The weather doesn’t make great wine on its own, but it certainly helps. As English vineyards move towards harvest, there is growing optimism that 2026 could become one of the finest vintages the country has produced.

A warm, dry summer, excellent flowering and healthy vine growth have combined to create ideal conditions across many vineyards in Sussex, Kent and Hampshire. Producers are reporting beautifully balanced fruit with impressive sugar levels while retaining the crisp acidity that gives English sparkling wine its distinctive freshness. If favourable conditions continue through harvest, 2026 could join the ranks of exceptional years such as 2018.

Vineyard Tourism 2026 – The Summer Highlights

English vineyards have continued to reinvent themselves this summer. Wine tasting is now only part of the attraction.

Visitors have enjoyed vineyard picnics, outdoor concerts, wellness mornings, chef’s tables, vineyard safaris, yoga among the vines and guided walks through some of England’s most beautiful wine estates.

Across Sussex, Kent and Hampshire, producers have combined wine with local food, music and countryside experiences, creating a style of wine tourism more often associated with New Zealand or California than southern England.

Perhaps the biggest change is that many visitors now arrive simply looking for a memorable day out, discovering English sparkling wine almost by accident.