When you think of wine tasting or vineyard tours, your mind might jump to the rolling hills of Tuscany or the cellar doors of Champagne. But world-class wine experiences are now much closer to home. England’s thriving wine scene is full of beautiful vineyards, award-winning wines, and welcoming experiences waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re a long-time lover of English wine or simply curious to discover what lies beyond the supermarket shelf, visiting a vineyard is one of the most enjoyable, and surprising, ways to spend a day in the UK. From guided wine tastings and behind-the-scenes winery tours to long lunches with a view, English wine estates offer a fresh way to connect with nature, flavour, and a growing community of wine lovers.
A typical vineyard tour in England includes a guided walk through the vines, a behind-the-scenes look at how the wine is made, and a tutored tasting of selected wines (often still and sparkling) with expert insights along the way. Most tours last between 60–90 minutes and are led by knowledgeable hosts who share the story of the vineyard, the grapes, and the winemaking process.
Vineyard tours and wine tastings are one of the most enjoyable ways to explore English wine, and every estate offers something a little different. At Ridgeview, our guided vineyard tours and wine tastings in Sussex offer an inspiring glimpse at life behind the bottle – from vine to glass. Led by our expert team, they’re a brilliant way to learn more about English winemaking in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
And for those visiting without a tour booking, Ridgeview also offers something a little different: a free self-guided vineyard trail. Open to all guests, it’s a peaceful way to explore the vines at your own pace – especially when paired with a tasting flight or glass at our vineyard restaurant, The Rows & Vine.
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Dining at a vineyard is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience English wine, especially when the food is designed with the wine in mind. Across the country, winery restaurants are embracing a more seasonal, locally inspired approach, where vibrant dishes are made to be enjoyed with a glass in hand.
At Ridgeview, The Rows & Vine is all about letting the wine lead. Our seasonal menu is crafted to complement the flavours, structure and character of both our sparkling and still wines – from light, zesty starters to deeper, more savoury plates designed to stand up to fuller styles.
In the warmer months, guests can soak up the sunshine on our raised terrace or dine in one of our vineyard pavilions nestled by the Chardonnay vines. During winter, the restaurant moves inside the winery, offering a cosy, atmospheric setting just steps from where the wines are made.
Whether you’re pairing a tasting menu with your favourite fizz or stopping by for a glass and a few sharing plates, our vineyard restaurant, The Rows & Vine, offers a fresh, flavourful take on wine-led dining in the heart of Sussex.
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There’s something special about choosing a bottle from the place it was made. At the heart of many English vineyards is a Cellar Door – often a shop or tasting room where you can explore the wines, speak to the team, and take home something to enjoy or share.
Some offer tutored tastings or wine flights; others simply invite you to browse and ask questions. You’ll often find exclusive wines or rare vintages that aren’t available elsewhere, with people on hand who know their stuff, without ever making you feel like you need to.
At Ridgeview, our Winery Shop in Sussex is open year-round and designed to be welcoming to all – whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, an exquisite food pairing or a new favourite for a special celebration. You can book a tutored wine tasting for a guided experience, or simply pop in for a chat to find out more about our wines and discover the bottle for you.
Ridgeview Winery Shop
Many English vineyards now offer events that go far beyond the glass – from harvest celebrations and wine dinners to seasonal feasts, live music, and wellness workshops.
It’s a growing side of English wine experiences, offering guests the chance to connect more deeply with the people, place, and process behind the wines.
At Ridgeview, our events calendar is closely tied to our Wine Club community – a space for wine lovers to gather, discover, and enjoy exclusive experiences. From new release tastings and winemaker dinners to sunset supper clubs and harvest celebrations, these one-off events bring our wines and people together in unforgettable ways.
OurView Wine Club
Vineyards are fast becoming some of the most sought-after spots for special occasions offering something a little out of the ordinary. Across England, many wineries now host everything from birthday dinners and anniversary parties to weddings, engagement celebrations, corporate away days and client entertainment.
At Ridgeview, private events and corporate experiences take place in a beautiful vineyard setting with flexible indoor and outdoor spaces. From special celebrations and family lunches to team socials and client events, our dedicated team can create the experience.
Just a short journey from London, Brighton and Gatwick, it’s a refreshing setting for bringing people together – with award-winning wine at the heart of it all.
Private Events & Venue Hire
For those looking to stretch a day out into something longer, vineyard stays are an increasingly popular way to experience English wine. Wine GB’s directory (find a vineyard near me) is a great place to search for vineyard accommodation across the country, while Visit Britain offers inspiration and resources to help plan a trip full of local highlights. For those exploring the South East, Sussex Modern is packed with ideas for creative places to eat, stay, and discover, while Sussex Food & Drink showcases the region’s producers, farm shops, and food-led experiences.
If you’re looking for something extra special, Exclusive Collection’s South Lodge offers luxurious spa and dining experiences just a short drive from Ridgeview. With three restaurants, a bar, lounge and terrace, it’s a peaceful base for a weekend of food, wine, and downtime. You can even book a treatment at their Ridgeview Beauty Bar before joining us at the estate for a tasting or tour.
At Ridgeview, while we don’t offer accommodation on-site, we’re surrounded by brilliant places to stay in Sussex and beyond. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a birthday treat, or a mini-moon with a wine twist, there are options nearby to suit every style. You’ll also find excellent food and drink spots, scenic walks, cultural highlights, and independent shops in the surrounding Sussex area.
