Today we welcome a guest post from Anna at Great British Wine Tours to tell us why a winter wine tour is just as charming as a summer one...

When we dream of vineyard visits, our minds often drift to the sun-drenched days of summer. But guess what? The charm of vineyards doesn't fade when the temperatures drop and leaves start to fall. In fact, winter offers an entirely unique and equally enticing experience. From cosy tasting rooms to mouthwatering meals that pair perfectly with the wines, winter vineyard visits promise something truly exceptional and unforgettable.

Ridgeview

Picture this: you're sipping wine in a beautifully designed indoor tasting room, gazing out of a large window at the chardonnay vines. At Ridgeview, they've made winter even more magical by moving their restaurant, The Rows & Vine, into the winery. This new setting offers diners views of the inner winery workings and the serene winter landscape surrounding the vines. You'll savour locally sourced, seasonal dishes, designed for sharing, and, of course, pair your meal with one of their sparkling wines.

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Bolney Wine Estate

Bolney Wine Estate is a year-round paradise for wine lovers, and winter is no exception. Take a guided vineyard walk to explore the beauty of the vines during the quieter season. Their modern event space is the perfect setting for tasting sessions of their wide range of wines. And if you're feeling peckish, the Eighteen Acre Café has comforting soups, artisanal sandwiches, and sweet treats for you to enjoy. Upstairs, the Eighteen Acre Restaurant treats you to stunning views over the vineyard and a tantalising menu of small and large plates.

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Kinsbrook

Located in Thakeham, West Sussex, Kinsbrook Vineyard is a family-run wine estate that beckons visitors with a warm embrace and a laid-back atmosphere. The estate becomes an especially enchanting destination during the winter months, thanks to its most recent addition, Kinsbrook Farmhouse, which opens its doors every day, boasting a butchery, deli, and an ambient dining space. The restaurant's carefully curated menu showcases sustainably sourced and seasonal delights, perfectly paired with one of Kinsbrook's seven wines. Tours and tastings are available year-round and the Farm Shop brims with Christmas hampers and gifts galore in December!

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Wiston Estate

Wiston Estate is ready to welcome you throughout the winter. Your tour begins in their new winery at North Farm, where you'll uncover the estate's fascinating history. Wander through the winery, where you'll marvel at the traditional Champagne Coquard press, tank, and barrel halls. The grand finale? A tutored tasting session in their stylish new tasting room, featuring a selection of celebrated Wiston wines. After the tour, feel free to amble through the picturesque vineyards or dine in their refurbished flint barn restaurant, Chalk, where menus change frequently, inspired by local and seasonal produce.

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Mannings Heath

Nestled in the idyllic West Sussex countryside, Mannings Heath is a warm and inviting destination for wine enthusiasts. In the winter, you can partake in intimate and personal wine tastings led by knowledgeable staff in their wine lounge. It's a seriously comfortable space for unwinding with a glass or two of their South African vineyard wines from Benguela Cove. And for your dining pleasure, the Vineyard Kitchen Restaurant, open Wednesday to Sunday, serves up delicious meals against the backdrop of a crackling log fire.

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In conclusion, never underestimate the magic of winter vineyard visits. These wineries offer unique and unforgettable experiences that highlight the beauty of vineyards, the warmth of their hospitality, and the enchantment of English wines. Embrace the winter charm and see the world of English wine in a whole new light.

Ready to embark on your own winter vineyard adventure? Great British Wine Tours can make it happen! Whether you want to explore a single vineyard or to take a tour of two or three in a day to appreciate the difference in estates and the variety of wines - we’ll organise your perfect trip. We can pre-book your preferred dining option from something simple to something rather more lavish. With transport options ranging from private taxis to executive minibuses and vintage buses, accompanied by a Great British Wine Tours host, your winter wine adventure is just a call away! 

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Please note this blog has been adapted (with permission) from a post orignally published on the Great British Wine Tours website.