Sussex and Kent are the major players in English wine, with small producers focusing on quality wines. Head to the countryside to tour the vineyards, tasting creamy sparklers and flinty whites born of the very land you’re standing on.
Carr Taylor, just outside Hastings, is open daily for tours and tastings of its award winning wines. Sedlescombe Organic in Robertsbridge is the oldest organic vineyard in the UK, with a range of gluten-free and vegan-friendly red, white and sparkling wines. Oxney Organic in Beckley also focuses on sparkling wine, with tours available on Fridays and every other Saturday. A newcomer on the scene is Tillingham Wines in Peasmarsh, a winery, restaurant and hotel run on organic and biodynamic principles, based in a former hop barn. Near Appledore you'll find the Gusbourne Estate, growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier for their world-famous wines. With a variety of tours from free self-guided walks to masterclasses, and gift vouchers available, it's a perfect day out however wine-savvy you are.
Or, you can let someone else do the planning (and driving) for you, with a privately hosted Vine & Country tour.
