Best vineyards to visit in Britain
While you may think of Italy or France when it comes to fine wine, English or Welsh wine has gained critical acclaim in recent years. Try for yourself with our pick of the best vineyard experiences in the UK, plus facts about British wine.

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Wine produced in Britain has gained critical acclaim in recent years. Try for yourself with our pick of the best vineyard experiences in the UK, plus facts about the UK’s wine.
Wine from the United Kingdom is generally classified as either ‘English wine’ or ‘Welsh wine’, referring to its actual place of origin. The term ‘British wine’ is used for fermented grape juice or concentrate that can originate from anywhere in the world. There are now more than 430 vineyards in England and Wales and one in Scotland, with most concentrated in the south east which generally enjoys warmer climes. The average vineyard size is 3.3 hectares and Britain produces more than two million bottles of wine a year, with sparkling wine accounting for 60 per cent of the UK’s wine.
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When was wine first produced in the UK?
The Romans introduced wine production to England and even attempted to grow grapes as far north as Lincolnshire. You can’t fault them for trying.
Millennia ago, when Britain was part of the European landmass, large swaths of south-east England were joined to what is France’s modern day Champagne.
How long does it take to harvest for wine?
It takes at least four years before you can harvest the grape when you establish a vineyard.
Best vineyards to visit in the UK
Chapel Down Wines, Kent
Chapel Down have a host of awards for their wines including Gold for their Rose Brut at the International Wine Challenge 2011. However, the vineyard itself has also been collecting awards including ‘Kent’s Best Vineyard’ in the Taste of Kent awards and Best Leisure and Tourism Business 2010 at the annual Kent Excellence in Business Awards. It is not really a surprise, Chapel Down definitely have the experience wow-factor with charted Merlin Balloon rides and private tours, tank tasting, fine dining, food and wine matching tutorials, VIP tours and sabrage demonstrations – all as part of their Deluxe and Bespoke gift packages. chapeldown.com

Glyndwr Vineyard, Vale of Glamorgan
Camel Valley, Cornwall
Producing some of the best wines in the UK, Camel Valley’s awards speak for themselves. The 2008 White Pinot Noir Brut and 2009 Pinot Noir Rose Brut are just a couple of the fantastic wines that have won and you can try on the vineyard’s Grand Tour and Tasting. If you want to spend more time in this picturesque location, there are two lovely holiday cottages available, which also come with a seasonal salmon fishing license for guests to use. camelvalley.com
Three Choirs Vineyard, Gloucestershire

Denbies Vineyard, Surrey
