We’re all aware that the wine industry in the UK is growing at a fantastic rate. As the climate changes, vineyards are established throughout England and Wales, producing increasingly world-class wines. Hand in hand with that expansion is the boom in wine tourism, with producers inviting enthusiasts to explore its picturesque vineyards and innovative wineries.

Regions like Kent, Sussex, and Cornwall are gaining acclaim for offering keen wine lovers visiting their sites. Visitors can join guided tours, partake in tastings, and learn about the unique characteristics of wine production from county to county.

Many vineyards also offer luxurious accommodations and gourmet dining experiences, blending the charm of rural England with the sophistication of fine wine. This emerging trend not only showcases the UK’s viticultural potential but also supports local economies and sustainable tourism.

What do we mean by wine tourism?

Wine tourism, also known as ecotourism, involves the desire for wine lovers to throw themselves into the experience of wine and winemaking. This niche tourism sector includes visits to vineyards, wineries, and wine festivals, offering tourists a chance to learn about wine production, sample different varieties, take in the local region, and purchase wines directly from producers. Wine tourism also supports regional economies by promoting local agriculture and artisanal products.

Wine tourism has been around for many years. It’s been more associated with ‘new world’ wine countries such as the USA, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa whose offerings of tastings, restaurants and hotels have seen floods of wine lovers venturing into the often rural regions for unforgettable experiences. ‘Old world’ countries are now playing catch up as the financial, community and cultural benefits of wine tourism have become increasingly evident.

Why is wine tourism so important for wineries?

Wine tourism is crucial for wineries as it enhances brand visibility, fosters direct consumer relationships, and boosts revenue. By inviting visitors to their vineyards and cellars, wineries create immersive experiences that build brand loyalty and educate consumers about their unique production processes, including the likes of Tillingham in East Sussex whose use of amphorae ageing or the use of Breton Dwarf sheep in West Sussex’s Ambriel are guaranteed to interest and delight. This personal connection often translates to increased sales, both on-site and through future purchases.

Wine tourism can also diversify income streams, therefore reducing the reliance wineries have on traditional retail channels in a notoriously competitive market. It supports direct-to-consumer sales, which typically offer higher profit margins. Events like tastings, tours, and wine clubs further promote customer engagement and repeat business.

Additionally, not only benefits the winery itself, but it also stimulates local economies by attracting tourists who spend money on accommodations, dining, and other regional activities. This influx of visitors can lead to collaborative opportunities with local businesses, enhancing the overall appeal of the area as a travel destination. East Sussex’s Tillingham Winery is just a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Rye, with its collection of shops, restaurants and hotels.

How many vineyards are there in the UK open for visitors?

The UK now boasts over 700 vineyards spread across the countryside of England and Wales, many of which are open to visitors. These vineyards are predominantly located in regions with favourable climates for viticulture, such as Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Cornwall.

Visitors can explore the picturesque landscapes, often just a short trip from major towns or cities, for example, Tickerage is only 20 miles from Brighton and Albury near Guilford. Additionally, some vineyards provide accommodations, such as the award-winning Halfling Hollow at East Sussex’s Oastbrook Estate, and fabulous dining options such as Tillingham’s Michelin Green Star restaurant.

What are the activities you can expect from UK vineyards?

Nearly all major UK vineyards offer guided tours, mostly on a pre-booked basis. These allow guests to explore the vineyards, often in the company of owners and winemakers to learn all about each winery’s unique set-up. These tours often culminate in wine tastings, providing an opportunity to sample a variety of wines produced on-site.

Many vineyards also have on-site restaurants or bars that host wine and food pairing events, where visitors can enjoy local culinary delights and nature trails. Cornwall’s Trevibban Mill boasts a historic watermill, fishing lake and medieval woodland for visitors to enjoy.

Special events like wine festivals, concerts, and workshops further enrich the vineyard experience. These can include activities like yoga or Pilates sessions in the vines for visitors and locals, all the way to outdoor opera concerts and Shakespeare plays throughout the summer amongst the stunning surroundings of the winery and vineyards.

Exploring Wanderlust Wine’s UK wineries

Now that you’ve caught a glimpse of what a day at the winery can look like, why not start planning your next vineyard trip?

We’re proud to work closely with some fabulous wineries across the UK, and each of them is wonderful to visit!

Tillingham, East Sussex

If you haven’t heard, Tillingham is a winery with experimentation at its core, known for its sustainable vineyard practices and low-intervention winemaking. All this takes place in a stunning setting – a beautifully restored barn-converted estate that has become a must-visit destination in East Sussex.

Since its founding in 2018, Tillingham has skilfully blended ancient winemaking traditions with modern techniques, producing wines that consistently push the boundaries of innovation and people’s impression of English wines.

Tourism services & facilities: Accommodation, restaurants, tours and tastings, event space hire.

Website: https://tillingham.com

Tickerage Wine, East Sussex

A true family business from root to glass, Tickerage was founded by husband-and-wife Anthony and Zena Budd in 2007. They started their operation even before finalising the land’s purchase, preparing the soil of what would eventually become their vineyard. On May 1st, 2007 they planted the eight thousand plants that now supply the fruit to their elegant and characterful sparkling range.

Tourism services & facilities: Tours and tastings.

Website: www.tickeragewine.co.uk

Trevibban Mill, St Issey, Cornwall

Trevibban Mill might have started as an early retirement project but has certainly become much more than that. Engin & Liz Mumcuoglu have put their hearts and souls into its development as a vibrant working farm now producing organic, low-intervention wines and ciders with a quintessentially Cornish soul.

Tourism services & facilities: Accommodation, restaurant, tours and tastings, event space hire.

Website: trevibbanmill.com

Albury Organic Vineyard, Surrey

Nick Wenman planted Albury Vineyard in 2009 after retiring from the IT industry to pursue his dream of owning a vineyard. With an uncompromising passion for quality wine, Nick believes that the key to the success of the final product is a full commitment to organic and biodynamic farming principles which he implemented from the very beginning.

Tourism services & facilities: Vineyard tour, tasting and event space hire

Website: www.alburyvineyard.com

Ambriel, West Sussex

A firm belief in the greens and terroir of the South Downs and a strict blending discipline are the two main drivers behind this award-winning wine from Ambriel. The husband and wife team spent five years looking for the perfect place to make their winemaking dream come true. Once they found it, Charles and Wendy changed their lives and Ambriel was born.

Tourism services & facilities: Vineyard tour and tasting

Website: ambrielsparkling.com

This Blog post is written by Mike Turner
Freelance wine writer, presenter and judge

Mike is a regular contributor for The Buyer magazine and is a certified educator and ambassador for Bordeaux, Rioja, Ribera Del Duero, Barolo and Barbaresco, running trade and consumer events across the UK from his base in the East Midlands.

Next in our regions and producers series: Rare Finds: Discovering the Unique Wines of Isolated Regions