8 ENGLISH WINE REGIONS YOU NEED TO KNOW (AND THE WINES TO TRY!)
If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about the rolling vineyards of France or the sun-drenched wineries of Italy, it’s time to turn your gaze a little closer to home.
The United Kingdom, once overlooked in the world of viticulture, has blossomed into a vibrant tapestry of wine regions, each offering unique flavours and experiences.
In this blog post, you’ll find my guide to the eight wine regions of the UK that you need to know about. And, all the wines to try!
The Wine Regions of the UK
One of the things that makes the UK wine industry really interesting t me, is that the wine regions are super diverse. From the chalky soils of the southeast to the lush valleys of Wales, each area offers distinct characteristics that influence the wines produced.
1/ Sussex (East & West Sussex)
Overview: In the southeastern corner of England, Sussex is often hailed as the heartland of English wine. With over 50 wineries, it accounts for approximately a quarter of the UK’s total wine production. The region is divided into East and West Sussex, both offering picturesque vineyards and a mild climate conducive to viticulture.
Climate and Soil: Sussex enjoys one of the sunniest climates in the UK, with relatively low rainfall. The South Downs, a range of chalk hills, run through the region, providing free-draining soils similar to those found in France’s Champagne region. This chalky terrain imparts a distinctive mineral quality to the wines.
Notable Wineries:
- Ridgeview Wine Estate: Located near Ditchling, Ridgeview specializes in traditional method sparkling wines and has garnered international acclaim.
- Nyetimber: With vineyards spanning across Sussex, Nyetimber is renowned for its premium sparkling wines, often compared to the finest Champagnes.
- Tillingham: A standout vineyard to visit for me, owing to the unique wines produced here and the outstanding hospitality.
- Oxney Organic Estate: Another personal favourite for me – Oxney is one of the largest wine estates in the UK and they offer fantastic tours and tasting experiences. Their Blanc de Blancs is a must try.
Wine Styles: Sussex is celebrated in particular for its sparkling wines, primarily crafted from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. These wines are known for their crisp acidity, fine bubbles, and notes of orchard fruits and brioche. The region also produces still wines, including aromatic Bacchus and elegant Pinot Noir.
Find all my wine buying guides here.
2/ Kent
Overview: Affectionately known as the “Wine Garden of England,” Kent’s fertile lands have long been associated with agriculture. In recent decades, it has emerged as a prominent wine-producing region and it now has the highest number of vineyards in the UK.
Climate and Soil: Kent benefits from a slightly warmer climate than much of the UK, thanks to its proximity to the continent. The North Downs provide chalky soils, while other areas feature clay and loam, offering versatility for different grape varieties.
Notable Wineries:
- Chapel Down: Based in Tenterden, Chapel Down is one of the UK’s largest wineries, producing a range of sparkling and still wines.
- Gusbourne: Situated in Appledore, Gusbourne focuses on estate-grown grapes, crafting exceptional sparkling wines with a commitment to quality.
- Balfour: A standout vineyard to visit, there’s an easy breezy visitor experience. Just book a table on the large terrace and spend as long as you like trying wine!
- Biddenden: Biddenden is a more lowkey affair, a family run place with an informal cellar door. Their famous wine is the Ortega – a unique white wine.
Wine Styles: While sparkling wines dominate, Kent also offers impressive still wines. The region’s Bacchus wines are particularly noteworthy, exuding floral and citrus aromas reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc. Additionally, Kent’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay still wines have been gaining recognition for their finesse and complexity.
What I really love about Kent wines, is that there are always innovative new grapes coming up – like Balfour’s foray into Albariño (normally a grape you’ll find in Spain and Portugal!)
3/ Surrey
Overview: Bordering London to the south, Surrey is home to some of the UK’s most established vineyards. The county’s gentle hills and temperate climate make it an ideal location for viticulture.
Climate and Soil: Surrey’s vineyards are often planted on south-facing slopes, maximizing sun exposure. The soil composition includes chalk and greensand, both excellent for grape growing.
Notable Wineries:
- Denbies Wine Estate: As the largest vineyard in England, Denbies offers a diverse portfolio of wines and a comprehensive visitor experience. I’m a huge fan of their Bacchus Fizz – a sparkler that won’t break the bank!
- Greyfriars Vineyard: Specializing in sparkling wines, Greyfriars has expanded rapidly, gaining acclaim for its traditional method bubblies.
Wine Styles: Surrey’s producers excel in sparkling wine production, with offerings ranging from crisp, citrus-driven brut styles to rosés with red berry notes. The region also produces still wines, including refreshing Pinot Gris and barrel-aged Chardonnay.
4/ Hampshire
Overview: West of Sussex lies Hampshire, a county with a burgeoning wine scene. Its rolling hills and maritime influence create a unique terroir for grape cultivation.
Climate and Soil: Hampshire experiences a cool climate with significant maritime influence, leading to a longer growing season. The soils are predominantly chalky, contributing to the crispness and minerality of the wines.
Notable Wineries:
- Hambledon Vineyard: Established in 1952, Hambledon is England’s oldest commercial vineyard, specializing in traditional method sparkling wines.
