Spending a relaxing day exploring beautiful grapevines and sipping award-winning English sparkling wine is incredibly easy from Southampton. The unique, sun-drenched chalk downlands of Hampshire feature a world-class selection of boutique estates, rolling hillside vineyards, and state-of-the-art wineries that rival the finest champagne houses of France.
This guide highlights the best vineyards near Southampton. Each featured location is easy to travel to, offering a fantastic mix of informative guided tours, scenic tasting terraces, and delicious local food pairings.
How This Guide Was Put Together
This guide is based on travel times from Southampton, the outstanding quality of the wines produced, and the overall visitor experience. I selected locations that provide informative public tours, comfortable tasting areas, and stunning countryside backdrops for a memorable afternoon out.
When choosing the best vineyards near Southampton, I considered:
- Travel time – Estates that you can reach easily within an hour by road or rail networks from the city centre.
- Wine quality – Vineyards producing highly-acclaimed, award-winning sparkling or still wines.
- Visitor experience – Sites offering excellent guided walks through the vines, cellar door tastings, or masterclasses.
- Scenic locations – Estates set in beautiful, tranquil spots like the South Downs or the New Forest.
- On-site dining – Venues featuring high-quality restaurants, charcuterie platters, or lovely afternoon tea options.
No vineyard, winemaker, or tourism association has paid to be included in this guide.
6 Best Vineyards Near Southampton
Whether you want to dine in a highly-acclaimed restaurant looking over rolling grapevines, explore a historic estate dating back to 1952, or taste boutique bubbles next to a quiet chalk stream, these vineyards near Southampton make a perfect trip.
1. Hambledon Vineyard
Hambledon Vineyard holds a legendary status as the birthplace of modern English commercial wine, with its first vines planted back in 1952. Nestled on the south-facing chalk slopes of the South Downs National Park, this historic estate features a gravity-fed winery and produces some of the most acclaimed sparkling wines in the country.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★★
4.9/5.0
Location: East Street, Hambledon
Travel Time: 35 minutes by car
What to Taste: Classic Cuvée, Première Cuvée, and Classic Cuvée Rosé
Best For: Fine dining, underground cellar tours, and sparkling wine heritage
Facilities: Michelin-listed restaurant, modern tasting bar, gravity-fed winery, underground cellars, and cellar door shop
Hambledon Vineyard is a world-class destination that matches the elegance of grand French houses. The recently opened, Michelin-listed restaurant offers exceptional seasonal dining directly overlooking the historic vines.
How to Get to Hambledon Vineyard
- By Car: Drive northeast from Southampton on the M27, exit at Junction 12, and take the A32 north. Follow the local country lanes toward Hambledon village. The drive takes about 35 minutes and there is spacious free parking at the entrance.
- By Train: Take a direct train from Southampton Central to Petersfield Station, which takes about 45 minutes. From Petersfield, a 20-minute local taxi ride is required to reach the estate.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Book a full tour to go deep inside the unique underground chalk cellars, which is a rare feature for English wine estates.
- Enjoy a meal at the beautiful, oak-framed restaurant, but ensure you book weeks in advance as it is highly popular.
- Try a tasting flight in the bright, modern tasting bar to sample the distinct differences between their classic and reserve blends.
- Take time to walk the local village loop before or after your tasting to enjoy the rolling hills of the South Downs.
- Purchase bottles directly from the cellar door shop, as they occasionally offer special library vintages not found in retail stores.
2. Exton Park Vineyard
Exton Park Vineyard is a magnificent, private 60-acre single-estate vineyard planted on a high chalk slope in the Meon Valley. It is highly regarded for its sustainable farming and its unique philosophy of using a vast library of reserve wines to create perfect, consistent blends.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★★
4.8/5.0
Location: Exton, Meon Valley
Travel Time: 30 minutes by car
What to Taste: RB32 Brut, RB28 Rosé, and RB23 Blanc de Noirs
Best For: Luxury private estate tours, sustainable viticulture, and stunning terrace views
Facilities: Exton Hall tasting room, panoramic outdoor terrace, state-of-the-art winery, and private dining options
Exton Park is an incredibly exclusive, design-led estate. The stunning Exton Hall tasting room sits high above the valleys, offering some of the most spectacular, uninterrupted vineyard views in Hampshire.
