The Past, Present and Future of English Wine

While English wine may seem like a modern marvel, its roots run deep. Viticulture in England dates back to Roman times. Archaeological evidence shows that Romans were cultivating vines and producing wine in Britain as early as AD 43. Remnants of Roman vineyards have been discovered in locations such as Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire, indicating that winemaking was a well-established practice even in ancient times.

During the medieval period, monastic communities kept the wine tradition alive. Monks across England tended vineyards to supply sacramental wine, often planting vines on south-facing slopes for better sunlight exposure, which this technique is still used today.

However, several setbacks, including the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century, the Little Ice Age, and import competition, nearly extinguished England’s wine industry. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that things began to turn around.

Fast forward to today, and English wine is enjoying an unprecedented renaissance. Thanks to warmer temperatures and improved viticultural techniques, England is now gaining a place in the world of wine, particularly sparkling varieties that rival Champagne.

Rapid Growth in Production and Recognition

Over the last decade, the English wine industry has expanded rapidly. The number of wineries has risen from 209 to 221 and the total area under vine now stands at 4,209 hectares, representing a growth rate of 123% in 10 years.  That figure is expected to continue growing as vineyard acreage increases and newly planted vines come into production.

Exports have also skyrocketed. In 2022, English wine exports rose by 8% in volume, with the USA and Scandinavia among the top markets. Sales of sparkling wine have also grown rapidly by 187% since 2018, from 2.2m bottles to 6.2m in 2023, with wines from Sussex, Kent, and Hampshire winning international awards.

What makes it even more exciting is that there is no sign of slowing down!

Ongoing Challenges in a Growing Sector

Despite the impressive growth, the industry faces several ongoing challenges. One of the biggest is labour shortages, particularly during harvest seasons, as vineyard work is labour-intensive and reliant on skilled workers. Many of them previously came from the EU but it has been challenging to recruit since Brexit. Additionally, rising production costs, from glass and packaging to energy and transport, have put pressure on smaller producers. Another hurdle is price competition, with many new vineyards coming online, some winemakers worry about oversupply, especially for still wines that haven’t yet matched the demand of sparkling counterparts.

Unpredictable weather also plays as a major hurdle for growers. A consequence of the same climate change that benefits the region can lead to crop losses or inconsistent vintages, making risk management a crucial part of vineyard strategy. While warmer average temperatures have extended the viable growing season and improved grape ripening, it has caused earlier budburst, particularly in sensitive varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the mainstays of English sparkling wine. This early growth increases their exposure to spring frosts, which remain a persistent threat in April and May and can devastate young shoots, significantly impacting the harvest. As a result, many vineyards are investing in frost mitigation systems, such as wind machines, heaters, and even drones, to protect vulnerable vines during critical early-season windows. Consistent rainfall patterns, including heavy downpours during flowering or harvest, can damage fruit and reduce yields.

Innovation Meets Terroir

Winemakers in England are blending tradition with innovation. Techniques such as minimal intervention winemaking, regenerative viticulture, and sustainable packaging are becoming more widespread.

One of our favourite examples of this evolution is Tillingham Wines, based in East Sussex. This biodynamic winery combines ancient techniques (like fermenting in Georgian qvevri) with modern environmental consciousness. Another standout producer is Oxney Organic Estate, the UK’s largest organic vineyard, offering sparkling wines that reflect their clean, green philosophy.

Looking ahead, the future of English wine looks nothing short of thrilling. As climate change shifts traditional wine regions, southern England has become increasingly viable for premium viticulture.

Champagne Houses Are Betting on Britain

In recent years, French Champagne producers have taken notice. In 2015, Taittinger became the first Champagne house to plant vines in Kent, establishing Domaine Evremond. In 2017, Pommery followed, launching Louis Pommery England in Hampshire. These investments show high confidence in England’s potential as a premier sparkling wine region.

As temperatures in Champagne continue to rise, some experts believe that southern England may even become more suitable for the classic Champagne grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, than parts of France by mid-century.

Expansion and Economic Growth

Currently, there are over 1000 vineyards operating in the UK, the WineGB 2023 report predicts that production will reach 25 to 29 million bottles by 2032, along with a 50% growth rate in full-time positions forecast by 2025.

Sustainability is also shaping the future. With WineGB’s goal for all members to meet sustainable certification by 2030, the industry is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. Water conservation, carbon-neutral farming, and biodiversity initiatives are taking centre stage.

It’s no longer a surprise when English wines earn accolades on the global stage. In fact, 2023 saw 150+ medals awarded to English wines at the International Wine Challenge and Decanter World Wine Awards combined. These weren’t just limited to sparkling wines, still wines are also emerging with improved consistency and regional identity.

At Wanderlust Wine, we love showcasing England’s diverse wine styles. Whether you’re sipping a crisp Bacchus or a traditional method sparkling, every bottle tells part of the story of heritage, hard work, and horizon-broadening potential.

From Roman soldiers planting the first vines to modern winemakers crafting award-winning sparkling wines, English wine has come a long way. Its story is one of resilience, innovation, and passion. And as climate conditions evolve, global interest surges and sustainable practices take root, English wine is not just catching up, it’s slowly taking a pace to lead the charge.

As we mark English Wine Week, there’s never been a better time to support local producers and explore the bottles shaping the future of English viticulture.