From crisp whites to velvety reds, hundreds of vineyards up and down England produce award-winning wines. To celebrate some of the magnificent wines produced on our very own soil, NMTBP have compiled some of the best vineyards to visit across the country – all offering great tasting sessions, tours and more.

Chapel Down Vineyard, Tenterden, Kent

Set in the gentle hills and high hedges of Kent’s High Weald, in an Area of Outstanding Beauty, is the Chapel Down Vineyard. The 22 acres of vineyard has the same chalky soil as Champagné, France (just 90 miles to the south), giving the wine produced here its distinct flavour

Take a behind-the-scenes tour to get a real taste of the wines produced at Chapel Down. A guide will show you how they grow the grapes and transform the fruit into delicious wine. There’s also a tutored tasting session afterwards, so you can really appreciate the wines

St Martin’s Vineyard, Isles of Scilly

While only 28 miles west of the mainland, the Isles of Scilly feels like a different world. With no traffic jams or major shopping centres, the only noise pollution you’ll hear is the breaking waves and cawing gulls. Set on the southerly-facing slopes of St Martin, you will find St Martin Vineyard, the UK’s smallest and most southwesterly vineyard. Self-guided vineyard tours are conducted throughout the summer, allowing you to explore this unique vineyard

Without a doubt, the location of this winery is what makes it so special. The clear waters and idyllic beaches surrounding the islands provide a prevailing sense of calm making St Martins a delight. The spectacular flowers, plant life, rare birds and sea views along the heathery cliff paths all add to the thrill of St Martin

There are also a number of shepherd huts built in a quiet corner. With everything you need for a self-catering week away on St Martin’s, they’re the ideal base from which to explore the islands

Three Choirs Vineyard, Newent, Gloucestershire

Nestled deep between the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean is Three Choirs, one of England’s oldest and largest vineyards. The rolling hills and valleys of Gloucestershire provide a unique climate, which is perfect for growing grapes. Explore the beautiful vineyards on a guided tour and afterwards, enjoy a light lunch with a chef’s selection board

The Three Choirs vineyard is perfectly situated to explore the beautiful Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean. If you’re thinking of planning a short break or a romantic retreat, the vineyard has rooms and lodges overlooking the vine-clad valleys. Don’t worry about going hungry either, the vineyard also has a brasserie serving the best local produce

Ryedale Vineyard, Westow, York

Ryedale Vineyard is the UK’s most northerly commercial vineyard, hidden away in an idyllic spot at the foot of the Yorkshire Wolds. The sunny south-facing slopes are key to producing some of England’s award-winning wines. Throughout summer Ryedale offers guided tours and tasting sessions which include a selection of wines accompanied by homemade nibbles

Ryedale Vineyard is located only six miles from the market town of Malton, known as the food capital of Yorkshire. Malton regularly has food markets and festivals featuring the finest produce from the region. Perfect for enjoying a short break or romantic trip – taste the wine, enjoy the food and at the end of the day, settle down for a peaceful night’s sleep at Ryedale farmhouse, Adgestone Vineyard

Adgestone Vineyard, Isle of Wight

It’s thought that the Romans grew vines on the Isle of Wight some 2,000 years ago. Adgestone, as befits the oldest continuously operating commercial vineyard in England, seems to have perfected the technique now, producing red, white and rosé wines. The chalky south-facing slopes and almost frost-free climate give these wines a unique taste. Their vineyard tour offers the whole grape to glass experience, as you’ll be guided around the 10-acre site and shown the whole process of turning grapes into wine

If you’re looking to get away from the bustle of everyday life and take some time to relax, Adgestone is the ideal place to escape. Adgestone has snug double bedrooms with en-suite facilities and magnificent sea views offering a tranquil setting to relax and unwind. What could be more special than spending your evenings under the stars amongst 10 acres of vines?

Giffords Hall Vineyard, Hartest, Suffolk

Head to the pretty village of Hartest – complete with colourful thatched houses and huge village green – to find Giffords Hall Vineyard, a vineyard that dates back to the 1970s and is planted on the sandy clay of an ancient glacial riverbed. This family-run vineyard produces a myriad of sparkling wines, award-winning rosés and fruity red pinot noirs, meaning there are plenty of wines to try

You can opt for a private or group tours of Giffords Hall, both of which provide an insight into the history of English wine and the varieties of grapes grown there. The tour will take you through the vineyard and around the winery, showing you the various stages of production, before ending up in the tasting room where you’ll have the chance to taste three still wines and three liqueurs alongside a selection of canapés. Sounds like our cup of tea!

Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, Surrey

With an estate spanning 627 acres, Denbies, in the Surrey Hills, is England’s largest vineyard. As well as making a range of fantastic wines, Denbies is home to a hotel, a collection of restaurants and lots of tours and experiences. Take an outdoor vineyard train tour to see the most beautiful points in the vineyard (all without getting out of your seat), or book onto the Secret Vineyard Trail to meander through vines not normally open to the public, with tasting stops along the way. The Indoor Wine Tasting Experience is also popular, as you’ll learn about the history and geology of the estate before tasting four of Denbies’ award-winning wines.

Make a day of it and accompany your tour with lunch with a view at The Gallery Restaurant, overlooking the vineyard from the winery’s third floor, or enjoy al fresco dining all year round at The Conservatory Restaurant, which serves up light lunches and delicious cream teas. Or stay overnight at Denbies Vineyard Hotel. Renovated from the original 1850s farmhouse, the 17 luxury rooms have outstanding views across the estate – a sight you wouldn’t mind waking up to every day!

In vino, veritas!