Three British vineyards are in the 100 best in the world

When you picture a glass of crisp white wine or a bottle of juicy red, chances are your mind goes to the vinos of the wine world’s classic regions and vineyards – the likes of French Bordeaux, Spanish Rioja and Argentinian Malbec included.

But the UK’s reputation for fermented grape juice is on the rise. Some champagne houses have even laid down vines in Blighty’s southern soils in recent years. If that isn’t a vote of confidence for the quality of wine across the Channel, we don’t know what is. 

Still not convinced? Well, three British vineyards have just been named among the 100 best in the world, providing another seal of approval for the country’s homegrown grapes.

The 50, formerly known as 50 Best, has just revealed the vineyards that placed 51 to 100 in its 2026 ranking of the world’s finest. The extended list, which has been released ahead of the top 50 on November 18, features destinations across six continents and 36 wine regions. As far as the UK goes, Sussex has reigned supreme so far this year, with three of its grape growers scoring a place on the long list. 

Nyetimber, based in West Sussex, came in at number 53. The estate has been a pioneer of English fizz since the late ’80s and offers day tours of the winery and exclusive chef-paired dinners. Despite being an industry stalwart, though, it’s fallen quite significantly in the rankings from 32nd place in 2025.

Next up was Horsham’s Leonardslee Family Vineyards, which ranked 71st this year. Vineyard tours at the estate involve whizzing around 70,000 vines in a golf buggy and a tasting of its trio of sparkling wines. Guests at the Vineyard Hotel, which opened in 2024, can roam the 240-acre Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, which are home to a group of wallabies. Plus, there’s even a Michelin-starred restaurant on site, called Interlude.

Ridgeview Wine Estate, based in Hassocks, also managed to nab a spot on the list, coming in at number 92. Founded in 1995, the family-run estate is located near Brighton within the South Downs National Park, and hosts intimate tastings as well as crowd-drawing events like the annual Ridgefest summer music festival, Christmas craft workshops and family-focused Easter trails.

UK vineyards in the 100 Best in the World 2026

1. Nyetimber, West Sussex (53)
2. Leonardslee Family Vineyards, Horsham (71)
3. Ridgeview Wine Estate, Hassocks (92)

Thirsty for a glass of wine among the vines? Time Out has a list of the nation’s top winemakers that you can visit – check out our guide here.

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Plus: it will soon be much more difficult to visit one of Britain’s most beautiful towns.