British wine

While wine has been made across the British Isles for centuries, it wasn’t until the second half of the 20th century that a modern winemaking culture began to flourish. British vineyards have since grown increasingly reliable – partly due to warmer temperatures – and these days, British wines are impressing even the toughest critics.

Britain’s wine industry is booming, from Sussex’s rolling hills to Wales’ scenic vineyards. More than 500 commercial vineyards and 160 wineries are operating across the country. British winemakers are making sparkling wines that have won global acclaim, and still white and rosé wines are gaining recognition, too. The sparkling wines often blend Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier – the same grapes used in Champagne.

Most British vineyards are found in England, specifically in the South East, where the climate is warmer and more suited to winemaking. The key regions include:

Sussex: One of the sunniest spots in the UK, Sussex is home to several renowned wineries, including Nyetimber, Ridgeview and Rathfinny. In 2022, Sussex wine was granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status – the first region in England to achieve this – putting it on par with Jersey Royal potatoes, Cornish clotted cream and Stilton cheese. Sussex’s sparkling wines, influenced by its limestone chalk soils, often have a refreshing mineral character.

Kent: Fondly known as ‘The Garden of England’ due to its gentle hills and the multitude of apple orchards, Kent is the home of top-notch English sparkling winemakers, including Gusbourne, Chapel Down and Balfour. The soil here – a mix of sand and clay that retains water and heat – produces riper, fuller-bodied wines than those grown in chalk. Kent’s sparkling wines often have apple and elderflower aromas, bringing an essence of English hedgerows to your glass.

Surrey: Surrey, extending from Farnham to the White Cliffs of Dover, is a sunny region with chalky soils similar to those in the French region of Champagne – perfect for producing top-notch English sparkling wines. Influenced by the local chalky soil, Surrey’s sparkling wines are known for their flinty, mineral character, citrus scent and lively acidity.

Hampshire: Vineyards dot the rolling hills of Hampshire’s South Downs. With its free-draining chalk soils similar to those in Champagne, Hampshire is home to Hattingley Valley, newcomer Black Chalk and England’s oldest commercial vineyard – Hambledon, founded in 1951 by Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones.

Other Regions: Other areas of production include Cambridgeshire, Essex and Suffolk, all areas with promising vineyards full of aromatic, elegant varieties including Chardonnay and Riesling. Vineyards are also found in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Yorkshire and Wales.

Chardonnay: This variety thrives in Sussex and Kent’s chalky soils and is a key variety in English sparkling wines.

Pinot Noir and Meunier: Typically blended with Chardonnay to create Britain’s refreshing and popular traditional-method sparkling wines.

Bacchus: England’s signature white grape, often compared to Sauvignon Blanc. Bacchus produces aromatic, fresh white wines with green and citrus fruit flavours, often with a distinctive elderflower note.

Ortega: This grape is well-suited for Britain’s varied climate, creating well-balanced white wines with peach and apricot flavours.

A large portion of Britain’s wine industry rests on the shoulders of its premium sparkling wine. Made using a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier – the same grapes used to make Champagne – and the same method, English sparkling wines are bright and delightful, with complex flavours of citrus and green apple, plus hints of toasted brioche.

Learn more in our beginner's guide to English sparkling wine.

Besides sparkling wine, Britain is also known for its still red, white and rosé wines. The most common and popular are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Chardonnay grapes thrive in the cool climates and free-draining soils in Sussex and Kent. British Chardonnay wines are characteristically pale yellow with refreshing tart green apple and lemon flavours. Some British wineries age their Chardonnay in oak. When they do, the wines darken to a pale gold colour and develop hints of vanilla and cedar.

Other white varieties such as Bacchus, Ortega, Seyval Blanc and Reichensteiner also thrive here. Bacchus is a particularly successful variety for still white wines, showing crisp acidity and aromatic flavours.

British Pinot Noirs are elegant, medium-bodied wines, bursting with juicy red berry flavours, including raspberry and cherry, balanced by savoury, earthy hints.

British sparkling wine is incredibly food-friendly, pairing well with shellfish and seafood, especially the equally iconic British dish – fish and chips. The wine’s citrus flavours and fizzy texture suit the delicate, flaky fish, while its high acidity and lively bubbles cut through the richness of the crispy batter.

Chicken and pork-based dishes also pair deliciously with a glass of English sparkling wine, especially when they have creamy or herby sauces and are served with vibrant and fresh steamed greens.

Still white wines, particularly Bacchus, pair beautifully with lighter dishes, salads, and seafood, echoing its fresh, crisp qualities. A tart, citrusy British Chardonnay suits simple dishes featuring cod, lemon sole or shellfish such as cockles and prawns.

English Pinot Noir can complement grilled salmon, roast chicken and charcuterie.