While the extreme heat that comes from climate change has threatened traditional wine regions in France, Spain, Italy, and California, it has meant the more temperate weather has seen an increase in British vineyards. There are now 943 vineyards in Britain which is almost triple the amount there were twenty years ago. Between 2017 and 2022, England and Wales more than doubled wine production from 5.3m to 12.2m bottles, according to WineGB. By 2032 it is expected that Britain could potentially produce 24.7million bottles in a year.
It seems the once unfathomable prospect of British wine has not merely matured; it has blossomed into a veritable triumph. From the chalky hills of Sussex to the rolling vineyards of Kent, England’s wine industry is not only thriving but flourishing with a pomp and circumstance previously reserved for royal weddings and cricket victories.
The cause for British wine is worthy of celebration which traditionally requires champagne, conveniently the sparkling wines that have truly put Britain on the oenophile's map. With all the grace of a debutante at Ascot, British sparkling wine has sashayed into the upper echelons of the global wine market. The chalky soils of the South Downs share a geological kinship with the Champagne region of France, and the sparkling wines produced here exhibit a finesse and elegance that experts agree rival the traditional champagne makers of France.
Wine fanatics are confident in the grapes and regions they prefer when it comes to traditional areas but where does one begin in this new and uncharted territory of British wine? Below we have rounded up our favourite UK vineyards.
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Nyetimber, West Sussex
Nyetimber is known for its exceptional sparkling wines that are on par with traditional French champagne. They craft all of their wines according to the traditional method, ageing them for extended periods to ensure time to build complexity and flavour. Nyetimber also offers a wonderful experience to visit the vineyard and enjoy their produce with an exclusive three-course paired menu where you will taste a selection of four of their celebrated English sparkling wines; Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage, Rosé Multi-Vintage, Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage, and Blanc de Blancs 2016. Drinks and canapés will follow in the courtyard, before an expertly paired three-course dinner back in the historical Medieval Barn. Book through their website now, it will certainly be a day to remember.
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Hattingley Valley, Hampshire
Founded in 2008, Hattingley has since grown to become one of the UK’s leading wineries. They have a 600-tonne eco-friendly winery where they craft their exceptional red, white, and sparkling wine which has come to be known as one of the best British wines on the market. The delicate ecosystem Hampshire is known for has produced some amazing award-winning wine that is now beginning to be recognised internationally. Tours are offered where you can explore the history, and ecosystem and learn about the delicate and intricate process of crafting wine; wine that is so good you are almost guaranteed to buy a bottle or two to take home with you.
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Chapel Down, Kent
Chapel Down has received rave reviews across the British press for its exceptional offerings. Located in Kent, known as the garden of England, Chapel Down offers tours so you can explore and indulge in their beautiful vineyards. Chappel Down’s CEO, Andrew Carter is on a mission to transform how British wine is perceived and thanks to their exceptional range that includes rose and pinot noir, he is succeeding in that mission. Their world-class team is led by winemakers who specialise in the complexities that can arise when growing wine in cooler climates and this expertise and level of care is evident in every bottle.
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Camel Valley, Cornwall
In 1989 ex-RAF pilot Bob Lindo and his wife Annie planted their first 8,000 vines. Although they hoped for the best they had no idea just how successful their business would become. Camel Valley is locatedin the south west of England, which has fewer vineyards, but is known for its exquisite beaches which benefit from their own microclimate Tours can be enjoyed in the picturesque rolling hills of Cornwall and after exploring the vineyard you can relax on the sun terrace and enjoy a glass or two of the internationally awarded wine.
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Three Choirs Vineyards, Gloucestershire
Three Choirs Vineyards is one of the oldest vineyards in Britain with the first vines being planted in 1973. It’s not just tours that are offered here, this vineyard offers a rare opportunity to sleep among the vines as it offers overnight stays so you can make a weekend out of your expedition. Hand crafted lodges with private porches are the perfect place to rest and recharge and in the morning enjoy a steaming cup of coffee overlooking the beautiful scenic views. Since its inception the wines have won a host of awards thanks to the expert craftsmanship which honours the British Isles and the rich storied history of the land on which they are planted.
The past couple of decades have shown us that there is an increased appetite for British wines and thankfully with that appetite comes increased options. The idea that British wine would not only be enjoyed by us here on these fine isles but recognised and respected internationally was once a totally foreign notion. So let us raise a glass – a British glass, no less – to this remarkable transformation, and the pioneers who have turned what was once deemed a far fetched notion into a source of national pride.
