This is the first in a series of three blogs, covering the amazing wineries in England and Wales. There are over 500 vineyards in the UK and we have listed and linked the wineries and vineyards, that you can visit, that have been recommended to LGE.  One winery is highlighted  from each county, some of which are open all year and have accommodation so you can make a weekend of your visit.  There is also the chance to get married at one or two of the vineyards in the UK.

There are links to each of the wineyard websites giving details of opening times and when their their tours will resume (due to the current Covid-19 situation). Please check with each winery before heading off for a visit.

Warden Abbey Vineyard, Bedfordshire

This community vineyard is a not-for-profit project located on the site of the former Cistercian Warden Abbey. Whilst there is no winery on the site, these informative and interesting vineyard tours are managed by experienced volunteers and last 1.5 – 2 hours. The tours include: a walk and talk discussing the history of the vineyard from its medieval origins to modern times, the varieties of vines and the current English wine industry. Finish off your visit with a tasting of two of wines and the wines are available to buy at the end of your tour.

Stanlake Park Vineyard - Berkshire

Stanlake Park Wine Estate is situated within Windsor Great Park, where the whole wine making process, from vine to bottle, is meticulously overseen and guaranteed. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and you be lead through the vines inside the walled garden (weather permitting), learning the highs and lows of producing wine in England. Then you will be taken through to the winery to see the wine-making process. You'll see the grape-pressing area, the fermentation tanks, the barrel room, the 'fizz' room and the bottling line. The tour includes the tasting of 6 wines and the opportunity at the end of the tour to buy any of the wines by the glass, bottle or case. There is a fantastic wine bar where you can relax and enjoy the wine with food, you don't have to visit the winery for a tour.

Alder Ridge Vineyard - Berkshire

Alder Ridge vineyard can be found on the borders of West Berkshire between Hungerford and Marlborough. This vineyard has received many awards for their outstanding sparkling wines; Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in 2011 and for the first vintage in 2013 for their Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir Précoce. The vineyard offers private tours, that include a guided tour, wine tasting, food and wine voucher for a minimum of 10 ppl. Alder Ridge is opposite Cobbs Farm Shop, where the wines are stocked, together with local produce and a café. The views across Berkshire are stunning and visiting Alder Ridge is a fun day out.

CHAFOR Wine Estate - Buckinghamshire 

CHAFOR is a multiple award-winning boutique wine estate, set in the heart of rural Buckinghamshire. The winery has hand-built tasting room and also offers a self-guided nature trail with lake-side seating area. CHAFOR is open most weekends from May to September for tours and tastings. Each guided tour around the vineyard and winery lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes a sample tasting of the award-winning wines. We have heard the pizza and tastings evenings are amazing, and we are looking forward to when they start up again.

Chilford Hall Vineyard - Cambridgeshire 

Chilford Hall Vineyard is one of the oldest established vineyards in England. Situated amongst the rolling chalk hills of the Cambridgeshire downs, the estate is a consistent producer of high-quality award-winning wines. Take a tour and sample some of their award winning wines or simply relax on the terrace enjoying a quintessentially English afternoon tea. Tours set off from the Vineyard visitor centre twice daily and last approximately 90 minutes.

Carden Park Hotel - Cheshire 

A small, yet picturesque vineyard tucked behind an imposing modern hotel that lies at the end of a mile long drive. The main variety grown is Seyval Blanc, there is also a little Pinot Noir. This is not a winery that takes tours but please make enquiries at the hotel.

Polgoon Vineyard & Orchard - Cornwall 

From the very first wine harvest in 2006, Kim and John created the first Polgoon rosé and were subsequently awarded the Waitrose Trophy for Best Still Rosé in the UK. The Coulsons perfected a Cornish cider called Aval (Cornish for ‘apple’), a sparkling cider product made using the Methode Traditionelle, the same method used by French winemakers to produce their sparkling wines. Polgoon have wide range of award-winning sparkling and still wines, ciders and juices which can be bought at their on site shop. Wine tours are self guided at present, starting at 11:30am and finishing at 15:15pm. The self guided tours will be one household at a time, to observe the government guidelines for social distancing.

Camel Valley Vineyard - Cornwall 

This outstanding family business, Camel Valley Vineyard, has consistently produced award winning, world class wines over the years. Enjoy one of the relaxed friendly tours round the winery, as you learn about the growing season of the vine, how grapes are transformed into award-winning wines and taste a glass of their sparkling wine. If you prefer not to take a tour, relax in this stunning setting and have a glass or two on the terrace.

Renishaw Hall Walled Vineyard - Derbyshire

Renishaw Hall produces medal-winning wines both still and sparkling. Renishaw Hall and Gardens is a great day out as you can tour the hall, gardens and vineyard. Take a vineyard tour with Kieron Atkinson, the award-winning winemaker and get an insight into the running of the vineyard and the cycle of wine making. The tour includes sampling their still and sparkling wines.

Alder Vineyard - Devon

Alder Vineyard has a purpose to inspire and nurture a love of wine, far beyond the bottle. They have taken their love of the outdoors and a good bottle of English wine, planting their first vines over 10 years ago and have never looked back.  This year a Alder Vineyard will open a new winery, cafe and shop. Enjoy one of the behind the vines, wine tasting & vineyard tour experience. Perched at the foot of Dartmoor the vineyard offers fantastic views across the Lew valley and beyond.

English Oak Vineyard - Dorset 

This is an award-winning English sparkling wine boutique vineyard. You will enjoy an interesting and fun visit to a sparkling wine vineyard, that produces over 23,000 Pinot and Chardonnay vines. Enjoy walking through the vines of English Oak Vineyard, they offer informative public, private and picnic vineyard tours and all the tours finish back at the visitor centre learning about the various stages in creating these award winning English sparkling wines and of course finish with a wine tasting.

Crouch Ridge Vineyard - Essex

Crouch Ridge Vineyard overlooking the river Crouch and countryside offers Vineyard tours and tastings. There are lots of different tours to choose from  where you are guided by an expert and sometimes by the owner, as you learn the growing season of the vines and wine making process, vine to wine.  Each tour lasting approximately 90 minutes, includes a fun tutored wine tasting session of 3 wines. If you don't fancy a wine tour and tasting, they offer an outstanding afternoon tea.