Winter Wine: 5 Wealden Vineyard Experiences To Brighten Any Season

Sip, stroll and savour the Weald — whatever the weather

As someone who loves both wine and travel, vinotourism has long been a sweet spot for me. Over the years, the number of countries I’ve enjoyed vineyard stays in is almost in double digits, with particularly memorable stays in Argentina, New Zealand, Portugal and Croatia.

When vineyard tourism began to flourish right on my doorstep, I was hooked. I still remember the excitement of my first visit to Chapel Down almost a decade ago, and enjoying touring Balfour (then Hush Heath) when hosting my best friend’s hen do. As more vineyards opened their doors across Kent and Sussex, I was always keen to be among the first through them.

The past four years, however, have taken me out of the game. A challenging IVF journey meant less wine drinking and fewer spontaneous vineyard visits. But with the recent arrival of my gorgeous son, I’m very happily back and rediscovering local vineyards.

Whilst winter wouldn’t be my first choice for vineyard exploration, with parental leave ticking away, I decided not to wait — and it was the right choice.  I’ve discovered some truly special Wealden vineyard experiences that shine whatever the weather. Given the time of year, many were unexpectedly private, making them all the more special. With (dry?) January almost behind us, I thought I’d share five winter vineyard gems to brighten your season. 

Fireside picnic among the vines

Birchden Vineyard, Groombridge

Relative newcomers Birchden Vineyard are onto something magical. Their intimate, fireside dining spaces dotted around the vineyard create a wonderfully cosy setting for a winter tour and picnic. It made an ideal first outing for my husband and me, newborn in tow. Think delicious local picnic produce, warming soup, thoughtful décor and excellent wine — everything carefully considered to make it feel special, relaxed and welcoming.

Boutique vineyard & distillery experience

Mousehall, near Wadhurst

Visiting Mousehall feels like visiting old friends. Tucked down a quiet lane near Wadhurst, this family-run estate brings together two generations of homes, a vineyard, gin botanical garden, winery and distillery. Being able to combine wine and spirit tastings in such a personal, boutique setting was a first for me — and it works beautifully. It was also the first time I’ve chosen to take home a bottle of English red; while very different from the mighty Malbecs I usually favour, it will make a tasty and surprising aperitif.

Relaxed self-guided walk & wine flight

Bluebell Vineyard, near Ashdown Forest

We arrived impromptu at Bluebell on a bright winter morning while passing through Ashdown Forest. One of the few vineyards open for winter walk-ins, it offers charming, well-marked walking routes through the vines (bring wellies after rain) and allows a vineyard visit on your own terms. The tasting room, which has had an impressive makeover since my first visit many moons ago, provides a generous and characterful spot for a self-guided wine flight.

Afternoon tea with vineyard views

Squerryes Estate, near Westerham

Pairing something as quintessentially British as afternoon tea with English wine is very much my cup of tea (!). Several Wealden vineyards are offering this, but Squerryes is my top pick. Served in their beautiful tasting room, their afternoon tea is a cross between a traditional tea and a selection of luxury canapes. Beautifully curated using local estate ingredients and enjoyed with views across the vines and a glass of bubbles, it is a refined way to experience a vineyard in winter.

Guided tour, tasting & seasonal lunch

Kingscote Estate, near East Grinstead

For a more traditional vineyard experience, Kingscote’s guided tour and tasting is a wonderful choice. Restarting from 1st February, it offers beautiful grounds, a cosy tasting barn, and the chance to visit their on-site winery — something many vineyards don’t have. Time your visit from mid-February and you may also spot Bluebell Railway steam trains gently chuffing through the estate — a truly magical sight.

Enjoy!

Sonia is the creator of Wealden Wonders, an instagram journal celebrating the quiet beauty of Kent and Sussex; sharing local gems and carefully curated itineraries. Follow @wealdenwonders for more Wealden inspiration.