The UK now boasts over 300 vineyards and wineries open to the general public, with a rising variety of choices for a time out or in a single day keep throughout the nation. Most are indicated by the grape image on brown vacationer signposts.
Winery tour at All Angels, Berkshire.
Customer numbers to UK wine estates have risen in recent times, as curiosity grows in having fun with wines within the environment the place they’re made. In 2023, 1.5 million visits had been recorded – a 55% enhance on 2022 – with this yr set to succeed in even larger figures as new actions are revealed alongside earlier ideas being refreshed to supply extra dynamic, year-round experiences. Business physique WineGB expects UK winery customer numbers to develop by 20% by way of to 2029.
‘Wine tourism helps us change into greater than a model that folks see on a restaurant wine record, however a spot the place passionate persons are working to make an exceptionally excessive product providing,’ stated Nick Toomey from Rathfinny Wine Property. The East Sussex producer has refined its tourism choices since its inception in 2010, beginning with a cellar door and steadily rising to incorporate two eating places – one devoted solely to their 10 en-suite bedrooms within the Flint Barns – and a number of summer season occasions in partnership with like-minded manufacturers corresponding to Massive Inexperienced Egg.
Chapel Down cellar tour.
‘Tourism is essential each from a monetary, academic and social standpoint. It’s tremendous necessary for us to attach with our friends, not solely does it encourage spend, it additionally enhances the worth for our friends by way of schooling and data,’ stated Nathaniel McConnell, winemaker and household co-owner at Bluestone Vineyards in Wiltshire.
Certainly, WineGB’s 2024 Tourism Report states that, on common, wine tourism represents 1 / 4 of whole vineyard revenue – a key element of any vineyard’s long-term success.
In 2025, WineGB launched a useful journey planner to assist with reserving visits. From festivals and wine trains to cellar doorways and gorgeous locations to remain and dine, there has arguably by no means been a greater time to get amongst the vines.
To plan your go to, obtain the Go to a Winery Information 2025 for a flavour of what’s on supply, or go to the WineGB Producer Listing to search out vineyards in your space. WineGB’s English Wine Week runs from 21 June to 29 June 2025.
Upcoming English & Welsh
summer season wine occasions
North
Hop on the Yorkshire wine path; discover 16 vineyards and 9 wineries from Leeds out in the direction of the coast.
The annual Fizz Fest organised by Vineyards of Hampshire. Credit score: The Electrical Eye Pictures
South
The annual Vineyards of Hampshire Fizz Fest will likely be held at Raimes Wine Barn and Winery this yr on twenty ninth June. The Fizz Fest coincides with English Wine Week, that includes high picks from eight producers, together with stay music, avenue meals, winery excursions, and masterclasses.
The Grange Pageant (4th June – sixth July), additionally held in Hampshire, will showcase a various programme of opera, jazz, and dance and is about to happen this yr on the historic Grange Property. Friends can benefit from the property’s personal wines on the bars and through booked eating experiences or savour a picnic on the lawns, within the pavilions, or inside The Grange itself.
Additional to their Easter chocolate making masterclasses, Tinwood Property close to Chichester has Yoga within the vines each Tuesday at 7pm from Might onwards. Additionally they have luxurious lodges.
East
Flint Winery in East Norfolk have lately opened their new tasting ‘hatch’ and have a collection of Camphill Friday nights deliberate involving wine, beer, avenue meals and music from 4pm-10:30pm throughout chosen summer season dates.
Hundred Hills, Oxfordshire
West
Artwork and Music mix by way of a collection of free exhibitions and stay music ‘Winery Vibes’ dates at Devon’s Sandbridge Barton (previously generally known as Sharpham). Keep the night time and take a stroll within the Orchard.
Wales
Specialist Curiosity Group SIG is organising Welsh Wine Week this yr (thirtieth Might to eighth June) – go to www.welshwineweek.co.uk for extra info on tastings and actions
City
Each different Thursday, music and literary followers can style together with Gutters & Stars winemaker Chris Wilson at his Cambridge windmill-turned vineyard. Every wine is devoted to a track, album or prose.
*Signal as much as our Discovery publication for month-to-month updates on English wines and past.