- Hattingley Valley: Known for its innovative approach, Hattingley Valley produces award-winning sparkling wines with a focus on sustainability.
Wine Styles: Sparkling wines are Hampshire’s forte, characterized by their elegance, fine mousse, and balanced acidity. The region’s still wines, including aromatic Bacchus and structured Pinot Noir, are also gaining attention.
5/ East Anglia
Overview: Comprising counties like Norfolk and Suffolk, East Anglia is one of the driest regions in the UK. This relative dryness, combined with innovative viticulture, has positioned it as a noteworthy wine-producing area.
Climate and Soil: East Anglia’s cool, dry climate is well-suited for early-ripening grape varieties. The soils vary from sandy loam to clay, allowing for diverse plantings.
Notable Wineries:
- Winbirri Vineyards: Located in Norfolk, Winbirri gained international fame when its Bacchus was named the best white wine in the world at the 2017 Decanter World Wine Awards.
- Giffords Hall: A family-run vineyard in Suffolk, Giffords Hall produces a range of still and sparkling wines, with a focus on sustainability.
Wine Styles: East Anglia is particularly celebrated for its Bacchus wines, which offer vibrant acidity and expressive aromatics. The region also produces commendable Pinot Noir rosés and sparkling wines.
6/ South West England
Overview:
The picturesque landscapes of Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset are not only tourist havens but also burgeoning wine regions. The mild, maritime climate and varied topography contribute to distinctive wine profiles.
Climate and Soil:
The South West enjoys a temperate climate with ample rainfall. Soils range from slate and granite in Cornwall to limestone and clay in Dorset. The longer growing season, compared to other UK regions, allows grapes to develop complex flavors.
Notable Wineries:
- Camel Valley (Cornwall): One of England’s most famous wineries, Camel Valley has gained international recognition for its sparkling wines, particularly its Pinot Noir Rosé Brut.
- Sharpham Wine (Devon): Producing both still and sparkling wines, Sharpham is known for its crisp Bacchus and expressive Pinot Noir.
- Furleigh Estate (Dorset): Specializing in sparkling wines, Furleigh Estate crafts elegant, traditional method wines from classic Champagne grape varieties.
Wine Styles:
The South West is a hotspot for sparkling wine, benefiting from the extended ripening period. Additionally, Bacchus thrives here, producing aromatic whites with citrus and floral notes. Some wineries are also experimenting with still Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
7/ Essex
Overview:
Essex may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of English wine, but it is one of the most exciting up-and-coming regions. Benefiting from a drier, warmer climate than many other parts of the UK, Essex is particularly well-suited to still wine production.
Climate and Soil:
Essex, particularly the Crouch Valley, enjoys some of the sunniest weather in England. The combination of low rainfall and well-draining clay and gravel soils makes it an ideal location for growing high-quality grapes. The long growing season allows for excellent ripening conditions, especially for red grapes.
Notable Wineries:
- Danbury Ridge: This winery has been making waves in the UK wine scene with its exceptional still Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, often drawing comparisons to top-tier Burgundy.
- New Hall Vineyards: One of the oldest commercial vineyards in England, New Hall is known for its consistently high-quality Bacchus and Pinot Noir.
- Clayhill Vineyard: A small but ambitious producer, Clayhill specializes in still white wines that showcase the region’s bright acidity and expressive fruit.
Wine Styles:
Essex is establishing itself as the UK’s leading region for still wines. The Pinot Noir from this area is gaining serious recognition, with ripe red fruit flavours, balanced acidity, and impressive aging potential. Chardonnay from Essex is also showing remarkable depth, often with a combination of citrus, minerality, and subtle (yes really) oak influences.
8/ Wales
Overview: While often overlooked in discussions about UK wine, Wales has a growing reputation for high-quality wines. With a mix of small-scale, family-run vineyards and award-winning producers, Welsh wine is steadily making its mark.
Climate and Soil: Wales’ climate is cooler than much of England, but its vineyards benefit from sheltered valleys and well-draining soils, including shale, limestone, and sandstone. These conditions suit hybrid grape varieties and hardy vinifera like Pinot Noir and Solaris.
Notable Wineries:
- Llanerch Vineyard: One of Wales’ most well-known vineyards, Llanerch produces white, rosé, and sparkling wines, all made from locally grown grapes. Visitors can enjoy vineyard tours and a restaurant showcasing Welsh cuisine.
- Ancre Hill Estates: This biodynamic estate in Monmouthshire is renowned for its organic, low-intervention wines, including award-winning sparkling wines made using the traditional method.
Wine Styles: Welsh wineries focus on crisp, aromatic whites, often made from Solaris and Seyval Blanc, alongside delicate Pinot Noir-based rosés. The region is also gaining recognition for its elegant sparkling wines, which reflect the cool climate’s bright acidity and mineral character.
Find all the vineyards mentioned and more…
For more information including a map of all the major vineyards in the UK, head over to the vineyard directory now.
Where to next?
A few of my favourite things
Looking for a gift for yourself or a wine lover in your life? Here are a few of my favourite English Wine things.
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