British Wine

The Brits love their wine—so much so that Great Britain is the world’s fifth-largest importer of the stuff. Despite that, you might not think of the country as a producer of wine in its own right. Historically, the climate here has been unsuitable, with grapes requiring consistently warmer weather throughout the growing season, plenty of sunshine and moderate rainfall.

Although Britain famously delivers on the rainfall, it wasn’t until the second half of the 20th century that warmer temperatures made it a reliable region for winemaking. Due to changing temperatures, advanced winemaking techniques and investment, British winemakers are now turning skeptics into believers.

From the undulating hills of Sussex to the picturesque vineyards of Wales, Britain’s wine production is blossoming, offering wine lovers a range of fascinating options to explore. The UK now has over 500 commercial vineyards and 160 wineries, with many earning international acclaim for their sparkling wines and, increasingly, still whites and rosés. Britain is best known for its sparkling wines, with most of its wineries blending Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier—collectively known as the ‘Champagne grapes.’

Most British wine is produced in the South of England, where the climate is warm enough to sustain grape growth. Coastal regions, such as Sussex and Kent, are particularly hospitable, thanks to the effects of the Gulf Stream, while the sea breeze helps moderate temperatures and reduces the risk of frost.

Other wine-producing regions include Hampshire and Surrey. These regions offer chalky, free-draining soils similar to the limestone soil found in Champagne. This makes them perfect for sparkling wines, with British-grown grapes containing high acidity and a hint of flintiness.

Further north, Cambridgeshire, Essex, and Suffolk have burgeoning wineries and are known for their elegant and aromatic wines. Vineyards are also found in Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset in the West of England and in some parts of Wales.

What Grapes Are Grown In Britain?

• Chardonnay: A cornerstone of sparkling wines, this grape variety is well-suited to the chalky soils in regions like Sussex and Kent.
• Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier: These grapes are often blended with Chardonnay to create traditional-method sparkling wines that are the pride of the British wine industry.
• Ortega: This grape is well-suited for Britain’s varied climate and is known for producing well balanced white wines with peach and apricot flavors.
• Bacchus: Often compared to Sauvignon Blanc, Bacchus produces aromatic, fresh wines with green and citrus fruits, often with a distinctive note of elderflower.

English sparkling wine is the jewel in the crown of the British wine industry. Using the same blend of grapes as Champagne—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier—and created in the same method, English sparkling wines often feature complex notes of green apple, citrus, and sometimes toasted brioche.

English sparkling wines pair excellently with that classic British dish, fish and chips. The characteristically bright acidity in English sparkling wines cuts through the fried richness, while the light fruit flavors and delicate bubbles complement the crispy batter.

Chicken and pork-based dishes also work well with a glass of English sparkling wine, especially when they have creamy or herby sauces and vibrant greens.

Although English sparkling wine dominates the conversation, Great Britain produces several types of still wines. Chardonnay is the most common white wine, which benefits from Britain’s cool climate and free-draining soils.

British Chardonnay wines are characteristically tart, featuring flavors of green apple and lemon. Some British wineries age their Chardonnay in oak, which adds hints of vanilla and cedar while changing the color from pale yellow to pale gold.

Great Britain is also known for its Pinot Noir, which produces elegant red wines with medium body that burst with juicy raspberry, cherry and notes of forest floor. Minor white German varieties like Bacchus, Ortega, Seyval Blanc and Reichensteiner also thrive here.

You might take inspiration from Great Britain's thriving seafood industry when looking for food to pair with British wine. Cod, lemon sole and fresh shellfish complement a citrusy British Chardonnay. With a British Pinot Noir, opt for rich tomato-based dishes.