English Wine Week – A 3 Step Introduction to English Wine

It’s time to raise a glass to something a little closer to home. As English Wine Week rolls in from Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th June, we’re diving into a world of vineyards and  vintages – all grown right here on British soil. Gone are the days of side-eyeing a bottle of English wine; today’s producers are crafting sparkling and still wines that are great bottles of wine.

Whether you're just getting acquainted, looking to invest in something special, or eager to explore beyond the familiar, this 3-step guide will help you get the most out of English Wine Week.

To Drink Now

The top 3 grapes, quantity wise, growing in Britain today are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier…not surprising when you think about the growth in popularity of English Sparkling wine and these being grapes used in Champagne production.  In 2024 the number of vineyards in the UK grew to above 1000, with the south coast counties of Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire asserting themselves as England’s prime winemaking locations, largely producing Champagne method fizz. The acclaimed sparkling wine estate Rathfinny have even pushed to get Sussex registered as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for wine. If you are still just dipping your toe into English wine then maybe ordering ‘a glass of Sussex’ is where you should start!

The Bottle Shop Recommends - Rathfinny Estate, Classic Cuvée

To Invest

When mentioning English still wine, especially English red wine, it can garner mixed reactions with some people still doubting it can be produced in a country with such a rainy reputation. Danbury Ridge vineyard sits in east Essex, with the boast of being situated in the warmest and driest part of England. They set out in 2012 with aim of producing England’s best still wines with no expense spared in the process. 13 years later and they have made leaps elevating people’s expectations of English still wine, with Burgundian style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that not only rival our European neighbours but are set to get better with cellar ageing.

The Bottle Shop Recommends – Danbury Ridge, Pinot Noir

To Explore

Although more familiar grapes and styles of wine have been making waves for England there are many vineyards putting their own stamp on the English wine landscape, using lesser-known varieties that thrive in our climate. Bacchus is one widely planted variety, an attractively fruity and aromatic grape which reaches its peak balance of acidity when grown in a cool climate.

Flint vineyard in Earsham, Norfolk have built a cult following since their conception in 2015. With an approach to winemaking  lead by the landscape and the grapes, they use a multitude of techniques that take from both the traditional and more novel methods of winemaking. Flint’s 2022 Bacchus Fumé, which was partly fermented with indigenous yeasts before 6 months oak ageing, was awarded the highest score for Bacchus in the UK from Great British Wine.

The Bottle Shop Recommends - Flint Vineyard, Bacchus Fumé