How to Get to Exton Park Vineyard
- By Car: Drive northeast from Southampton on the M27, exit at Junction 10, and head north along the A32 through Wickham and Corhampton toward Exton. The drive is highly scenic and takes around 30 minutes.
- By Public Transport: Take a train to Winchester Station, then catch the local Meon Valley bus service toward Exton, followed by a brief walk to the estate gates.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Note that the estate is strictly private and only open for pre-booked tours on specific days, so planning ahead is essential.
- Book a Saturday tour and lunch package to enjoy a beautiful, chef-prepared seasonal buffet out on the terrace.
- Listen carefully during the tour to understand their “Reserve Blend” (RB) concept, which dictates the number of base wines in each bottle.
- Bring a high-quality camera to capture the breathtaking sunset views over the Meon Valley from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of Exton Hall.
- The venue is strictly for adults over eighteen, making it the perfect choice for a peaceful and sophisticated day out.
3. Black Chalk Wine
Black Chalk Wine is a highly stylish, boutique estate situated on the banks of the beautiful River Test. Spanning thirty acres of rich Hampshire chalk soils, it is celebrated for its modern approach, its gorgeous riverside tasting room, and its range of elegant sparkling and still wines.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★★
4.8/5.0
Location: Fullerton Road, Stockbridge
Travel Time: 30 minutes by car
What to Taste: Black Chalk Classic, Wild Rose, and Dancer in Pink still rosé
Best For: Riverside tastings, modern boutique winery tours, and local cheese boards
Facilities: Oak-clad tasting room, spacious outdoor courtyard, riverside walks, winery, boutique shop, and nearby luxury treehouses
Black Chalk offers a delightfully friendly and down-to-earth wine experience. The tranquil setting beside the crystal-clear River Test makes it a truly enchanting place to sip wine on a warm summer afternoon.
How to Get to Black Chalk Wine
- By Car: Drive north out of Southampton on the A3057, passing straight through Romsey and continuing toward Stockbridge. Follow Fullerton Road to the estate entrance. The drive is highly straightforward and takes 30 minutes.
- By Train: Catch a direct train from Southampton Central to Andover or Romsey, then take a short 10-minute taxi ride directly to the vineyard.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Combine your wine tasting with a delicious grazing board featuring locally sourced Hampshire cheese, charcuterie, or smoked trout.
- Both children and dogs are warmly welcomed on the tours, making this a highly family-friendly vineyard option.
- Taste the Dancer in Pink still rosé, which is widely considered to be one of the very best still rosé wines produced in England.
- Look into booking one of the luxury treehouses on the estate if you want to turn your afternoon into an unforgettable overnight stay.
- Dress in reliable, sturdy footwear as the guided tour includes a brief walk up a gentle incline through the vines.
Why Southampton is a Perfect Hub for Wine Enthusiasts
Southampton sits in a truly enviable geographical position for wine lovers. The city is bordered to the north and east by the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs and the Meon Valley, which share the exact same soil structure as the Champagne region of France.
Because of this geological advantage, Hampshire has become home to some of the most celebrated sparkling wine estates in the world. Having these beautiful countryside vineyards just a thirty-minute drive from the city docks means you can easily transition from urban life to sipping premium English bubbles in a peaceful, rural setting.
