With WineGB citing 2023 as a record harvest and unforgettable vintage, and wine tourism and demand at all-time highs, English sparkling wine is giving Champagne a run for its money.
What's more, with wine farms opening their cellar doors for tastings, master classes, tours and wine festivals, English Wine Week (15-23 June) is a highlight for wine lovers to enjoy.
Today, with over 900 vineyards spread across Great Britain, viticulture and winemaking take center stage with award-winning home-grown sizzles and a skyrocketing reputation for excellence – there's plenty to satisfy your thirst.
“It's a great time to be part of our industry, which seems to be growing from strength to strength,” says Simon Roberts, head winemaker at Ridgeview in Sussex.
“There seems to be a real buzz around the industry, and it is now unusual not to see English wines on most restaurant wine lists.
“Viticulture is now the leading sector of the agricultural industry, and this shows how much progress we have made in the last 30 years,” Roberts points out.
Meanwhile, Liam Newton, chief marketing officer at Chapel Down, says: “Our mission is to change the way the world thinks about English wine.
“If you haven't tried English wine yet, or never visited an English vineyard before, English Wine Week will provide the perfect opportunity.”
There will be tastings, events and tours across the country, including one at their brand home in Tenterden, Kent, says Newton.
“We're also raising a glass of Chapel Down in anticipation of Royal Ascot (June 18-22), to celebrate being the official English sparkling wine of the world's most famous racing meeting.”
To put you ahead, they've just launched their Chapel Down Royal Ascot – the latest in a growing number of associations – and are looking forward to having their own sparkling wine bar at Royal Ascot.
“Whatever the occasion, it's the perfect time to try one of our award-winning wines,” says Newton.
Elsewhere, with the summer social season in full swing, Danielle Whitehead, Marketing Director at Roebuck Estates in West Sussex, says: “We can't wait to share our passion for growing with fellow gardening enthusiasts at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (2 July) Until July 7), where we are the official sparkling wine partner.”
“This is a real first for English soft drinks and shows just how much interest there is in locally grown sparkling wine – we will be on hand throughout the show so everyone can experience the Classic Cuvée from the truly fantastic 2018 vintage for themselves.”
One of the pioneers of English sparkling wine with vineyards across Sussex, Hampshire and Kent, Nyetimber's growing range of premium sparkling wines includes this latest release to celebrate sporting achievements.
As Nyetimber’s head winemaker, Sherri Spriggs, says: “This year, English Wine Week is an exciting time for Nyetimber as the official sparkling wine of Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”
“The new limited edition Team GB Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage bottle is a tribute to the dedication and passion of the Team GB athletes – values we share when creating our iconic sparkling wine,” says Spriggs.
With fantastic wine experiences, multiple tastings and cellar door dining experiences, England's oldest commercial vineyard is gearing up for the gourmet side of English wine, not to mention Fizz Fest, where eight wine estates come together to showcase a wealth of award-winning wines.
“This year's English Wine Week is set to be a special celebration, one you definitely don't want to miss!” says Audie Vilbrun, brand director at Hambledon, which is located in the heart of Hampshire.
“English sparkling wine has truly come into its own, characterized by exceptional quality and a variety of styles that can rival some of the best from around the world.”
She continues: “One of the highlights of our English Wine Week is the Cheese and Wine Flight, which features two great coffees blended with two fine English cheeses, to showcase the wonderful produce our unique region has to offer.
“Or join us at The Grange on 23 June for Fizz Fest; highlighting Hampshire’s finest English sparkling wines in a big way – cheers for that!”
