Sophisticated and yet brilliantly fun, a wine crawl makes a great group activity or romantic date idea this summer. And with English Wine Week taking place 18-26 June 2022, what better time to explore the vineyards on our network.
The south west is filled with enough pubs and vineyards to keep you going for weeks, so to save you some time, we’ve created a list of the top vineyards to visit in Surrey, the New Forest, Somerset and Dorset. As well as wine tastings, many vineyards also offer tours and dining options, so you can easily spend a whole day or evening at one of these idyllic spots.
Spend a weekend exploring a few nearby vineyards or plan a few trips over the coming months as part of an ultimate wine crawl. It’s time to round up your friends, don your best outfits, and head out for an unforgettable excursion.
The sweeping landscapes and picture postcard villages make Surrey the perfect place to visit a vineyard or two—so don’t forget your camera.
Denbies
Set in the rolling hills of Dorking, this award-winning vineyard is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.
For a unique experience, you won’t want to miss the outdoor vineyard train tour, where you can experience the magnificent panoramic views of the Denbies Estate and the North Downs, while sipping on a glass of specially selected Denbies Sparkling Wine.
The estate features multiple restaurants as well as a giftshop and a hotel. To get here, take the train to Dorking station, before walking for 17 minutes to reach the wine estate.
Credit: Denbies
New Forest Vineyards
In the New Forest, you’re guaranteed to be surrounded by beauty all day long. Offering everything from lush, green parks to stunning coastal views, the New Forest is the ideal spot for a wine crawl.
Setley Ridge Vineyard
Nestled right in heart of the beautiful New Forest, Setley Ridge is more than just a vineyard. This family-run business carries out their whole wine-making process on site, from growing the grapes right down to making their bottles—and they also sell a range of goods in their very own farm shop.
Winery tours are available by appointment and come with the option to try delicious, homemade wine afterwards. Catch the train to Brockenhurst station, before catching any bus which passes the Filly Inn.
Hambledon Vineyard
No wine crawl would be complete without a visit to England’s oldest vineyard. At Hambledon Vineyard, you can explore the enchanting vineyards, state of the art winery and underground cellars before sampling some of the most delectable wines.
For the ultimate al fresco experience, round off your experience with a delicious meal in the very heart of the vineyard. With only 20 tables available, make sure you book this exclusive dining experience well in advance.
To get here, catch the train to Rowlands Castle, then take an 18-minute taxi from the station to the vineyard.
Credit: Hambledon Vineyard
Somerset Vineyards
Featuring stunning scenery and an unmissable stretch of coastline, Somerset is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful counties in the UK. With many wineries to choose from, here are just some of the best:
Fenny Castle Vineyard
Situated in the tiny village of Worth, Fenny Castle Vineyard is a wholesome, family run business which initially started out as a farm.
During your evening, you’ll be given a fascinating insight into the wine producing process as you explore the estate, with tours taking place from 4pm onwards. You’ll then have the chance to sip on some of the vineyard’s award-winning wine or cider, while admiring the beautiful scenery.
The nearest station to Fenny Castle Vineyard is Castle Cary. From here, it’s a 33-minute taxi journey to your destination.
Wraxall Vineyard
Wraxall Vineyard might be Somerset’s oldest vineyard, but it’s recently undergone a transformation which has brought it back to life. The wine tours here are relaxed and informal—and you can even bring your dog with you!
Along the way, you’ll have the chance to sample some of Wraxhall’s delicious sparkling wines and local cheeses, all the while basking in a spectacular view across the Somerset Levels.
The nearest train station is Castle Cary. From the station, you can take a 12-minute taxi to reach the vineyard.
Dorset Vineyards
Known for its dramatic limestone scarps and sweeping clay vales, the landscape of Dorset is unique to the whole of England, and its fertile soils make it the perfect spot for producing some top-quality English wines. There are a total of eight vineyards in Dorset, but here’s our best pick of the bunch:
Furleigh Estate
Consisting of 85 acres of vineyard, lakes and grazing land surrounded by woodland, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a storybook as you explore the vineyards at Furleigh Estate. Teaming with wildlife, from birds and deer to pheasants and geese, this former dairy farm is now home to over 22,000 vines which produce some of the UK’s most delicious wines.
Choose from a classic or grand tour, both of which include a stroll through the estate’s picturesque vineyards and the opportunity for a tasting at the end. For a 20% discount off your booking, be sure to check out the estate’s exclusive Seasonal Six Club.
To get here, catch the train to Crewkerne station, then take a 20-minute taxi to the estate.
Langham Wine Estate
The two-hour wine tour at the Langham Wine Estate includes a stroll around the stunning grounds, followed by a tasting of three of Langham’s award-winning wines.
You can get to Langham Wine Estate from two train stations. If travelling to Dorchester South station, you should then take the X12 bus towards Blandford, and get off at Crawthorne Farm. From Moreton station, it’s just a 15-minute taxi journey to your destination.
Plan your wine crawl ahead of time to ensure a stress-free day. Find more information about train times and ticket types, and make the most of the cheapest deals by booking in advance.
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