There was a time when English wine was the punchline to a joke. Now, it’s punching well above its weight — winning international awards, turning heads in Burgundy and Champagne, and earning a serious following among collectors and fine wine buyers. So what’s driving this fizz-fuelled revolution?
Let’s uncork it.
Climate, Chalk, and Confidence: England Finds Its Groove
What has changed? First and foremost, the climate. Warmer summers and longer growing seasons have moved the needle from “marginal” to “ideal” — especially for the same trio of grapes used in Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
Secondly, the terroir. Much of southern England shares the same chalk seam as Champagne itself — especially Sussex, Kent, and Hampshire. That means incredible drainage, precision acidity, and a mineral edge that’s fast becoming a hallmark of English fizz.
But perhaps most importantly, producers have stopped trying to emulate Champagne and started crafting wines that speak for themselves, creating wines that are distinctly ‘English’ — more texture, more freshness, and less dosage. No need to mimic the French.
Awards, Accolades & International Respect
The international wine scene has taken notice — and it’s not just a passing curiosity.
Take the NV Evremonde Classic Cuvée, for example. Born of a collaboration between Taittinger and Patrick McGrath, it’s already being hailed as “a handshake between Britain and France.” The Fat Duck describes it as “balanced and compact with lovely precision and mineral drive.”
Or consider 2019 Rathfinny Rosé Brut, crafted with poise, polish, and panoramic South Downs flair. This family-owned estate is laser-focused on food-friendly wines and is building a legacy with scale, style, and serious ambition.
Meanwhile, Sugrue’s Bee Tree Rosé Pinot Meunier 2019 brings Burgundian precision and Irish charisma to English fizz. As one critic put it: “These wines are filled with energy and are as charismatic as the man himself.”
A Collector’s Secret Weapon?
The very best English Sparkling Wines now rival — and in some blind tastings, beat — vintage Champagne. Yet the prices remain far below their continental counterparts.
You can pick up a bottle of top-tier Langham Blanc de Blancs for under £50. Compare that to vintage Champagne at anywhere between £60–£2k+, and suddenly English fizz looks like an investment-grade steal.
A few producers are even seeing early signs of appreciation on the secondary market — especially rare cuvées, magnums, and library vintages. As critical mass builds, don’t be surprised to see this category taken more seriously by merchants, critics, and collectors alike.
Not Just Sussex & Kent Anymore
While Sussex and Kent remain the epicentres, keep an eye on Dorset, Hampshire, and Oxfordshire.
The 2019 Hundred Hills Blanc des Noirs is a prime example of Oxfordshire’s potential. Focused on sustainability and terroir-driven wines, Hundred Hills uses satellite data and eschews pesticides or herbicides to create wines that are lively, bright, and seriously rewarding in the glass.
What to Drink Now — and What’s Worth Watching
Our curated selection of benchmark wines reflects the depth and potential of English Sparkling today:
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NV Evremonde – Classic Cuvée
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2019 Rathfinny Rosé Brut
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2019 Sugrue Bee Tree Rosé Pinot Meunier
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NV Langham Blanc de Blancs
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2019 Hundred Hills Blanc des Noirs
Whether you’re exploring English fizz for the first time or building a cellar that reflects where wine is headed — not just where it’s been — there’s never been a better time to look locally at England’s very own gems.
On the Horizon
We’re excited to help you discover these standout bottles and cases — English Sparkling Wines that are rewriting the rules and belong in serious collections.