4. Setley Ridge Vineyard
Setley Ridge Vineyard is a wonderfully rustic, family-run vineyard situated on the outskirts of Brockenhurst, right in the heart of the New Forest. This highly charming estate grows, makes, and bottles all of its wines directly on-site, offering a warm and incredibly welcoming forest destination.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.6/5.0
Location: Lymington Road, Brockenhurst
Travel Time: 25 minutes by car
What to Taste: Setley Ridge Still White, Forest Rosé, and sparkling English wines
Best For: Relaxed forest trips, local produce shopping, and family-friendly farm visits
Facilities: Local produce farm shop, Garden Centre, Daisy’s Tea Room, small winery, and a dedicated caravan camping site
Setley Ridge Vineyard offers a delightfully unpretentious and down-to-earth country day out. It operates as a bustling forest hub where you can enjoy relaxed tastings, buy local Hampshire treats, and even stay overnight on the grounds.
How to Get to Setley Ridge Vineyard
- By Car: Drive southwest from Southampton through the New Forest on the A35 road, turning onto the A337 directly toward Lymington. The vineyard sits prominently on the left just south of Brockenhurst. The drive takes about 25 minutes and parking is free.
- By Train: Take a direct train from Southampton Central to Brockenhurst Station (takes 15 minutes). From the station, the vineyard is a scenic, flat 25-minute walk south or a very quick 5-minute local taxi ride.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Enjoy some free wine tasting daily in the farm shop, where they usually keep a freshly opened bottle of their latest vintage for visitors.
- Book a table at Daisy’s Tea Room on-site to enjoy a hearty full breakfast or delicious homemade cakes before your tour.
- Browse the extensive Farm Shop, which is packed with locally sourced New Forest cheeses, chutneys, and fresh meats.
- If you are a member of the Camping and Caravanning Club, you can book a pitch to stay overnight right among the grapevines.
- Take a stroll around the beautiful, independent Garden Centre connected to the site to view a lovely collection of local plants.
5. The Grange Vineyard
The Grange Vineyard consists of thirty beautiful acres of idyllic, south-facing Hampshire downland perched high above the sparkling headwaters of the River Itchen near Alresford. Managed by four siblings, this estate is highly famous for its elegant, mineral-rich sparkling wines that perfectly reflect the pure chalk soils of the region.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.7/5.0
Location: Alresford Road, Itchen Stoke, Alresford
Travel Time: 30 minutes by car
What to Taste: CLASSIC non-vintage, PINK non-vintage, and White from Black
Best For: Intimate family tours, premium chalk-soil sparkling wines, and summer evening tastings
Facilities: Custom-built winery at Burges Field, outdoor tasting space, cellar door shop, and private event rooms
The Grange Vineyard delivers an incredibly personal and scenic English wine experience. Looking out across the neat, south-facing slopes of Burges Field with a glass of crisp, cold sparkling wine is exceptionally peaceful.
How to Get to The Grange Vineyard
- By Car: Head north out of Southampton on the M3 motorway, continuing past Winchester onto the A31 eastbound toward Alresford. Turn onto the Alresford Road toward Itchen Stoke; the winery entrance is clearly signed on the left. The drive takes about 30 minutes.
- By Public Transport: Take a direct 15-minute train from Southampton Central to Winchester Station. From Winchester, catch the local Stagecoach line 64 bus service, which drops passengers right near the vineyard entrance in Itchen Stoke.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Book their popular “Thursday Lates” tour during the summer to enjoy a glass of wine accompanied by fantastic local food trucks.
- Try the unique “Evening Canapés” experience hosted directly in the vines by the estate owners for a highly exclusive treat.
- The Cellar Door is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, making it very easy to swing by and purchase bottles directly.
- Combine your trip with a scenic stroll along the crystal-clear headwaters of the River Itchen, which runs right past the estate.
- Note that tours are strictly by appointment only, so ensure you reserve your spot online before travelling.
6. Hattingley Valley Wines
Hattingley Valley Wines is one of the largest and most successful working wineries in the United Kingdom. Established in 2008 in rural Hampshire, this family-owned producer has garnered global acclaim and over 200 awards for its highly innovative, oak-barrel-fermented English sparkling wines.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★★
4.8/5.0
Location: Wield Yard, Lower Wield, Alresford
Travel Time: 40 minutes by car
What to Taste: Classic Reserve NV, Rosé Sparkling, and Entice dessert wine
Best For: Modern winery tours, behind-the-scenes industrial look, and award-winning fizz
Facilities: Massive 450-tonne working winery, sleek tasting room, visitor shop, free parking, and full wheelchair accessibility
Hattingley Valley provides a highly informative, professional, and grand look into large-scale winemaking. Going behind the scenes of their state-of-the-art facility reveals the incredible precision that goes into every single bottle.
