape of terroirs and tasting notes? Whether you're after a countryside escape with garden-to-glass gastronomy or a wine hotel that houses more vintages than you could sample in a year, Britain’s vineyards and hotels are ready to raise the bar - and your expectations. 

Here’s where to sip, swirl, and savour your way through the UK’s most indulgent UK wine experiences, from the vine to the glass. 

The best wine regions in the UK may not yet roll off the tongue like Bordeaux or Tuscany, but they’re swiftly gaining ground. England’s wine map is expanding with both finesse and flavour, and terroir is the name of the game - a word you’ll become very familiar with as you explore the chalky ridges, maritime breezes, and flint-rich soils that define each bottle. 

Kent, often referred to as the Garden of England, is firmly at the forefront. Its chalky soil and longer growing season are ideal for sparkling wine - think citrusy notes, fine bubbles, and a finish worthy of celebration. Where to go: Gusbourne Estate, an impeccably run vineyard in Appledore, offers sleek tasting rooms, vineyard walks, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. 

In Surrey, elegance meets innovation. This leafy region is producing some of the most expressive whites and delicate rosés in the country. Stay at Gravetye Manor, a romantic country retreat whose kitchen garden supplies the restaurant and whose sommelier curates pairings that highlight the region’s best. Here, the connection between land, vine, and plate is not just a philosophy - it’s a way of life. 

Hampshire’s rise has been quietly confident, much like its wines. Known for its sophisticated sparkling bottles and a growing still wine scene, the region is also home to Park House, a refined hideaway where curated UK wine tasting experiences, available on select dates in June, July and August, unfold in a quintessentially English setting. 

Further east, East Anglia is making waves with aromatic Bacchus and beautifully structured Pinot Noir. A stay at Bedford Lodge or The Swan at Lavenham adds heritage charm to your itinerary - think beamed ceilings, open fires, and wines served with quiet luxury in centuries-old surroundings. 

From south to east, each region adds its own character to the tapestry of English wine tourism - and you’ve only just opened the bottle.