Six British vineyard experiences for your 2026 Wish List

Every vineyard visit is a treat but if you are looking for something exceptional here’s my top pick of unmissable vineyard experiences to add to your 2026 wish list.     

Blend set-jetting with a historic vineyard tour

Imagine an imposing castle rich in history and royal heritage which has featured in ‘The Crown’ and many period films and has its own vineyard. Belvoir Castle on the Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire border has it all. Visitors travel from the engine yard to the vineyard in a gun bus and the experience includes wine tasting and a sumptuous supper. This must be the most regal of British vineyard tours.  

Enjoy a sunset tour and experience the helter-skelter winery slide

You’ve wandered the vines as the sun sets, you’ve tasted award-winning wines whilst enjoying a platter of local food and heard the story behind Simpson’s Wine Estate in the beautiful Garden of England Kent countryside, then you get to exit the elegant tasting room via their unique fruit chute slide. If anything will keep you smiling long beyond the visit it’s this. 

Combine a Highland cow safari with a picnic in the vines   

Animal and wine lovers this one is for you. Herd it on the Grape Vine is an award-winning collaboration between Laurel Vines and Dumble Farm in Yorkshire. You can feed and brush the young Highland cows, explore their habitat on the Dumble Bus, then head across to learn about winemaking at Laurel Vines and enjoy a freshly prepared picnic. This is a vineyard combo like no other.  

Sleep-over at a wine estate named in the World’s top 100

If waking up close to vines is your idea of the perfect getaway, you’ll be amazed how many vineyards in this country now offer accommodation. Leonardslee Family Vineyards made it on to the prestigious list of World’s Best vineyard experiences which showcases exceptional places to taste world-leading wine. How about staying in the Grade II-listed Leonardslee House Hotel with Michelin-starred restaurant Interlude? or maybe you’d prefer the tranquil Vineyard Hotel with stylish Wine Lounge and Vineyard Kitchen. What a choice!    

Put your best foot forward on a picturesque vineyard walking tour   

Stunning scenery as far as the eye can see and a beautifully curated vineyard walk led by passionate experts in the Chiltern Hills is a must for people who want to make the most of the great outdoors, whilst discovering award-winning wines. These guided walks hosted by Walk Works were so popular in 2025 that this year’s programme includes a variety of lengths taking in anything from two to four fabulous vineyards in the vicinity of Henley on Thames including Jojos Vineyard, Oaken Grove Vineyard, Stonor Valley Vineyard and Fairmile Vineyard. Visit them all on the 14km full day walk and you won’t be disappointed.  

Soak up the Festival vibe vineyard style

The number of fabulous English wine festivals is growing and nothing is more exciting than those that take place amongst the vines. Picture yourself wandering between the stalls sampling wines from multiple vineyards with access to street food and live music for the perfect festival atmosphere. During this year’s English Wine Week you’ve got the choice of two not-to-be-missed events. Yorkshire Heart will be hosting The Great Yorkshire Wine & Fizz Festival on 27 June bringing together the region’s premium producers. On 28 June the 12^th Vineyards of Hampshire Fizz Fest will take place at the historic Hambledon Wine Estate, the birthplace of English Wine.  

I make it my business to spot and share one-off and truly special events to take your vineyard visits to the next level. Follow along to keep up to date with the best vineyard experiences taking place around the country and for all the latest news, sign up for Fizzology.