A Taste of England’s Vineyards

By Katie Goodchild

The last year has been both wonderful and terrible for our UK wineries. Saviour has come from many of us choosing to shop local and support small businesses, but events and tourism, upon which our wine industry relies heavily, has been put on hold. As I write, hospitality is opening its doors once more - albeit for outside dining only - but this is joy to vineyards, who are welcoming visitors back with wide open arms.

At the end of 2020 there were 770 vineyards listed in England & Wales. Whilst most are situated in the South East of England, there are vineyards to be discovered in the West, the Midlands and in East Anglia. Not forgetting Wales - where I suggest booking a staycation and experiencing a host of vineyards (currently home to 31) in one go. Most wineries are open to the general public throughout summer offering tours, tastings and grazings. To avoid disappointment - and given the breadth of restrictions still in place - booking in advance is recommended, if not necessary. If you happen to be passing a vineyard however, do pop in, as many allow self-guided walks around the vines.

TOURING Kingscote Estate in East Grinstead allow visitors seven days a week to wander their magnificent 160 acres of rolling hills. You will discover a historic Bluebell steam train, a winding river, fishing lakes and an organic apple orchard, and over five kilometres of natural woodland walks. Inside a beautiful 15th century tithe barn, you’ll find a café offering coffee and the most delicious light lunches, and wine

tastings. It’s also perfectly located so that one can hop on a train at London Victoria and be at Kingscote an hour later. (https://kingscoteestate.com)

Also accessible by train from London is Hush Heath Estate in Kent. Indulge with Balfour’s Wine & Dine Experience, whereby you will be collected from Marden train station by a Brand Ambassador who will be your host for the day. You’ll explore the estate and the winery, after which you’ll taste six wines and end the day with a three-course lunch. (https://hushheath.com)

From London Victoria head to Burgess Hill station and Ridgeview, a 45-minute train journey followed by a 10-minute taxi ride. Visit for tours and alfresco dining in The Ridgeview Wine Garden. (https://www.ridgeview.co.uk)

Heading west and to Hambledon Vineyard, a 15-minute drive from Petersfield station, you’ll find a host of events to attend. From a pop-up Fizz & Oyster bar to cheese and wine tastings, or spend the day making your own wine. (https://hambledonvineyard.co.uk)

And what of London? Home to one vineyard and four urban wineries, there’s wine being made on your doorstep - and it’s some seriously impressive stuff. Bethnal Green’s Renegade Winery is maybe one of the most exciting producers in England, though they are not declaring their wines as English as the grapes used for winemaking also come from Europe. Drink Qvevri skincontact Bacchus, Pet Nat rosé and frosé at Renegade’s outside bar (or inside as restrictions allow). (https://www. renegadelondonwine.com) If all this sounds exciting but you’re still a little unsure of where to start, let Wine Tours of Kent guide you around the Wine Garden of England. Starting from £89, you’ll visit three wineries and vineyards in Kent where you’ll learn about the winemaking process and enjoy tutored wine tastings. Lunch will be in a traditional country pub and you will be driven around in a tour bus meaning no one has to be the designated driver. (https://winetoursofkent.co.uk) If that sounds perfect but you would really like it to last longer, Wine Tours of Kent also offer a three-night luxury glamping trip complete with wine tours. Think vineyards located between Tenterden and Rye, lunching in a country pub and peaceful nights’ sleep in a luxury safari tent situated amongst wheat fields.

FEASTING There are plenty of options for feasting in England’s vineyards. To tempt you and I to visit vineyards across the country, many have created fantastic dining options, from picnicking in the vines to open-air restaurants and pop-up fine dining events. For an idyllic English picnic, visit Langham Wine Estate and take a stroll through the 29-acre vineyard with one of their homemade picnics, full of ingredients from local producers. Don’t forget to grab a chilled bottle of Langham wine from the bar before heading up to find hidden tables between the vines and hedgerows. (https://langhamwine.co.uk)

Head to the other end of the country and enjoy Little Wold Vineyard Picnics. Located in East Yorkshire - yes, you read

that correctly - you’ll have two hours to enjoy Little Wold Vineyard with your own exclusive pitch, with picnic and wine waiting, and a chance to stroll through the vines at your own leisure. (https:// www.littlewoldvineyard.co.uk)

And then there is Squerryes Winery where lunch has never looked so good. Bask in the afternoon sunshine and discover the joy of outdoor dining whilst overlooking their Rosé vineyard. You can enjoy a relaxed lunch and afternoon dining, as small dishes and glorious sharing plates are served with a focus on local produce, seasonality and seafood from the coastal waters that surround Kent. Located next door there is also a deli, where you can buy Squerryes wines, and a brewery. (https://www.squerryes. co.uk)

SLEEPING For those in search of the ultimate staycation and 5-star accommodation, book a weekend break with Luxury Wine Weekends. Explore the Wine Garden of England, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste exclusive library wines and vintage vertical tastings. You can learn the art of Sabrage (how to lop the cork off a Champagne bottle with a sword) and the history of England’s top producers. Then relax in the beautiful gardens of a medieval Cloth Hall where you can unwind poolside whilst a private chef prepares your evening meal and wines are selected by an in-house sommelier. (https://www. luxurywineweekends.co.uk)

Rathfinny Wine Estate in East Sussex offer a more relaxed staycation, where one can experience the wine estate and dine at one’s own leisure. The Flint Barns have recently been restored to create a “home away from home” feeling for guests. Foodies book the Dine and Unwind Package and winos the Tour and Tasting Package. (https:// rathfinnyestate.com)

Or maybe you’d prefer your own hobbit house for the evening. Nestled deep in the heart of the Rother Valley and in the midst of Oastbrook Estate’s vineyard, the house is buried into a bank while offering exquisite views of the valley. Sleeping up to four people, The Hobbit House has been built using local materials and offers an exciting take on luxury stays. It also comes complete with a hot tub. Who fancies a dip? (https://www.oastbrook. com)

So, don your walking shoes and grab a wine glass … it’s time to visit Great Britain’s vineyards and make this summer the best yet.