THE BEST ENGLISH WINES FOR A HEATWAVE: GWEN’S STEAMY SUMMER PICKS.
I hear there’s a heatwave on the way! Can we expect the kind of weather where you find yourself dramatically draping a damp flannel across your forehead like you’re in a Jane Austen novel — only sweatier and less romantic.
And you know what that means? It’s time to bin the beige Pinot Grigio, shove the rosé into the freezer (for just long enough — we’re not animals), and uncork something with a bit more pizzazz.
Here’s my pick of the best English wines to help you survive a heatwave in style. Think poolside lounging, spontaneous paddling pool dips, and reading a good book on a shaded lounger with a glass in hand.
1. Waitrose Dry White— For When You Need a Garden Party in Your Mouth
From my list of 15 Inexpensive English Wines, this standout Waitrose own English wine is blooming with summer vibes. Fresh, floral, and just a little bit fabulous, it’s like being flirted with by a botanist. Sip this when your legs are stuck to a plastic chair and you need something to take the edge off the heat — and your cousin’s terrible BBQ sausages.
Heatwave pairing: Ice bucket, sunglasses, and passive-aggressively adjusting the parasol so nobody gets more shade than you.
Where to buy: Waitrose of course ! One you can get your hands on in your local supermarket. Bonus – it’s currently on offer for £8.
2. Stopham Estate Pinot Gris — The Surprising One
Don’t be fooled by her demure appearance — this Pinot Gris has a zippy little granny smith tingle and a hint of honeyed confidence. She’s not here to play nice, she’s here to refresh. I featured her in my Pinot Gris post for Riesling lovers, and honestly, I still can’t get over how well she handles a heatwave. Sophisticated, chilled, and slightly exotic — just like your ex’s new partner (but more affordable).
Heatwave pairing: Tangy ceviche, regretful sunburn, and gossiping about the neighbours.
Where to buy: Majestic Wine £20 when you mix 6.
3. Tillingham Orange Ortega — The Orange Wine That Works with Tan Lines
Look, I know orange wine in a heatwave sounds like a mistake, like wearing leather trousers to a sauna. But trust me, Tillingham’s Orange Ortega is a summer banger. Fruity, a touch of umami and enough attitude to make you feel like you’re at an underground Berlin garden rave — even if you’re just in your nan’s conservatory.
Heatwave pairing: Warm olives, indie playlists.
Where to buy: Direct from Tillingham online for £33.50. Or, you can buy it in their shop and whilst you’re there – you may as well enjoy their restaurant, or get involved in a wine tasting.
4. Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2019 — Classy, Chilled and Just a Bit Smug
We can’t talk about a summer wine line-up without popping something properly sparkling. This Blanc de Blancs is elegant with a capital E. She’s got lemon sorbet crispness, seaside salinity and Champagne-level finesse — but without the air miles.
Heatwave pairing: Oysters, white linen, and pretending you’re in Cannes.
Where to buy: Buy it direct from Gusbourne online for £65 per bottle (yes, I know, not cheap!)
5. Lyme Bay Chardonnay 2022 — Basically Liquid Sunshine
Forget what you think you know about Chardonnay. This beauty from Lyme Bay is not the flabby butter-bomb of your 2006 nightmares. No, this is a sleek, lemon-zesty, sun-kissed number with just enough oak to make you feel like you’re being gently hugged by a vanilla-scented cloud. It’s smooth, it’s sophisticated, and frankly, it’s the kind of wine that deserves a wide-brimmed hat and a chaise longue.
Heatwave pairing: Grilled halloumi, smug conversations about English terroir, and reapplying your SPF like a responsible goddess.
Where to buy it from: Majestic wine – £19 in their Mix 6 – that’s actually a bargain.
6. Bella Rosa Rosé – Whitehall Vineyard, Wiltshire — Pale, Perfect, and Positively Divine
This is the kind of rosé that practically purrs when you open it. Whisper-pink, beautifully dry, and bursting with delicate red berry notes, Bella Rosa is what you bring to a picnic when you want to impress the aesthetic ones and the wine snobs all at once. She’s elegant but not stuck-up, flirty but not loud — and very much the sort of wine you sip with your little finger raised, accidentally-on-purpose.
Heatwave pairing: Caprese salad, a gingham blanket, and saying “I’m not a rosé person… except this one” to everyone within earshot.
Where to buy it: Direct from vineyard, it’s currently £14.99. Did I mention that they do next day delivery?
7. Nyetimber Classic Cuvée — Because You’re Worth It, Sweetie
I know she’s not cheap, but — when we get a properly hot day and it’s not even summer, all budget constraints are off. This Classic Cuvée from Nyetimber is golden, creamy, and celebratory — like liquid glitter with tiny bubbles. You deserve it. And it goes beautifully with smug grins and sun-drenched selfies.
Heatwave pairing: Ice-cold confidence, glowy SPF, and your best “I’m not even sweating” lie.
Where to buy: Majestic Wine – sometimes you can get it for under £30. Or, grab it in Waitrose or Sainso – they often have deals.
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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