Once seen as a curiosity, English wine has quietly transformed into one of Europe’s most surprising success stories. From the rolling chalk hills of Sussex to the vineyards of Kent and Cornwall, winemaking in England is back. While you may not think to sample wine on a visit to England, oenophiles are increasingly making pilgrimages to the country’s vineyards. This renaissance is a return to roots, a revival of a craft that once thrived and then vanished under the weight of history, climate, and conflict.
Winemaking in England has a far older pedigree than many assume. Vines are thought to have been introduced by the Romans as early as the 1st century AD, and by the Middle Ages, viticulture was firmly established. Monasteries were among the most prolific wine producers, cultivating grapes for both religious and medicinal purposes. By the 12th century, there were hundreds of vineyards scattered across southern England. But the story didn’t continue uninterrupted.
A combination of factors led to the decline of English winemaking. A cooling climate during the so-called Little Ice Age, which began in the 14th century, made grape growing increasingly difficult. Political turmoil and economic shifts, such as the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII, and increased availability of imported wines from France, Spain, and Portugal, dealt further blows to English winemaking. By the 19th century, England’s wine industry had all but disappeared, with beer and spirits dominating the national palate.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and the English countryside is once again dotted with vineyards. But what changed? The most influential factor has been climate change. While the warming of the planet presents daunting challenges globally, it has had a paradoxical effect on England’s vineyards, making southern England increasingly suitable for grape cultivation. Average temperatures today are similar to those of the Champagne region several decades ago—a comparison that has not gone unnoticed. In fact, many English vineyards are planted on the same band of chalky soil that runs from Champagne through northern France and into the South Downs.
Additionally, technological advancements in viticulture and winemaking have played a role. Growers today can select grape varieties that are better suited to local conditions, and modern winemaking techniques allow for greater control over quality and consistency. While English wines once struggled with acidity and ripeness, today's vintages, especially sparkling wines, have won many awards, holding their own against prestigious European counterparts.
Tourism has followed suit. From the elegant tasting rooms at Nyetimber and Chapel Down to the family-run charm of smaller producers like Oxney Organic and Tillingham, English vineyards are increasingly popular destinations for curious travelers. Most offer guided tours, food pairings, and overnight stays, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rhythms of rural life while savoring wines that tell a story of resilience, reinvention, and a deep-rooted connection to the land.
If you're looking for a sustainable and distinctive wine experience, England offers something different from the old-world classics, the excitement of a region coming into its own. There’s a sense of discovery in every glass, and every vineyard visit feels like a toast to the unexpected.
The revival of English winemaking represents a cultural shift, not merely a climate-driven story or a niche trend. It reflects a broader connection with the land, a growing interest in local and artisanal foodways, and an embrace of slower, more intentional travel. English wine invites you to taste a new chapter in the country’s ancient relationship with the vine.
The vineyards of Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire are producing some of Europe’s most exciting wines, especially when it comes to sparkling. A wine tour through Southern England is a journey through charming villages, lush landscapes, and the revival of a centuries-old craft. Begin your journey in Kent, often called the “Garden of England.” This fertile region is home to Chapel Down, one of the country’s most prominent producers and a perfect introduction to English wine. Set near the historic town of Tenterden, Chapel Down’s estate offers guided tours through its vineyards and modern winery, culminating in tastings of its award-winning sparkling and still wines. Their Bacchus, a crisp, aromatic white, has become something of a national favorite, while their sparkling Brut consistently wins international acclaim. After your tasting, linger over lunch at their on-site restaurant, The Swan, which pairs local ingredients with seasonal wines.
Oxney Organic Estate in East Sussex is the largest organic vineyard in England. Focused on sustainability and low-intervention methods, Oxney produces a clean, elegant range of wines and provides charming accommodations for guests looking to connect more deeply with the land and the rhythms of organic farming.
Next, head west into East Sussex, where the landscape shifts to undulating hills and flint-strewn fields. Here you’ll find Ridgeview, a family-run vineyard located on the edge of the South Downs National Park. Ridgeview has become a beacon of English sparkling wine, with vintages regularly served at royal events and diplomatic receptions. Their tours include a walk through the vines, a peek inside the traditional-method production process, and generous pours of their signature cuvées. It’s easy to see why their wines are often compared to Champagne—the chalk soils and cool climate offer ideal conditions for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
Continue west to Bolney Wine Estate in West Sussex, one of the oldest vineyards in the region. Bolney has been producing wine since the 1970s and offers a more relaxed, rustic atmosphere with a welcoming visitor center, excellent café, and expansive views over the surrounding countryside. They’re known not only for their sparkling wines, but also for their still reds and rosés—rarities in England’s predominantly sparkling market. Their Pinot Noir, in particular, has earned acclaim for its finesse and balance.
One of the most prominent vineyards in southern England is Nyetimber, located in West Sussex. Widely credited with spearheading the English sparkling wine renaissance, Nyetimber was the first producer in the country to plant the traditional Champagne varieties, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Since its founding in the late 1980s, it has garnered international acclaim for its traditional-method sparkling wines, with its Classic Cuvee often held up as a benchmark for quality.
Further west is Hambledon Vineyard, which offers both history and innovation. Founded in 1952, it claims to be the oldest commercial vineyard in England, but recent investment has elevated its winemaking to world-class levels. Set on pure chalk soils just like those in Champagne, Hambledon’s focus is exclusively on traditional-method sparkling wine, and their tasting room, perched above the vines, offers panoramic views to savor with your flute of fizz.
As you head west, the vineyards of Hampshire offer a slightly different energy: refined, ambitious, and deeply committed to craft. One standout is Hattingley Valley, a modern winery that combines cutting-edge technology with traditional winemaking methods. Visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour through the facility, learning how English sparkling wine is made from vine to bottle. The tasting here is a revelation, Hattingley’s rosé and classic brut are structured, elegant, and expressive of the terroir.
Between vineyard visits, the countryside itself becomes part of the experience. The rolling hills of the South Downs, the half-timbered cottages of ancient villages, and the patchwork of green fields provide a romantic backdrop. Stay in local inns or countryside estates, many of which now offer vineyard packages or wine-pairing dinners. In the evenings, sip a glass of English wine by the fire or in a flower-filled garden, and reflect on the journey you’ve uncorked. What makes a wine tour through southern England so unique isn’t just the quality of the wine, though that is increasingly impressive. It’s the sense of discovery. It’s a region still writing its wine story, with passion, care, and a bit of British understatement. You’re experiencing the spirit of a revival, one rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship, and deep respect for the land.