English Wine
Wine growing in the United Kingdom is not new. It can be traced back to Roman times, when the vine was claimed to have been brought to England.
Vineyards were established in the time of William the Conqueror, and several were recorded in the Domesday Book. Vineyards also thrived under the Medieval monasteries. It was therefore fitting that the Beaulieu Estate owned by our founder and late Chancellor Lord Montagu, with its Cistercian origins, should have been amongst the first estates to re-establish commercial wine production in the 1950s and 1960s.
From Humble Beginnings to Sparkling Success
The UK wine industry began modestly in the 20th century, focusing on still white wines made primarily from Germanic grape varieties. During the 1970s and 1980s, vineyard plantings expanded as commercial interest grew, setting the stage for a new era.
A major turning point came in the 1990s with the emergence of traditional method sparkling wines. Nyetimber, a West Sussex estate, was one of the first to plant the classic Champagne trio—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier—in 1988. Their early vintages won prestigious international awards, sparking what has become a thriving sparkling wine movement in the UK.
Today, sparkling wine accounts for around two-thirds of annual production and continues to earn global acclaim for its elegance and quality.
A Modern Industry with Innovative Roots
Unlike long-established European wine regions, the UK does not carry centuries of tradition—something that has become its strength. Freed from rigid expectations, British winemakers embrace experimentation, producing wines that challenge and excite.
While sparkling wines remain the signature, the still wine scene is evolving rapidly. Crisp whites, expressive single varietals, delicate rosés, and even bold reds and dessert wines are gaining attention. Orange wines, qvevri-aged styles, pét-nats, and Charmat-method sparklers are also making their mark, showing how diverse and innovative the UK wine scene has become.
Scale, Growth, and Regional Diversity
Today, there are more than 1,000 vineyards and 220 wineries across England and Wales—with even Scotland joining in. These vineyards stretch over 4,200 hectares (10,400 acres), and viticulture has become the UK’s fastest-growing agricultural sector.
This growth reflects not only increased domestic demand but also a rising international profile. The wine industry now supports jobs, tourism, and rural development, cementing its role as a valuable contributor to the wider economy. From boutique producers to large-scale operations, the UK wine sector is thriving in both scale and ambition.
Grapes That Define a New Tradition
The success of sparkling wines has reshaped the UK’s vineyard landscape. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier now represent nearly 70% of all grape plantings, serving as the backbone for both sparkling and still wines. Among still varieties, Bacchus has found a strong foothold.
With its aromatic, zesty character and parentage including Riesling and Sylvaner, Bacchus has become a UK favourite—often compared to Sauvignon Blanc.
Other varieties such as Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and a wide array of hybrid grapes are being cultivated with great success, offering resilience in the UK’s cool climate and expanding the stylistic range of British wines.