Growing popularity of English sparkling wine

The amount of English wine producers and vineyards is growing with English sparkling wine accounting for 66% of the wine produced. With already global recognition for quality, English Sparkling Wine is becoming a popular wine to see at table of fine venues across the world.

In 2018 there was over 7,000 acres of land in England dedicated to vine and this number is expected to grow in 2019 and beyond. Figures of 15 million + bottles produced annually have been shared. There are now well over 500 vineyards in Great Britain. and over 200 are open to the public for visits and tastings.

*Update in 2024: Vineyard hectarage now in full production is some 3,230ha, compared to 2,138ha in 2018 – a growth of 151% (source WineGB)

The popularity and results of English sparkling wine have even seen investment coming in from Champagne houses looking to produce their own labels and for longer term investor interest. Taittinger First Champagne House to invest in English Sparkling Wine.

Christopher Walkey planting vine for Domaine Evremond planting Kent May 2017 (Champagne Taittinger owned)

At the Glass of Bubbly Awards we have already seen trophies being won by English sparkling wines each year to include the 2018 results:

• Trophy Winner 2018 for category of ‘Zesty & Zingy’: Raimes – Classic 2014
• Trophy Winner 2018 for category of ‘First Date’: Gusbourne Estate – Rosé 2014
• Trophy Winner 2018 for category of ‘Fireworks’: Fox & Fox – Tradition

Jonica Fox holding the trophy after her wine was chosen as the best in the world for 2021 at the Glass of Bubbly Awards.

An English sparkling wine was awarded The Finest of the World in 2021 with Fox & Fox winning this trophy for the special Paxton & Whitfield 2015 Mosaic blend. Each yeas English sparkling wines continue to turn heads with magnificent cuvees being produced that are enjoyed the world over and dare we say, competing well against the great traditional methods of Champagne and Trento Doc.

Many English wine producers are getting global recognition with names like Gusbourne, Denbies, Camel Valley, Bolney Wine Estate and many more.