Commercial winegrowing in England began to gain momentum in the 1970s. Today, more than half of the UK's vineyards lie in South East England, across East Sussex, Kent, London, Surrey and West Sussex. Warm, dry, sunny conditions suit cool-climate grapes, and south-facing slopes with long summer days help fruit ripen in most years.
Chalk runs through both the North and South Downs, alongside greensand, Wealden soils and London clay. That range matters. Chalk and flint sites in West Sussex are associated with bright, fresh sparkling wines, while Kent's clay and sandstone vineyards are linked with richer fruit. The South East is the cradle of UK traditional-method sparkling wine, although still wines are becoming more important here too.
Inside the region
1 named area
Each guide keeps its place within South East England clear, with a direct route back to the map.