Create new traditions this English Wine Week

Taking place between 21-29 June, English Wine Week gives you 9 days dedicated to tasting, touring and experiencing local wines and the vineyards that produce them.  

This year you’re being encouraged to ‘create new traditions’. Whether it’s adopting English wine for your special occasions, making it the go-to for gatherings with friends or swapping out with some of your regular tipples, there’s so many wines to enjoy. Of course, there’s plenty of fabulous fizz but there’s also sensational still wines too.

English Wine Week is the perfect time to get out and visit a vineyard. In addition to all the usual tours, tastings and dining experiences, there’s lots of special events going on around the country, including collaborations between vineyards. WineGB have a calendar of events taking place – take a look here.  

Here’s a few of my fizz favourites. Tickets need to be purchased in advance so be quick;

Kinsbrook Summer Festival is taking place at Kinsbrook Vineyard in Sussex on 21 June. A family-friendly event with food and live music – and of course plenty of delicious wine.  

BBQ in the Garden at Kingscote Estate in Sussex on 21 & 22 June allows you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings with some delicious BBQ food and wines.

Gusbourne Midsummer Barbecue is taking place in Kent on 21 / 22 / 28 / 29  June. With sensational BBQ food championing local suppliers, live music and a glass of Gusbourne sparkling rose included in the ticket, there will also be the opportunity to enjoy complimentary vineyard tours.        

Dunesforde in Yorkshire will be elevating their tours on 21 & 28 June to feature special vintage wines celebrating how far they have come since planting their vines in 2016. 

Croxford Wine Estate in Northamptonshire is launching its first Merry Tom vintage on Saturday 21 June. Visitors are invited to taste their sparkling Solaris & Bacchus which have been 5 years in the making. Check @merrytomwines on Instagram for details of the open day.

English Wine Week Grand Tasting, Woodchester Valley Vineyard, Cotswolds, 22 June. A unique chance to try their complete range of award-winning wines accompanied with a fabulous grazing platter.    

Band & Picnic in the Vineyard takes place on Sunday 22 June at Ashling Park in Sussex. Entrance tickets are free but you do need to book in advance. You can also pre-order vineyard picnics. Bring along picnic blankets or chairs to relax on the lawn and enjoy the vibrant sounds of the Emsworth Concert Band.  

Hattingley Valley Wines, Hampshire, are inviting you to step behind the vines for a rare sparkling experience – their vineyard is hardly ever open to the public but on 21, 22 & 27 June they are running some very special English Wine Week tours.

Black Chalk Vs The World! Join this exciting winemaker masterclass at Black Chalk in Hampshire for a battle of the bubbles!

Bredon Wine Fayre is taking place at Deer Park Vineyard in Worcestershire on 28 June. It brings together vineyards from across the Midlands and in addition to fabulous wines visitors can enjoy street food, live music and stunning views.  

Jazz in the Vines, Crouch Ridge, Essex. A chance to unwind with great music, great food and great wine – including a new vintage release.  

Vineyards of the Surrey Hills Summer Spectacular takes place 28 / 29 June with various events taking place at vineyards across this nicely compact region. The Albury Wine Festival on 29 June gives the opportunity to try wines from across all the Surrey Hills vineyards.

Hampshire Fizz Fest takes place at Raimes Wine Barn on 29 June. Enjoy over 20 wines from 8 vineyards all in one place with live music and food stalls.

English Wine Week Open Day at Yorkshire Heart on Sunday 29 June gives you an opportunity for free short tours of this family-run vineyard. There’s guided tastings available, the Winehouse Café will be open and a live pianist. A perfect way to round off English Wine Week.