English wine set to sparkle in 2017

Winemaking in England has a history that potentially predates Roman times, but it’s set to become more popular than ever in 2017. In fact, a recent poll by publication The Grocer saw the UK beat Spain, New Zealand and South Africa when it comes to producing the best quality wine.

And it’s not just locals enjoying the wine produced on British soil; bottles of English and Welsh sparkling wine was sent to 27 countries in 2016 (including France and Italy), up from 19 countries a year earlier.

So, what’s next for English wine? Could we hope to overtake France, Italy and Australia as the most popular choice for a glass of vino? After “unprecedented” levels of popularity for English sparkling wine in 2016, British retailer Marks and Spencer have predicted that still wines including Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Bacchus and Ortega will “step up to the level of popularity of their fizzy counterparts.”

Fit for Royalty
Queen Elizabeth is even partaking in English winemaking, producing 3,000 bottles of sparkling wine from grapes grown on the Windsor Great Park estate.

It’s understood that the vines were planted in 2011 after staff saw the potential for a south facing plot on the grounds. This vineyard joins over 500 others across the UK, including our very own Three Choirs Vineyards in Gloucestershire and Hampshire.

Have you tried a glass of English wine yet? Whilst England may not be the first place to pop into your mind when thinking of the best climate for growing grapes, well looked after vines in the perfect location produce a high-quality wine that’s favoured by many.

Our Gloucestershire estate is one of England’s oldest and largest vineyards, and the idyllic location between the Cotswolds and Forest of Dean provides a unique microclimate for growing a range of perfectly developed grapes. If it’s good enough for The Queen…

Shop our range of red, white, rose and sparkling English wine