Why head for foreign fields when the vines are flourishing at home? Sophie Farrah finds the best English vineyards to sip and stay...
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Denbies Vineyard
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Denbies Vineyard
Denbies near Dorking
With 265 acres under vine and a production capacity of one million bottles, Denbies is one of England’s largest single-estate vineyards. It’s also home to a beautiful 17-bedroom hotel, as well as the Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Library, all with idyllic views across the vines and Surrey Hills beyond.
Tours and tastings take place daily, including the Secret Vineyard Tasting Trail, exclusive to hotel guests and offering access to areas not usually open to the public.
For a Napa Valley-esque experience, book one of the restaurant’s private cabanas for dinner, and enjoy locally sourced produce and wine from the estate whilst looking out across the vineyard. 2026 marks 40 years since Denbies planted its first vines, and there are events and celebrations planned throughout the year.
Rooms start at £129; denbies.co.uk.
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Rathfinny Wine Estate
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Rathfinny Wine Estate
Rathfinny Wine Estate, East Sussex
Renowned for producing some of England’s top sparkling wines, Rathfinny Wine Estate, near Alfriston, has also achieved impressive B Corp status, highlighting its commitment to high social and environmental standards.
Its award-winning B&B is set within The Flint Barns, a cluster of characterful buildings nestled amongst the vines, with 10 contemporary en-suite bedrooms, some with vineyard views.
There’s also an intimate restaurant, terrace and cosy lounge, while outside guests can enjoy a glass of ‘Sussex Sparkling’ in the courtyard or on the open bank overlooking the vines.
Rooms start at £110; rathfinnyestate.com.
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Tinwood Estate
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Tinwood Estate
Tinwood Estate, West Sussex
Close to Chichester, Tinwood Estate is known for its brilliant bubbles and luxurious guest experience. Eight deluxe dog-friendly lodges overlook the vines, each with an extra-large king-size bed facing floor-to-ceiling doors that open onto a private deck.
Inside, there’s a spacious bathroom with a walk-in rain shower and a two-person jacuzzi bath complete with TV. A welcome crate includes tea, coffee, fresh milk and, most importantly, a bottle of Tinwood’s wine with nibbles. A barrel sauna for guests sits among the trees, while the smart tasting room and terrace are just a short stroll away. There’s also an on-site restaurant, serving modern British tapas using seasonal produce.
From £265 per night; tinwoodestate.com.
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Tillingham
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Tillingham
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Tillingham
Tillingham, East Sussex
Set amongst 70 acres of rolling hills near Rye, Tillingham is home to innovative natural wines, seasonal food and striking contemporary design. In what was once a hop barn, there are now 11 stylish bedrooms, some with views across the vines.
All are beautiful, but Room 11, with its freestanding bathtub and big windows, is particularly special. In the summer, two chic bell tents sit in a peaceful spot behind the oast house, each with a king-size bed, private terrace, log burner and fire pit.
Explore the vineyard, join a guided tasting on the terrace, and then settle in for wood-fired pizza or a four-course garden menu in Tillingham’s flower-filled field-to-fork restaurant.
Rooms start at £162; tillingham.com.
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Oxney
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Oxney
Oxney, East Sussex
At its lovely, Soil Association-certified vineyard, also near Rye, Oxney is the largest single-estate producer of English organic wine. Tours and tastings run year-round. Why not add a picnic of local cheeses and Oxney’s own charcuterie?
Accommodation is also well curated: for a group getaway, book Vineyard House, which sleeps ten and blends original farmhouse features with serene, Nordic-inspired interiors.
For something cosier, two stylish and serene shepherd’s huts overlook the vines, each with a double bed, small kitchen, bathroom and outdoor space, plus a complimentary bottle of Oxney’s delicious organic wine.
Huts from £130 per night for a mid-week two-night stay, incl lunch, tour and tasting. Vineyard House from £800 for 2 nights; oxneyestate.com.
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George Chesterton
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George Chesterton
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George Chesterton
Castlewood Vineyard, East Devon
Above the Axe Valley, this boutique, family-run estate produces sparkling and still wines using minimal intervention methods.
Two picturesque Grade II listed cottages sit within pretty gardens, both sleeping six and rich in period features, while one also has a wood-fired hot tub.
For something quirkier, the Bluebird Bus – an ingeniously converted 1970s school bus – offers a secluded off-grid stay with all the essentials.
Wonover from £724, Newhouse from £689, Bluebird Bus from £493 (all per week, short breaks available on request); castlewoodvineyard.co.uk.
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Sophie Farrah
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Louma
Louma, Dorset
Overlooking Charmouth and the Jurassic Coast, Louma is a luxurious country hotel with a unique all-inclusive offering.
Opened in 2024, this carefully designed working farm has it all: beautifully restored farm buildings, breathtaking views, a sleek spa (with indoor and outdoor pools), an innovative wellness offering and hyper-seasonal food.
Stay in a cosy, smart shepherd’s hut or a farmhouse suite and explore the estate with its apiary, grazing animals and vegetable gardens, or take part in calming yoga and Pilates classes overlooking the vines.
All meals are included, as is a vineyard tour, when guests can discover Louma’s small-batch wines, best enjoyed during an expert-led tasting in the cellar or out on the terrace.
From £660 per night for a shepherd’s hut, inclusive of breakfast, lunch, dinner and access to the Wellness Barn for two guests; loumacountryhotel.co.uk.
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Heidi Jones
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Heidi Jones
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Nicole Walker
Liba, Wiltshire
Just two hours from the capital, on the edge of Salisbury Plain, this brand new boutique vineyard and glamping retreat is all about balance – between work and rest, comfort and nature.
Founded by a former London couple, the 10-acre estate combines organic, biodynamic winemaking with eco-conscious accommodation. Nearly 4,000 vines were planted by hand in 2023, with the first small-batch natural wines due this year.
Three pods sit within woodland overlooking the vineyard, each with a private wood-fired hot tub, fire pit, full kitchen, central heating and walk-in shower.
Guests can enjoy yoga, meet roaming alpacas, geese and peacocks, and explore nearby Stonehenge before returning to soak under the stars.
From £149 per night, based on a self-catering two-night stay for four people; liba-vineyard.co.uk.
