THE UK - SOUTH EAST WINE REGION
Breaky Bottom vineyards in Sussex
Photo source: Breaky Bottom
Suggestions for wine tours, vineyard tours & wine tasting experiences in the south east region:
Sussex wine, Kent wine and Surrey wine
Over 60% of UK vineyards are in the South-East England wine region, as defined by WineGB (the national association for the English and Welsh wine industry), which covers the counties of Kent, Surrey, Sussex and London South. In fact the South East of England is known as the wine capital of the UK - and for good reason!
The main reason why most UK vineyards are located here is because of the relatively warmer climate, which has been more favourable so far for wine production.
‘So far’ because due to global warming and the pace of climate change, vineyards are now springing up in more northerly and westerly locations. In addition the region’s predominantly chalky soils (think the White Cliffs of Dover), favour the production of sparkling wine - as in the Champagne region of northern France.
As for the UK in general, the predominant style of wine is sparkling English wine - but many wine producers here are moving towards also producing still white and red wines as the climate becomes more favourable - especially after the hot summer of 2018 - and their vines become more established.
Gusbourne vineyards in Kent
Recommended vineyards and wineries
There are many well-established vineyards and wineries in the South East of England, offering wine tours, wine tastings, accommodation, lunches and dinners. See some of the more notable below.
We can also recommend tour company Great British Wine Tours, who run some excellent tours in Sussex and Kent.
Remember to contact the vineyard to confirm your visit in advance and to understand relevant Covid 19 guidelines and restrictions.
East Sussex (and Surrey):
Travel guide and other useful information
Places to visit and things to see - South
To help plan your trip, visit the South East England tourist website, which is packed with lots of ideas and information.
Make the most of your visit by exploring the 400 miles of beautiful coastline in the South East and it’s beautiful towns including Brighton, Littlehampton and Eastbourne in Sussex and the towns of Whitstable and Rye in Kent, famous for their oysters and scallops! The beautiful Isle of Wight is on your doorstep too!
Take the opportunity to drink in the amazing scenery (as well as the wine!) - the South Downs national park in Sussex is a walker's paradise so take your walking shoes!
South East England is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, cathedrals, churches, palaces, castles and more so there’s lots to explore, along with local produce markets, award-winning restaurants and of course the great English afternoon tea experience!
Traditions and festivals
Maybe time your visit to coincide with a great British festival - for example the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed or any of the other many festivals and events which take place in this lovely part of the UK. You won’t be disappointed!!
Isle of Wight (by Jonathan Ridley on Unsplash)
Sissinghurst Castle in Kent (Photo by Steve Payne on Unsplash)
We were recently fortunate enough to enjoy a fabulous overnight stay and wine tasting at ‘THE PIG - in the South Downs’ - one of eight PIG hotels and restaurants in stunning rural locations in the south of England - and the only one currently to have its own vineyard! See our review here…..