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Are Vineyards Open In Winter?
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If you are searching for winter vineyard tours, especially in England or Sussex, you might be wondering whether vineyards are still welcoming visitors once the vines have shed their leaves and the days are shorter and cooler. Perhaps you are a wine enthusiast keen to learn more, or looking for something enjoyable to do in the countryside during the colder months.
Winter vineyard tours provide a unique view of England’s wine country. You will see how vineyards prepare for the spring season, explore production spaces where wine is ageing, and enjoy guided tastings without the summer crowds.
Are Vineyards Open In Winter In The UK?
Some vineyards close in winter, while others remain open to visitors. In England, availability varies by estate, depending on factors like staffing, visitor facilities, and weather. Visitors planning a winter vineyard tour should check ahead, as not all vineyards are open during the colder months.
Bolney Wine Estate is open all year, offering:
- Guided tours and tastings
- Estate dining at the Café and Wine Bar, and the Eighteen Acre Restaurant
- A selection of local gifts and Bolney wine in the Vineyard Shop
- Seasonal events such as wine nights and live music
You can see the winter opening hours here for full details.
Why Some Vineyards Open in Winter and Others Don’t
1. Indoor Spaces
Vineyards with warm tasting rooms, indoor winery tours, cafés, restaurants, or shops are more likely to stay open. Estates that rely mainly on outdoor walks through the vines may close when the weather turns cold or wet.
2. Size and Operation
Smaller vineyards often focus on grape growing and may close in winter. Larger or more visitor-focused estates are more likely to run year-round tours and tastings, offering quieter visits and more personal attention from guides.
3. Weather and Daylight
Shorter days and wetter conditions can limit outdoor walking. Most winter tours focus on indoor spaces, making visits comfortable if dressed appropriately. Sussex winters are generally mild, with average temperatures between 2°C and 8°C.
4. Vineyard and Winery Work
Some vineyards close to visitors in winter to concentrate on vineyard tasks, while others showcase these activities as part of their tours, giving guests a fascinating insight into how English wine is made.
For a broader guide to planning your visit, check out When To Visit An English Vineyard, which explains the best times of year for tours and what you can expect in each season.
Can You Do Wine Tours In The Winter?
Yes, and winter is often one of the most informative times to visit.
With the English vineyard harvest complete and fewer visitors, winter tours tend to focus on:
- How wine is made after the grapes are picked
- Fermentation, ageing and blending decisions
- How seasonal vineyard work influences future vintages
Studies show that learning about how wine is made and practising tasting can make people feel more confident when trying and describing different wines. Smaller winter tour groups naturally support this learning style, allowing for more questions and discussion.
Why Visit A Vineyard In Winter?
Visiting a vineyard in winter offers a very different experience from the busy summer months. English vineyards, including Bolney Wine Estate in Sussex, provide a quieter, more personal atmosphere, making winter the perfect time for learning, wine tasting, and relaxing in the countryside.
- Smaller, more personal tours: With fewer visitors around, guides have more time to answer questions and explain vineyard life in detail.
- Focused wine tastings: Winter vineyard tours often spend more time indoors, allowing visitors to savour wines without feeling rushed.
- Cosy indoor spaces: Heated tasting rooms, cafés, and restaurants provide a comfortable place to warm up with seasonal dishes and drinks.
- Seasonal experiences: Winter events such as wine evenings, live music, or local food pairings add a festive, social element to your visit.
- Behind-the-scenes insights: Seeing a vineyard in its dormant season offers a unique perspective on vine care, winemaking, and preparations for the new growing season.
What To Wear To A Vineyard In Winter
Planning a winter vineyard visit means being ready for both outdoor paths and cosy indoor spaces. Dressing in layers keeps you comfortable throughout the tour, tasting, and dining experiences.
Most vineyards recommend:
- A warm, waterproof coat to stay dry on outdoor paths
- Layered clothing for flexibility between indoor warmth and outdoor chill
- Comfortable, waterproof shoes suitable for uneven or muddy ground
Tasting rooms, cafés, and restaurants are usually heated, so layers make it easy to adjust your clothing and enjoy the visit comfortably, whether you’re exploring the vineyard or savouring a wine tasting.
Book Your Winter Vineyard Tour
Experience the beauty of an English vineyard in winter at Bolney Wine Estate. Enjoy a guided tour, savour a tasting of our award-winning wines, explore the winery, and relax in the Wine Bar, Café, or Eighteen Acre Restaurant.
Bolney is open all year round, and winter tours and tastings are available almost every day — you can book a session at a time that suits you.
