If, like most, when you think of a vineyard escape, your mind first drifts to the hills of Sicily, or the lavender fields of Provence, or perhaps a long lunch overlooking the mountains of the Western Cape, then you’re not alone. The idea of a night among the vines doesn’t immediately conjure up thoughts of Sussex or Yorkshire. As a London-based sommelier, I’m especially interested in what’s happening on the local wine scene, and travelling the country to visit some of the best vineyards in the UK is part of my work.
It’s an industry that has evolved loudly and confidently over the past decade. While it may not always feel like we have much regional variation, especially with our climate, grapes are now successfully ripening in many parts of the UK, each offering its own distinctive terroir. English sparkling wines rightly continue to command global attention. However, our still wines have also been gaining international interest, from textured, chalky Pinot Noirs to elderflower-filled Bacchus and Rosés that evoke fruit in a revival of their French counterparts. Our UK wines have not only benefited from the warmer weather but also from vignerons being able to invest in better vineyard practices. Forward-thinking vineyards are now growing across the country from Cornwall to North Wales. This shift means you no longer need to board a plane to enjoy a wine-filled weekend, as a new era of homegrown wine travel is unfolding on our doorstep. You’ll find hotels with Michelin-starred tasting menus, converted boutique barns, and winemakers eager to share not only their bottles but also their hospitality. Yes, what we have may not be the orange glow of terracotta roofs or the smell of Mediterranean shores, but what we have is something far more subtle, but arguably far more interesting, and sometimes a fair bit muddier. This is my edit of the best vineyards in the UK with accommodation.