United Kingdom

English wine is gradually coming into its own, again, led by its impressively aristocratic sparkling wines. The vine has been cultivated here since Roman times and by the early middle ages, England's monastic vineyards were extensive (and successful). Had it not been the marriage of Henry II to Eleanore of Aquitaine in 1152 – which gave England access to the wines of Bordeaux – the history of English wines would have almost certainly been more continuous.

Today there is a definite resurgence of interest in English and Welsh wines with the majority of vineyards concentrated in the south and east, in Sussex and Kent in particular. There are now over 100 wineries producing in excess of 2.5 million bottles a year.

For many years, little-known hybrid varieties like Bacchus, Huxelbrebe and Madeleine Angevin were considered best suited to our marginal climate. Today, with great advances in vineyard management, we are able to grow more familiar varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with increasing confidence. If the Champagne region can do it, why not us? Our soil and climate are very similar, and with global warming a reality, the future for English grape growers looks increasingly favorable.

Sparkling wine is England's forte. RidgeView Wine Estate leads the way having won the International Wine and Spirit Competition's Yarden Trophy for Best Sparkling Wine in 2006 (the second time in the last eight years). With the price of land in Champagne averaging £250,000 per hectare, it is no wonder Champagne Houses are now rumoured to be looking to the UK for investment opportunities. One House has already taken the step and others look set to follow. English wines are on the up!