“In wine, there’s truth,” said Pliny the Elder. And, the truth is, wine tasting is one of the most luxurious experiences you could plan for a UK trip. Sitting al fresco in the light of the setting sun – what better backdrop than the English countryside to sample liquid delicacies? As aged bottles are uncorked before your eyes, you’ll pinch yourself, questioning why you never considered wine tasting in the UK before.

The UK is home to more than 500 working vineyards, leaving visitors abundant options when planning a wine tasting experience. England is particularly known for its Pinot Noir, Bacchus, and Chardonnay grape varieties. In Scotland, you will find varieties such as Solaris Rondo and Siegerrebe. The Siegerrebe variety were initially planted by Christopher Trotter at the Chateau Largo vineyard in Fife.

The UK is not commonly associated with wine production. However, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with vineyard options after a bit of research. However, don’t fear; we have curated a list of the crème de la crème of luxurious vineyards to help you choose. Here are Beau Monde Traveler’s six best UK wine tasting experiences.

 1. Chapel Down Winery, Tenterden

For over 20 years, Chapel Down winery has specialised in the production of sparkling, UK-grown wines. Since opening, the winery has also broadened its products to include gins and vodka – perfect for those organising a wine tasting experience for a large group with different tastes.

Chapel Down offers numerous tour packages starting from £25 per person for a two-hour guided tour with tastings. However, to splurge on some extra luxury, we recommend the ‘Chapel Down Deluxe Experience’.

Experience the instant VIP treatment as you are greeted with the taste of a glass of Chapel Down fizz. With fizz in hand, you sit for a full ‘feast lunch’ at Chapel Down’s prestigious restaurant. Refreshments are taken seriously at Chapel Down, and before you tour the vineyard, you can sip at a warming tea or coffee. After an informative immersion into the vineyard process, you get the benefit of an ‘extended tasting’ guided by an expert sommelier. The experience finishes with a ‘unique Chapel Down Gift for each guest’ – cutting a thoughtful end to a day of indulgence.

Set in Tenterden, Kent, Chapel Down is only a two-hour drive from London.  Visitors looking to escape for some country space will love the 25 acres of estate grounds to explore. 

                2. Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking

At Denbies, wine tasting is an all-year, all-weather-friendly experience. You can opt to tour the vineyards in a drive-along train or stay inside for a cinematic introduction to wine and a guided tasting. The indoor and outside tour options make Denbies Wine Estate the ideal, versatile experience when tasting in the UK.

And, for added luxury, consider the ‘Bespoke Blind Wine Tasting & Canape Reception’. Start with a cinematic introduction to Denbies Wine Estate – covering informative details such as geology, history, and the specific wine-making process. After an entertaining preparation for tastings, you will taste a total of eight wines in the atmospheric setting of the wine cellars. As a culinary finish to the experience, canapes are brought out for visitors to sample.

Denbies is only an hour’s drive from central London, making it a brilliant excursion for those based in the capital. Although, with the Denbies Vineyard Hotel in the centre of the 265-acre estate, you can always treat yourself to the luxurious convenience of an overnight stay.

3. Three Choirs Vineyard, Cotswolds

The Three Choirs Vineyard is one of the oldest in the UK – planting its first vines back in 1973. Since then, the vineyard has spread across 75 acres and now produces 250,000 bottles an annum. Idyllically situated in the UNESCO world heritage site of the Cotswolds, the vineyard offers a classic English experience of wine tasting in the UK.

If you want to visit the Three Choirs Vineyard, plan to coincide your UK trip with a weekend. The Three Choir’s wine tasting tours operate on Saturdays and Sundays. Guests will enjoy four carefully selected wines during the tasting experience and a full tour of the cellars and vineyards.

To invest in a full experience, you can book to stay onsite at one of the Three Choir’s ‘luxury vineyard lodges’. Guests can unwind with natural lighting from floor-to-ceiling windows and natural oak and cedarwood tones. For one of the best UK wine tasting experiences, elongate the event to include an entire weekend of luxury.

4. Rathfinny Wine Estate, Sussex

Quickly gathering international attention for its collection of sparkling wines, the Rathfinny Wine Estate is one of the most renowned vineyards in the UK. The estate was established in 2010 as a passion project for Mark and Sarah Driver. By 2020, the couple celebrated a full release of sparkling wines – including a ‘Classic Cuvee, Blanc de Noirz, Blanc de Blancs, and Rose Brut’.

If you have planning time onside, it doesn’t get more luxurious than an exclusive vineyard tour and wine tastings at Rathfinny Estate. In the privacy of your private group, you taste the famous Sussex sparkling and still wines in the company of an expert sommelier. The bespoke experience is only available following direct enquiry and is heavenly for those wishing to avoid crowds. While the experience is available all year round, make sure to enquire in advance to guarantee the tour.

5. Gusbourne Vineyard, Kent

The Gusbourne brand dates back to 1410, and the vineyard holds a secure spot in the international wine industry. Gusbourne Vineyard holds many titles, including its status as the three-time winner of the International Wine & Spirits Challenge English Winer Producer of the Year.

When it comes to touring the Gusbourne Vineyard, you have three options: the Vineyard, Discovery, or Estate tour. Each tour provides an invigorating insight and taste of Gusbourne wine production. However, for an extra memorable experience, we recommend the Estate tour.

The experience spans across a leisurely afternoon, starting with the best VIP welcome for any wine enthusiast – a complimentary welcome drink. The tour then whisks you around the highlights of the Gusbourne Estate and vineyards themselves. While you sample select wines in the purpose-designed tasting room, you get the added luxury of a three-course lunch. And, with a seasonally driven menu, you can expect local, fresh produce in each paired course.

6. Cairn O’Mohr, Perthshire

If fruity, berry noted wines are your tipple of choice, Cairn O’Mohr is the wine tasting experience for you. Cairn O’Mohr offers an innovative, refreshing approach to wine production – ideal for those chasing an experience with oomph. Situated between Perth and Dundee, wine enthusiasts visiting Scotland should note the Cairn O’Mohr vineyard.

Winery tours run twice daily on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. But, for some extra indulgence, opt for a ‘Deluxe Tour’ instead. Welcomed by ‘sparkling wine and gourmet crisps’, enjoy a private introduction to the winery and its creative origins. After initial formalities, guests embark on an educational, guided exploration of both vineyards and processing demonstrations. The experience finishes on a high, with a tasting session of eight wines and local oatcakes and cheeses.

A self-proclaimed ‘sociable’ experience, Cairn O’Mohr is the best UK wine tasting experience for those wanting an emphasis on fun.

A visit to one, or many, of the UK’s wineries is an ideal experience for any vino enthusiast. UK wine tasting may not be the first to come to mind, but the country is quickly carving out a space in the global wine industry. Innovative, indulgent, and passion-driven – you don’t want to miss out on these wine tastings.