10 vineyards to visit this Spring Just over an hour from London

Just a little over an hour from London you’ll find more than 50 vineyards to explore. Most English vineyards are found in the Southeast with the region making up over 60% of total vineyard land in the UK. 

Thanks to the warmer climate, and the proximity to London, Sussex and Kent remain the hotspots of those looking to escape the city hustle and bustle for the English countryside.  With picturesque views and award-winning wines, it’s easy to see why both areas have become a hub for wine enthusiasts and travellers alike.

As spring has sprung, there’s no better way to spend a weekend sipping your way around the south. Here’s some of the best vineyards to visit, just over an hour from London, curated by Kinsbrook Vineyard. 

Bottoms up!

Kinsbrook Vineyard

Thakeham, West Sussex

Get a train from London to Pulborough station and then a 10 minute taxi to Kinsbrook. Tip – book in advance there’s no Ubers in these parts. Kinsbrook is a young, progressive vineyard in the heart of West Sussex. It is led by Joe Beckett & Rebecca Dancer, one of the youngest vignerons in the country at 29 & 30. They produce a range of vintage English wines from grapes grown on Joe’s third-generation family farmland. Their culture is centered around wine, feel-good food and hospitality. Visitors can enjoy vineyard tours and wine tastings, a meal in their Sussex barn overlooking the vines serving small plates using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Regular Supper Clubs allow guests to enjoy a fine dining experience paired with a Kinsbrook wine flight plus there is live music every weekend and the occasional kitchen takeover by London chefs too. 

Rebecca Dancer, owner of Kinsbrook said “A lot of our visitors are from outside town, people looking for a country escape from London in particular flock to the region.”

“Many tours and tastings stop during the winter but open up again in Spring, so now it’s the perfect time to plan a weekend away from the buzz of London and experience the great English countryside.”

Artelium

Streat, Sussex 

Get a train to Burgess Hill station and then taxi, or you can go to Plumpton and walk through fields to get there. New-ish to the wine scene, Artelium have created a stir winning multiple awards since they launched. You’ll find the usual tasting room and wine bar open, tours, and even events like tai chi in the vineyard in the summer.

Nutbourne Vineyard

Pulborough, West Sussex

Get a train from London to Pulborough station and get a 5 minute taxi to the vineyard. Nutbourne is a family run, boutique vineyard in the heart of West Sussex, with wildflower meadows, alpacas and stunning views along the vineyard trail. They’ve been making wines for over 30 years with the first vines planted in 1979. Known for their Nutty Brut, Chardonnay, Bacchus and Pinot Noir wines. They have a sustainable approach to making wine and are a carbon neutral vineyard. They offer tours, tastings and their cellar door is open from April.

Nyetimber Estate

West Chiltington, West Sussex

Get a train from London to Pulborough station and get a 10 minute taxi to the vineyard. The Nyetimber Estate had early beginnings where it was named in the Domesday Book in 1086 when the peaceful valley of Nitimbreha made its first appearance in recorded history. Multi-award winning, drank by royalty, Nyetimber showcases the best of English sparkling wine. Currently only open to the public on specific open days, so check before to avoid disappointment.

Wiston Estate

Washington, West Sussex

If you’re coming from London, Worthing, Horsham or Pulborough train stations are the closest, then you’ll need to catch a 20-minute taxi to the estate.The Wiston Estate has been owned and managed by the Goring family since 1743. The chalky slopes of the South Downs being the perfect conditions to produce their award winning wines. Known for their Classic Cuvee, Blanc de Blanc and Rose Cuvee, they now also produce a Wiston Gin. Eat at their fine-dining restaurant Chalk or enjoy a tour or tasting of the estate. You can even go on a bike tour followed by wine. 

Tinwood Estate

Chichester, West Sussex

Closest to Barnham or Chichester train stations from there the estate is a 10-15 drive by taxi or bus.  Celebrating their English sparkling you can book in for high tea, wine tastings, or have a spot of lunch at their restaurant which has a beautiful terrace overlooking the vines. You can even stay on the estate in one of their lodges fit with jacuzzis for the ultimate weekend away!

Bolney Estate

Bolney, West Sussex

Closest to Horsham and Haywards Heath, this beautiful vineyard in the heart of West Sussex should not be missed with their laid back cafe-come-restaurant and fab balcony overlooking the vines. Book on their   Wine and Food Tasting Tour for the ultimate experience. They also run events throughout the summer from pizza nights, afternoon teas, and more.

Chapel Down

Tenterden, Kent

One of the UK’s most famous vineyards, Chapel Down is best known for its English sparkling. Just an hour on the train from London, you can take a guided tour and tasting, or a walking with wine tour (does as it says on the tin), or have a leisurely luncheon at their restaurant, The Swan.

Rathfinny

Alfriston, East Sussex

If you want to guzzle and not drive, the nearest train station is Berwick and you can get to Rathfinny by taxi the rest of the way. Rathfinny is gaining more and more popularity each year and it’s easy to see why visitors come in droves to the estate. With its tours & tastings, fine dining, boutique hotel, there is something to do all year around.

Tillingham

Rye, East Sussex

To get to Tillingham by public transport, take the train to Rye and then get a taxi. Tillingham is set amongst 70 acres of rolling hills and woodlands along the Tillingham River valley. They are committed to sustainable farming practices and producing high quality organic wine. You can go on a tour and tasting, have a meal in their restaurant, or even stay on site in a converted hop barn or glamp.