How to Get to Hattingley Valley Wines
- By Car: Drive northeast out of Southampton on the M3 motorway to Junction 9 (Winchester). Take the A31 eastbound to Alresford, and follow the scenic country lanes north through Old Alresford straight into Lower Wield. The drive is very straightforward and takes 40 minutes.
- By Public Transport: Take the train from Southampton Central to Alton or Winchester. From either station, you will need to arrange a 15-minute taxi ride directly to the Wield Yard winery.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Book a Guided Winery Tour to step directly onto the main production floor and view their giant, modern 450-tonne capacity grape presses.
- Be sure to taste their unique “Entice” dessert wine, which is crafted in a delicious, sweet ice-wine style using frozen Bacchus grapes.
- Make use of their exclusive cellar-door discounts on merchandise and wine cases offered at the end of every tour.
- Note that the working winery does not permit dogs on tours, making this a human-only excursion.
- Please book well in advance as their highly popular weekend tours are limited to 16 guests per session and sell out rapidly.
Which Vineyard Near Southampton Should You Choose?
The best vineyard to visit near Southampton depends entirely on what sort of tasting experience and atmosphere you prefer.
If you want to experience the grand royal heritage of English wine and dine at a highly-acclaimed, Michelin-listed restaurant overlooking the slopes, Hambledon Vineyard is our top recommendation. For those seeking design-led, high-end private luxury and sweeping terrace views of the Meon Valley, a visit to Exton Park Vineyard is exceptional.
If you are looking for a trendy, relaxed boutique experience with delicious local cheese boards right beside a quiet chalk stream, Black Chalk Wine is perfect. Families and forest wanderers who want to combine a rustic, friendly wine tasting with camping, a farm shop, and a garden centre will fall in love with Setley Ridge Vineyard.
If you prefer quiet, family-run estates on pure chalk downs with fun summer evening events and local food trucks, The Grange Vineyard is a marvelous choice. Finally, if you want a massive, state-of-the-art look behind the scenes of one of the country’s largest award-winning commercial wineries, booking a tour at Hattingley Valley Wines is highly educational and impressive.
Looking to Spend a Day by the Water?
If you want to watch miniature steam trains chug past the shore, try paddleboarding, or spot rare wild birds in vast wetlands, explore our guide to the best lakes near Southampton for a peaceful waterfront escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest vineyard to Southampton?
Setley Ridge Vineyard in Brockenhurst is the closest, located roughly 16 miles southwest of the city centre. It takes only 25 minutes to reach by car.
Are vineyards near Southampton free to visit?
While the outdoor farm shops and garden centres at sites like Setley Ridge are free to browse, full guided tours, cellar door tastings, and winery walks require booking paid tickets in advance.
Which vineyard near Southampton is best for dining?
Hambledon Vineyard is the premier choice for dining, featuring a spectacular, Michelin-listed on-site restaurant that serves high-end seasonal menus directly overlooking the historic vines.
Can you visit Hattingley Valley Wines by train?
Yes. You can take a direct train from Southampton Central to Winchester or Alton, and then catch a quick 15-minute taxi directly to the Wield Yard winery gates.
Are children allowed on Hampshire vineyard tours?
Some boutique vineyards like Black Chalk Wine are highly family-friendly and welcome children on their grounds, while other high-end luxury estates like Exton Park operate as strictly adult-only venues.
Which vineyard near Southampton produces still wines?
While Hampshire is famous for sparkling wines, both Black Chalk Wine in Stockbridge and Setley Ridge in the New Forest produce exceptional, highly-acclaimed still white and rosé wines.