Accommodation in Sussex
Whether you’re looking to explore your local wine region or planning a longer getaway, visiting an English vineyard is a chance to slow down, savour the moment, and discover something new. With so many places to explore, there’s never been a better time to dive into the world of English wine.
If you’re planning your visit to Ridgeview’s vineyard in Sussex or the wider South East, these regional guides are a great place to start: Visit Brighton, Experience West Sussex, Tourism South East, Visit Ditchling and the South Downs National Park.
To explore English wine more widely, Wine Cellar Door offers a brilliant directory of vineyards open to visitors, while the Sparkling Sussex Cycling Tour combines wine tasting with scenic routes and local hospitality via the Historic Sussex Hotels.
However you choose to explore, you’ll find a warm welcome, beautiful surroundings, and plenty of reasons to raise a glass.
Visit RidgeviewExperience Ridgeview in a whole new way with our debut Still Chardonnay. Bursting with vibrant fruit flavours and elegant floral notes, our new still Chardonnay charts exciting new horizons for world-class English winemaking.
Complex, deeply layered and deliciously food-friendly, it’s made for bringing people together and savouring life’s special moments over a sumptuous dish or two. Now available online or at our vineyard restaurant, The Rows & Vine.
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We hope you enjoyed the delicious Dr Will’s dressings included in your Spring case — the perfect partner to your Ridgeview moments! To keep the flavour flowing, here’s a 15% discount code to use on Dr Will’s products all year round: DRWILLS15
T&Cs: Valid year‑round for OurView members and redeemable multiple times.
Whether you’re heading to Covent Garden for a day of shopping or catching a performance, pause for something special this July at the Royal Opera House’s Piazza Restaurant and Terrace Bar. As an OurView member, enjoy a complimentary glass of Ridgeview Bloomsbury NV for you and up to three guests when dining from the à la carte menu, with one of London’s most iconic views. Did you know? Our Blanc de Blancs 2006 was crowned Best Global Sparkling Wine by Decanter in 2010 at the Royal Opera House itself. Today, Ridgeview is the only English sparkling wine poured there. Just show your OurView card to redeem. We recommend booking ahead.
T&Cs: Offer includes one complimentary glass of Ridgeview Bloomsbury NV for you and up to three guests (18 years+) – Offer valid from 4th – 27th July 2025, subject to availability – To redeem the offer, you must dine from the à la carte menu at the Royal Opera House Piazza Restaurant or Piazza Terrace – Booking & walk-ins: Reserve via the Royal Opera House website and pop your OurView number in the special requests box. Whether booked or walking in, just show your OurView card to claim the offer – You must be an active OurView member (with a current Direct Debit Mandate or pre-paid annual membership) – One use per visit. Multiple member cards cannot be combined for additional glasses – Glasses cannot be exchanged for other Ridgeview wines unless agreed with staff on the day – Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.
OurView members and up to three guests can indulge in a complimentary glass of Ridgeview Bloomsbury NV when dining at Ockenden Manor for lunch; a stunning Elizabethan manor with an award-winning restaurant, and a relaxing spa, all set in eight acres overlooking Cuckfield Park. Simply book lunch for you and up to three guests and soak up the elegant atmosphere with exceptional food and wine.
T&Cs: Offer includes one complimentary glass of Ridgeview Bloomsbury NV for you and up to three guests (18 years+) – Offer is valid until 31 October 2025, subject to availability – Offer valid for lunch bookings, 7 days a week, at Ockenden Manor’s main restaurant when dining from the Lunch Menu, Sussex Menu, or Sunday Lunch – Bookings must be made in advance by emailing [email protected] with at least 3 days’ notice. Ridgeview will coordinate bookings; direct reservations or walk-ins are not eligible – You must be an active OurView member (with a current Direct Debit Mandate or pre-paid annual membership) – One use per visit. Multiple membership cards cannot be combined for additional glasses – Glasses cannot be exchanged for other Ridgeview wines unless agreed by staff on the day – Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.
We have teamed up with The Gingerman Group to offer you and up to 3 guests a complimentary glass of Bloomsbury NV with a table reservation at one of their 4 restaurants. The Gingerman Group started in 1998 with its flagship Brighton restaurant The Gingerman and now have 3 more restaurants including The Ginger Fox, Ginger Pig and The Flint House and are widely considered to be amongst the best restaurants in Brighton. Simply email [email protected] with your reservation details. Your wine club manager will make the reservation on your behalf and send you the email confirmation.
T&C’S – One glass of Ridgeview Bloomsbury NV for OurView member and up to 3 guests – You must have an active OurView membership – OurView members can only redeem the offer through emailing [email protected] to make the table reservation – 3 days notice is required to make your booking with the restaurant – This offer is not redeemable for direct reservations or for walk-ins – Offer available 7 days a week, available at all Ginger Group Restaurants including: Gingerman Restaurant (Brighton), The Ginger Pig (Hove), The Ginger Fox (Hassocks) and The Flint House (Brighton).
Stay a while at The Rows & Vine, where beautiful views, seasonal plates and award-winning sparkling wines come together in one unforgettable setting.
Check availability and book your table
Restaurant reservations and tours are booked separately. We recommend checking table availability for your date, then booking your tour and reserving your table.