Explore English & Welsh Wine Regions

Click any region to see the vineyards inside it, with direct links to tours, tastings, and visitor information. Dashed outlines mark sub-regions that overlap county boundaries.

Kent: The largest and perhaps best known wine-producing county in England, with over 26 vineyards ranging from small family estates to internationally recognised names. The North Downs scarp and freely draining soils create ideal conditions for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Bacchus.
East Sussex: Home to some of England's most celebrated sparkling wine producers, including Ridgeview and Rathfinny. The South Downs chalk runs through the heart of the county, producing wines that draw natural comparisons with Champagne.
West Sussex: The rolling South Downs provide excellent conditions for classic sparkling varieties. Nyetimber, one of England's best-known estates, is based here. Many vineyards also produce still whites and increasingly impressive reds.
Hampshire: A diverse wine county stretching from the South Downs in the east to the New Forest in the west. Both chalk and greensand soils support a wide range of styles. Several estates are within easy reach of Winchester and Southampton.
Surrey: North Downs chalk and greensand make Surrey one of the most consistent wine-producing counties in the southeast. The county's proximity to London makes its vineyards among the most visited in England.
Devon & Cornwall: England's most westerly wine region, warmed by the Gulf Stream. Conditions suit early-ripening varieties. Several Cornish vineyards have won national recognition in recent years for their aromatic whites and light reds.
Somerset & Dorset: A growing wine county with estates spread from the Mendips to the Jurassic Coast. The mix of limestone and clay soils produces distinctive still wines alongside sparkling. Many vineyards are attached to working farms.
Essex: Often overlooked, Essex has a drier climate than many southern counties — ideal for aromatic whites. The Crouch Valley in particular has a long winemaking history stretching back to the 1960s.
Suffolk & Norfolk: East Anglia's low rainfall and long sunshine hours create conditions for crisp, aromatic whites. Pinot Noir and Bacchus thrive here, with a growing number of estates producing impressive sparkling wines.
Thames Valley & Cotswolds: A broad region stretching from the Thames Valley west into the Cotswolds. Limestone and clay soils support a wide variety of styles. Estates here benefit from a sheltered inland climate with warm summers.
Wales: Welsh winemaking has grown rapidly since the 2010s. South-facing slopes in Monmouthshire, the Vale of Glamorgan, and Pembrokeshire produce impressive results, particularly with hybrid varieties suited to the wetter Atlantic climate.
Midlands & North: England's most northerly wine region, proving that good wine can be made far beyond the traditional southeast. Several estates in the Midlands, Yorkshire, and even County Durham have demonstrated the potential of cool-climate viticulture.
High Weald: Straddling the Kent–East Sussex border, the High Weald's heavy Wealden clay retains moisture and produces wines with notable structure. Several of England's most celebrated sparkling producers are based here.
South Downs: The South Downs chalk ridge running from Winchester to Eastbourne is considered England's finest terroir for traditional-method sparkling wine. The free-draining alkaline soils mirror those of the Champagne region.
North Downs: The North Downs escarpment through Surrey and north Kent offers south-facing chalk and greensand slopes with excellent drainage. Several estates here produce sparkling wines of genuine international quality.
Crouch Valley: England's oldest recognised wine sub-region, with commercial viticulture dating back to the 1960s. The valley's sheltered position, low rainfall, and free-draining soils make it ideal for aromatic white varieties.
Wye Valley: The scenic Wye Valley on the England–Wales border has a surprisingly warm and sheltered microclimate. Vineyards on both sides of the river produce distinctive wines influenced by the valley's unique geography.
Tenterden: The Tenterden area in the heart of the Kent Weald has a long association with English wine. Several of Kent's finest estates are clustered within a short drive of the town, making it an ideal base for a vineyard day out.

Frequently asked questions

How many vineyards are there in England and Wales?

There are now over 900 commercial vineyards across England and Wales, ranging from small hobby producers to large estates covering hundreds of acres. The southeast — particularly Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, and Hampshire — is home to the greatest concentration.

Which English wine region is best for visitors?

Kent and East Sussex are the most visitor-friendly, with a high density of estates offering tours and tastings, many within an hour of London. The High Weald sub-region in particular has several award-winning producers within a short drive of each other. Hampshire and West Sussex are also excellent choices for a full-day outing.

What is the difference between a region and a sub-region on this map?

The solid-outlined polygons are broad county-level regions (e.g. Kent, Hampshire). The dashed-outlined shapes are recognised wine sub-regions that often cross county boundaries — such as the High Weald (spanning Kent and East Sussex) or the South Downs (West Sussex and Hampshire). Sub-regions tend to share similar soils and microclimates that give their wines a distinctive character.

Can I visit multiple vineyards in one day?

Absolutely — especially in the southeast. Two or three vineyard visits make for a comfortable day trip. Most estates recommend booking tours in advance. Use the region map to identify clusters, then check individual vineyard pages for opening times and tour availability.