Why the English wine scene is cause for celebration

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, fizz fanatic or your wanderlust only takes you as far as the closest vineyard for a tour and tasting, it’s hard to keep up with England’s dynamic wine scene.

With world class sparkling wine to rival champagne, more than 1.5 million vineyard visits made in 2023, and a 55% increase in visitor numbers since 2022, wine tourism is soaring… and the skies the limit.

The UK now boasts more than 1,000 vineyards

Moreover, sales figures for English and Welsh wine in the past five years are strong, highlights Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB. “With a significant increase from 3.3 million bottles in 2018, to 8.8 million in 2023, which is a massive jump.”

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And therefore people’s visibility of the product is much, much higher, underlines Bates. “People are buying because you know you’re getting a quality product. And retailers know they can work with a brand, that constant flow of wines and consistent quality.

“And I think people have just become quite interested in something new, suggests,” Bates. “Our consumers are in the most competitive landscape in the world, and retail has really helped.”

She continues: “With people being able to try the wines in restaurants and the like, and that ambassadorial piece which thousands of people have been playing to consumers, it’s starting to have a real uptake.”

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With WineGB spearheading tourism by launching their Visit a Vineyard Guide 2025; along with their ‘Golden 50’ – featuring the UK’s top awarded wines of 2024, and gold medal winners across 10 national and international competitions – there’s never been a better time to raise a glass to English Wine Week (June 21 to 29).

UK’s top awarded wines of 2024 revealed with creation of the ‘Golden 50 Wines List’ 

From Hampshire to Sussex, to Wales and Yorkshire, 300 vineyards are throwing open their cellar doors with tastings and tours in stunning surroundings; and a wealth of wining and dining experiences… sometimes what you’re looking for is right on your doorstep.

WineGB tourism report launches as vineyard visits soar

Moreover, with this year’s theme ‘create new traditions,’ by making the switch to English wine – certainly the most exciting wine region in the world right now – there’s no doubting our sparkling is the same standard as champagne.

A case in point, at last month’s London Wine Fair’s ‘Battle of the Bubbles,’ in a blind tasting, 1086 by Nyetimber 2010 was crowned top scoring global sparkling wine; with Gusbourne 51 Degrees North 2016 second place – both beating the likes of Dom Pérignon, Krug and Bollinger.

London Wine Fair’s Battle of the Bubbles

“I love that (a) we are of the same quality, (b) that our method is exactly the same [as champagne], and pretty much most of the time, the same terroir,” says Bates.

“So same grapes, same environment, same method, but it feels very English. And for me, knowing the winemakers… people can get to know them when they go and visit, and you feel their character.

“You have thousands of different ways of bringing out someone’s personality in a bottle.”

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And when you’re engaging with the producers, she says you can see the personalities shaping the style of the wines, as well as the tasting profile.

“So I think there’s something unique about choosing a local wine, local to our country. You’re getting a sense of supporting those businesses, and that comes through in the whole presentation of the wines.

“That’s what people get excited about, that it’s us,” says Bates confidently. “This is our wine, and we’re making this brilliant quality, proven around the world – and where we go from there?”

Three brilliant English bubblies to pop the corks…

1. M&S Rockferne English Sparkling Wine 2020, £28, Ocado

An impressive new release and sure to be a big hit, Roebuck Estates are behind these well-judged bubbles… and contender to champagne. With engaging baked apple, peach and pastry notes on the nose, similar flavours unfold on the plush palate with fresh acidity on the enduring finish.

https://www.ocado.com/products/m-s-rockferne-english-sparkling-wine-655583011?srsltid=AfmBOooPQFpieYjm5WoGOx3CsXH8U06wDHX3VuWzxu2d2HQDOa7Ah8zO

2. Balfour Leslie’s Rosé NV, £35, Balfour Winery

Trailblazers and best in class, Balfour Brut Rosé 2004 was the first English wine to win a gold medal and trophy at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) –  and they’ve been in the pink ever since. Showcasing delightful aromas of strawberries and rose petals, lifted red berry fruits, fine acidity and fresh finish.

Leslie’s Rosé NV

3. The Weyborne Oriana 2019, £45, Weyborne

An International Wine Challenge (IWSC) Gold medal winner 2025, there’s sprinkling of stardust surrounding this stylish label. Exhibiting delicate notes of florals, creamy orchard fruits and hints of toasty nuts, citrusy energy and minerally undertones give way to a long, lingering finish. Divine.

https://www.weyborne.com/product-page/oriana-2019