The best UK Vineyard near London
Did somebody say vineyard tours in the UK? These impressive estates have produced some decidedly drinkable vintages, and you can visit them for guided vineyard tours and some of the best wine-tasting experiences near London! Allot a designated driver and jump in a Zipcar from London for a day out with a difference.
Fairmile Vineyard
Offering free self-guided vineyard tours and tastings on alternating weekends, Fairmile Vineyard in Henley on Thames specialises in sparkling wine. The steep south-facing slope and chalky soil of the vineyard create perfect growing conditions for the Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grape varieties, and the climate is similar to that of the Champagne region, Epernay in France.
Distance from London by car: 40 miles
Wildwood Vineyard
Family-run venture close to Tunbridge Wells. Wildwood Vineyard, offers tours and tastings of the three wines lovingly produced on site. With an aromatic dry white, a delicate rose and a fruity red to choose from, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s palate. You can even volunteer to join in the grape harvest in October!
Distance from London by car: 43 miles
Stanlake Park Wine Estate
Explore the vineyard, barrel room and fascinating 17th Century cellar before sampling the award-winning English wines on offer at Stanlake Park Wine Estate. Found a favourite? Enjoy a glass in the charming Wine Garden afterwards or pick up a bottle to enjoy at home from the Cellar Shop - so the designated driver can join in the fun too!
Distance from London by car: 36 miles
Chapel Down Vineyard
The world’s leading English winemaker produces world-class sparkling and still wines, gins, vodkas and even beers and cider. Chapel Down Vineyard offers guided tours of the vineyards and winery, wine tastings and masterclasses, a restaurant and even partner hotels if you wanted to make a weekend of it!
Distance from London by car: 62 miles
Bolney Wine Estate
Bolney Wine Estate in Haywards Heath offers a range of different vineyard tours. Choose from the Taster Tour which features a tour of the vineyard followed by five tasting wines, and the Grand Gourmet which also includes a two-course buffet lunch with dishes paired to each wine. Alternatively, you can visit Eighteen Acre Café and enjoy lunch on the stunning balcony overlooking the vineyard.
Distance from London by car: 42 miles
Rathfinny Estate
Wander through the rows of ripening grapes with a knowledgeable guide and find out how they transform grapes into Sussex Sparkling wine at Rathfinny Estate. You’ll learn about the history and wildlife of the Estate, as well as how the wine is bottled and the final processes of producing sparkling wine.
Distance from London by car: 70 miles
Denbies Wine Estate
Denbies Wine Estate offers vineyard tours with a difference – aboard their vineyard train! You can also enjoy al fresco wine tasting in their courtyard, afternoon teas and tours, and fine dining for lunch or dinner in the gallery restaurant. You can even stay at Denbies Vineyard Hotel for a unique weekend break – and give the designated driver the night off!
Distance from London by car: 43 miles
Ridgeview Wine Estate
This second-generation winery produces award-winning sparkling wines which are exported around the world. Enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard and winery at Ridgeview Wine Estate, with expert insights into the craft of creating award-winning sparkling wines. Then sample the delicious wines in the beautiful tasting room, with views overlooking the South Downs.
Distance from London by car: 49 miles
Hush Heath Estate
From expert-led winery tours and guided wine tastings to walks in the stunning vineyards and ancient oak woodlands, when it comes to vineyards in the UK, Hush Heath Estate is hard to beat. The family-run estate has produced exceptional wines since 2008, and now features a state-of-the-art winery, tasting room and visitors centre in the stunning landscape.
Distance from London by car: 45 miles
Wherever you’re going, get there with Zipcar
For spontaneous trips, choose Zipcar Flex, which lets you pick up and drop off anywhere in the Zipzone. If you’re planning ahead, Zipcar Roundtrip lets you pick up from a designated bay and return it again once you’re done.
