17 UNIQUE WINE EXPERIENCES IN THE UK TO TRY THIS YEAR.
If you love English wine, then you’re probably always on the lookout for new ways to enjoy it. Sure, a traditional vineyard tour and tasting is always a treat—but what if you could go one step further? From vintage train rides to vineyard yoga and even a half marathon through the vines, here are 17 unforgettable English wine experiences to add to your list.
1/ The British Pullman Train to Balfour & other vineyards
Balfour Winery knows how to do things in style, and the British Pullman train experience is no exception. Board a beautifully restored vintage train from London and travel through the picturesque Kent countryside before arriving at Balfour for a day of fine wine, delicious food, and a guided vineyard tour. It’s the perfect blend of luxury and nostalgia, with a generous helping of English fizz.
If you don’t fancy Balfour, there are many other prestigious wineries to choose from.
Find more details about this luxury wine and train experience on the Pullman website.
2/ Camping in a vineyard
What could be better than waking up surrounded by vines? Many vineyards across England now offer glamping and camping options.
If you want an authentic camping experience, consider Ryedale in North Yorkshire or for a luxury glamping experience, Thorrington Mill in Essex.
Details for the 14 best vineyards with campsites can be found here.
3/ Yoga in the vines
If you like to balance indulgence with a little mindfulness, then yoga in the vineyard is a must. Many wineries now offer sessions where you can stretch and unwind among the vines before enjoying a post-class glass of wine. Balfour Winery and Albury Vineyard both run regular events, but check your local vineyards—you might find one offering a class closer to home.
4/ Park Run at Squerrys
Squerryes Estate in Kent hosts a weekly Park Run, making it one of the most scenic Saturday morning runs you’ll ever do. The reward? A post-run coffee at the vineyard’s shop, or perhaps a celebratory glass of their excellent sparkling wine. Running and wine—a surprisingly good combination.
5/ Otford & Shoreham Circular
If running isn’t your thing but you still love a good walk, the Otford & Shoreham Circular is a stunning route that takes you through rolling countryside and past The Mount Vineyard. Stop for a glass of wine or a leisurely lunch before finishing your loop—it’s a walk worth savouring.
Find out more about Mount Vineyard and this walk here.
6/ Denbies half marathon
For those who prefer a more intense challenge, the Denbies Half Marathon is a beautiful but tough course through the Surrey Hills, weaving in and out of Denbies Wine Estate. Expect some challenging climbs, breathtaking views, and the ultimate post-race treat: a well-earned glass of English wine. You can also stay overnight at Denbies – rest up and make a weekend of it.
7/ Wine makers lunch at Gusbourne
Gusbourne is a luxurious slice of wine heaven in the Kent countryside. They often have interesting events that you can attend.
This summer, look out for the Head Wine Makers Summer Lunch. A chance to join an exclusive luncheon and meet Mary Bridges. Of course, this also includes a tour and tasting.
Find out more about the wine makers lunch at Gusbourne here.
8/ Overnight stay at Llanerch Vineyard Hotel, Wales
Llanerch Vineyard Hotel is somewhat of a pioneer in this space, offering a purpose built deluxe hotel in the middle of a working vineyard.
I particularly love that the wine tasting experience is described as “informal”, I can imagine that this is a relaxed but chic place to visit and stay. There’s also a restaurant, serving Welsh food for lunch or supper. Llanerch winery produces a range of still & sparkling wine, including sweet wines. They also make their very own gin!
Guests love this hotel, giving it an amazing 9.6 out of 10 on expedia.com. Llanerch Hotel offers a range of rooms and suites, they even have dog friendly rooms.
Next time I’m in Wales, this will be my number one pick for somewhere to stay.
9/ Ultimate wine tasting at Bolney
Bolney Wine Estate has been a staple in English winemaking for decades, and their tastings are among the best. Their sparkling and still wines are always a hit, but don’t miss their Lychgate Red—a rare and brilliant English Pinot Noir. Pair your tasting with one of their food platters for the full experience.
Pick the Ultimate Wine and Food Tasting – a 3 hour luxury experience – for the whole caboodle.
10/ Organic wine tasting at Oxney
Oxney Organic Estate in East Sussex is one of England’s leading organic wine producers. Their tastings give you a deep dive into the world of organic and sustainable winemaking, with a chance to try their exceptional sparkling and still wines. If you’re curious about how organic methods influence flavour, this is the place to find out.
Find out more and book to visit Oxney Organic Estate here.
11/ Wine Garden of England Summer Celebration
Kent isn’t called the Wine Garden of England for nothing, and this festival is a tribute to its thriving wine scene. Expect tastings from some of the best vineyards in the region, live music, and plenty of food to soak up all that wine.
This year the event is held at Chilham Castle on the 7th June. Find out more and get tickets here.
12/ Live music at vineyard
Many vineyards now host live music events, creating a laid-back atmosphere to enjoy a glass of wine (or two). Picture this: a warm summer evening, a glass of English sparkling, and an acoustic band playing in the background. Bliss.
Many vineyards such as Squerrys and the Mount hold regular music nights. But check on vineyards near you – you can find them in my vineyard directory – for upcoming events. Let the summer season commence!
13/ Wine cycling tour
If you love wine and cycling, why not combine the two? Several companies now offer guided cycling tours that take you from one vineyard to another, with plenty of tasting stops along the way. The Surrey Hills and Sussex countryside are perfect for this kind of adventure—just make sure you pace yourself!
Look into hiring an Ebike here, if that’s more your pace of things. Or, you can also make your own cycle route – check out these ideas in Surrey.
14/ The Kent Wine Train
The Spa Valley Railway in Kent runs special wine and dine events where you can enjoy a food paired with English wines while travelling on a vintage steam train. It’s a unique way to explore the countryside while indulging in some fantastic wine.
And ,if you want more, you can hop off at one of two vineyards on route – Birchenden or Wildwood.
15/ Visiting an English wine bar
If you want to explore English wine without heading to a vineyard, visiting a dedicated English wine bar is the way to go. Places like Corkk in Tunbridge Wells have excellent selections of homegrown wines, and the knowledgeable staff can help you find a new favourite.
16/ Join a harvest event
Want to experience the winemaking process up close? Many vineyards welcome volunteers to help with the harvest in late summer and early autumn. It’s hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding—and usually ends with a well-deserved tasting session.
Check out vineyards near you to find their harvest events.
17/ Old fashioned bus tour
For a quirky day out, book a vineyard tour on a vintage bus. Companies like the Sussex Wine Tours run trips to multiple wineries, giving you the chance to sample wines from different producers without worrying about driving.
Where to next?
A few of my favourite things
Looking for a gift for yourself or a wine lover in your life? Here are a few of my favourite English Wine things.
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