With English Wine Week 15th-23rd June, what better time to highlight a homegrown offering!

Wine grape cultivation in the UK goes back to Roman times, however, the cold, wet climate has always been a major hurdle to producing wines of significant quality. The English wine industry has undergone a sizeable revolution in the last forty years, and England can now proudly claim to be a global contender, particularly when it comes to sparkling wine. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are used to create bottle-fermented sparkling wines, made in the same way as those from Champagne. Good quality red, white, and rose still wines are also emerging though production quantities are tiny.

The best vineyards in England are in the southern counties, including Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Dorset as well as Cornwall. The chalky, limestone-rich soils combined with the warming effect of the Gulf Stream help ripen the grapes and develop natural sugars and acid. The recent succession of hot summers in Southern England has produced some fantastic vintages, which have seen English wines beat many established countries in international competitions. The future is certainly rosy.

Here are our top English wine recommendations and the wineries behind them;

Nyetimber

Nyetimber is one of England`s leading sparkling wine producers. The estate owns 100% of their vineyards and all of their wines are produced from the grapes planted on 152 hectares of some of the best sites in West Sussex and Hampshire. 

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee NV (sparkling)

Crafted from the classic Champagne grape varieties in the traditional style of the famous French region, this cuvee is not a copy of Champagne, but a high-quality sparkling wine that is its English equal.

Lovely pale gold with gentle, fine bubbles that fill the glass. Attractive nose of toasty, spicy and complex aromas showing wonderful development after more than three years on lees. The palate supports these complex aromas with added honey, almond, pastry and baked apple flavours. that lead into a very fine and elegant finish, which is complemented by the combination of intensity, delicacy and length. English fizz at its best!

Nyetimber 'Team GB Limited Edition' Classic Cuvee NV (sparkling)

Inspired by the unrivalled passion and dedication of British athletes, Nyetimber unveil their limited-edition bottle of Classic Cuvee, raising a glass to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games! The collaboration mirrors the equally unwavering dedication Nyetimber pour into each bottle of their finest English sparkling wine. 

The limited edition bottle design intertwines elements of the Nyetimber Estate and the sporting world - a fusion of artistry and motion comes together in a celebration of meticulous British craftsmanship.

Nyetimber Cuvee Cherie, Demi Sec NV (sparkling)

A terrific emulation of the classic off-dry Champagne style, made from 100 percent estate-grown Chardonnay grapes, named after Head Winemaker, Cherie Briggs. Bursting with freshness and a subtle tone of rich, well-balanced sweetness there are plenty of delights to discover here. orange citrus, brioche, honey and lemon are all hiding in plain sight in this impressive sparkling wine.

Light golden hues and a slight silver undertone illuminate this delicately effervescent wine. Aromas of pure lemon, mineral and honey tones and a hint of tangerine fill the nose. The palate has a lively, sweet lemon start offset by a crisp acidity and a very clean, pure structure. Perfect as a delicate aperitif or try with a light dessert - rhubarb fool or a fresh peach and lemon sorbet. Also a great match for a quintessential afternoon tea.

Chapel Down

Chapel Down is based at Tenterden in Kent, referred to as the `garden of England` due to its idyllic surroundings. It is one of England’s leading wine producers with an award-winning range of both still, and sparkling wines crafted from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, as well as the English star of the show. Bacchus.

Chapel Down Brut NV (sparkling)

Chapel Down Brut is a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Blanc. The grapes are grown in some of the finest vineyards in the South East of England, primarily situated on the North Downs of Kent with a terroir very similar to that of Champagne. The vines are grown on south facing chalk soils and benefit from a warm, maritime climate. Maturation then takes place on fine lees for 6 months before bottling. The wine receives a further 18 months aging on lees in bottle.

Aromas of red apple, lemongrass and freshly baked bread mingle with hints of strawberry and quince on the palate and fine persistent bubbles. Great as an aperitif or a perfect pairing to the British classic-fish and chips.

Chapel Down Bacchus 2023 (still)

The Bacchus vines are grown on south facing chalk soils and benefit from a warm, maritime climate. This white grape variety, named after the Greek God of wine, is a German crossing producing fresh, highly aromatic wine with strong notes of elderflower and freshly cut grass. It is a variety that ripens early and has good sugar levels which is an important factor in cooler climates such as Germany and England.

Vibrant lemon appearance. Aromas of elderflower, gooseberry and melon leap from the glass. Light bodied with a crisp and refreshing acidity. Bacchus has been gaining recognition as one of England`s top still wines and it is easy to see why.

Silverhand Estate

Located in Luddestown, Kent - Silverhand Estate takes its name from King Ludd – a first Century King and founder of London. An estate that boasts a unique blend of natural beauty, rich heritage yet defines the new rules of English sparkling wine having, established the largest single organic vineyard in the UK, covering an area of more than 500 acres.

Silverhand Estate Silver Reign Charmat Brut NV (sparkling)

A refreshing and elegant sparkling wine, Silver Reign is crafted using the Charmat method, which is the same method used to make Prosecco, with a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes. It has received numerous awards and recognition for its exceptional quality, making it a must-try for anyone who appreciates fine sparkling wines.

Delicate aromas of elderflower, white hedgerow flowers, pear and apricot, lead to a fine mousse and refreshing finish. With lingering flavours of citrus and ripe stone fruit, Silver Reign is a sensory delight for even the most discerning wine connoisseurs. Serve with seafood, salads, or soft British cheeses.

Sedlescombe

Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard is one of the oldest vineyards in England, nestled in the Sussex countryside in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Originally founded by Roy Cook in 1979, the vineyard has a history of working with the environment and caring for the land. This ethos continues today, using biodynamic principles to nourish the land, caring for the vines, and bringing sustainability to all aspects of the production. This is a blend of Solaris, Reichensteiner and Johanniter grape varieties which have been adapted to suit the English climate.

Vibrant yellow lemon appearance, orange zest and white peach aromas, developing into fresh citrus fruit on the palate with crisp acidity and a lingering finish. A great match for a picnic lunch or pair with light seafood and chicken dishes.

Sedlescombe Organic Regent Red NV (still)

A unique, lightly spiced biodynamic and organic red wine. Vibrant ruby red in colour and light to medium in body. This very special expression of Regent and Rondo grapes offers up delicious red berry fruit flavours exquisitely balanced with smoky oak character and a dash of tannin. A deliciously easy drinking wine. Pair with lighter red meat dishes or a cheese and charcuterie sharing board.