Best English wines: the complete guide

Discover where English wines are made and the best bottles to try, from crisp whites to fragrant reds and bubbly sparkling.

Food Editor

Emily Lambe

Bottle of Rockferne wine with glass of sparkling wine

A taste for English wine is on the rise, with expert producers and glorious vineyards taking the wine world by storm. See the best bottles to try from our favourite winemakers and what foods to pair with them – from fresh seafood to cosy casseroles.

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How is English wine made?

England’s wine industry is booming. Due to new grape varieties and climate changes, the country can support seriously top-notch wine production. There's been particular success in sparkling wine, with bottles that rival Champagne. The most common grape varieties used for sparking wines include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Other wines are often made from German grapes like Bacchus and Reichensteiner. The best regions for making wine are on the Southern coast, where the climate is slightly warmer and drier, including Sussex, Kent and Surrey.

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Best English wines

From special occasion sparkling to fragrant reds, there's an incredible of homegrown wines to discover. Raise a glass to this edit of the best bottles to try.

Glass of sparkling wine with bottles in background

Best English sparkling wine

Move over Champagne, English sparkling wine is making its mark. “There’s no reason English sparkling can’t be better or as good as Champagne,” says senior wine buyer Dror Nativ. Made by premium producers, Roebuck Estates, our exclusive Rockferne Brut is a single vintage wine with notes of baked apples and ripe peach. Or opt for the Rockferne Rosé, with notes of wild strawberries, pink grapefruit and toasted hazelnuts. For special occasions, pop open some Chapel Down Brut NV and Nyetimber Classic Cuvee.

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Glass of white wine with bottle in background

Best English white wine

Pair a glass of crisp, English white wine with a classic British dish like fish and chips. Crafted in Surrey Denbies, Dorking, Bramble Hill White Wine uses homegrown Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Bacchus grapes. Take a trip to Balfour's warmest vineyard sites in Kent with their Chardonnay, leaving a clean citrus taste.

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Best English red wine

Nothing goes better with a cosy bowl of stew or hearty roast dinner than a glass of English red wine. This Balfour Pinot Noir is made in Kent, with lively notes of tart cranberries and black cherry, followed by a gentle hint of spice from oak. This 2022 vintage has a silky texture with a refreshing acidity, making it a good match for grilled meats.

Red wine to try

Two glasses of rosé wine with bottles in background

Best English rosé

Celebrate summer with a good bottle of English rosé – it’s sunshine in a glass. Take a sip of our Bramble Hill English Rosé, made in Surrey, with notes of juicy wild strawberries and red summer fruits. Or try this Lark Song English Rosé, made by the renowned Balfour winery in Kent. It has zesty citrus notes and pairs well with seafood and salads.

Rosé this way

What to pair with English wine

When it comes to pairing food with English wine, think about dishes that are well-loved in the region – “local dishes go well with local wines,” says Dror. Crisp and dry white wines pair well with fresh seafood, especially if you’re near the coast. Cosy red wines go well with comforting dishes and hearty meats, like our Slow Cooked range of super tender brisket, stroganoff and more. Saying cheers with a glass of bubbly? Serve a selection of nibbles, cheese and some charcuterie from our deli.

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