It’s the first day of English Wine Week. But what exactly is that? It’s a week dedicated to drinking English wine. Forget showing up anywhere with a bottle of Prosecco — that’s considered naff. Instead, it’s time to celebrate home-grown wines, especially during this designated week.
Why English Wine is Worth Celebrating
If you thought English wine was just a quaint hobby involving underripe grapes and a YouTube tutorial, think again. We are currently living in the golden age of British viticulture, the Belle Époque of bubbles and still wines. British wines, including those from Wales, are winning global awards.
In this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards, Britain achieved one Best in Show, two Platinum, 10 Gold, 90 Silver, and 114 Bronze medals — a total of 217 medals, the country’s strongest showing yet. At the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), Britain snagged 65 medals, including four golds. This success is due to improved viticulture, greater investment, experienced winemakers, better knowledge of soil types, and favourable weather.
English Wine Week, organized by WineGB, has been giving winemakers a well-earned pat on the back since 2006. It runs from June 20 to 28.
Award-Winning English Wines to Try
- Tesco Finest English Sparkling Rosé, £22 (Silver IWC, Bronze IWSC, Decanter Silver) — Delicate with hints of strawberry and redcurrant against a creamy nose. Made by Balfour in Kent.
- M&S Rockferne Rosé Brut 2022, £30 (92 points, Silver IWSC, Bronze IWC) — Red berry nose, smooth bubbles, hints of crushed hazelnuts and manuka honey. Made for M&S by Roebuck Estate in Sussex.
- Hambledon Classic Cuvée, £28 (£4 off), Ocado (IWSC 91 Silver, Decanter Gold 90) — A workhorse sparkling from the first modern commercial winery in Britain. Tastes like Granny Smith apple pie fresh from the oven.
- Louis Pommery Brut, £26 (Save £5), Ocado (Decanter Silver 91 points) — Dry, preserved lemon sherbet and white peach, with a saline finish. Pommery was the first Champagne house to release an English sparkling from Hampshire.
Best Vineyards to Visit During English Wine Week
Nyetimber (West Sussex)
One of the godfathers of English sparkling wine, with vines dating back to 1992. For English Wine Week, they host exclusive ‘Estate Days’ with rare library tastings of aged vintages in their historic barn.
Digby Fine English (Arundel, West Sussex)
Known for an interesting production model, buying grapes across multiple counties. Head to their tasting room for ‘Digby After Dark’ on June 26 (free evening of jazz). They also team up with Neal’s Yard Cheese at The Gore Hotel on June 24 (£50 per person).
Chapel Down (Kent)
Britain’s best-known wine producer, excelling in competitions with their Kits Coty range. From June 20 to 28, they bring Kent to Covent Garden at the Courtyard Wine Cellars for sipping, screenings, performances, and charcuterie.
Hambledon (Hampshire)
Birthplace of modern English wine, hosting Fizz Fest on June 28. Sample over 20 premium sparkling and still wines from producers like Black Chalk, Danebury Vineyards, Exton Park, and more. Includes stalls, live entertainment, masterclasses, vineyard tours, and an after-party.
London Urban Winery Collective
A mini festival at Vagabond Urban Winery in Canada Water on June 27. Featuring London Cru, Blackbook, Vagabond, and Renegade. Entry is £45, including two glasses of wine.
Embrace English Wine Week and discover the excellence of local wines. Cheers!
