Once upon a time, British wine was something you’d politely decline before asking for a gin and tonic. But oh, how the grape has ripened. The UK wine industry has quietly—then not so quietly—become one of the most exciting wine regions on the planet. In 2024, it went full glow-up: Michelin-worthy vineyard restaurants, lodges with jacuzzis, and English fizz putting the Champagne crowd on edge.
This isn’t just a quirky hobby anymore. It’s a grown-up business. A sexy, award-winning, oenotourism-fuelled juggernaut. And yes, it still rains. But now we call that “cool climate viticulture” and charge £70 for a tasting lunch.
Let’s uncork the reasons why British wine is no longer the underdog but the headline act.
Bigger, Bolder, Bubbly-er
There are now over 1,000 vineyards across the UK, with more than 4,200 hectares under vine. That’s a staggering leap from just 470 vineyards and around 1,900 hectares a decade ago. Back in 2014, total production was closer to 4 million bottles on a good year — now, in 2024, we’re looking at 6–7 million bottles despite a tricky growing season.
Yes, the weather was moody. Yes, disease pressure had winemakers nervously clutching their Pinot Noir. But those who knew what they were doing still came out swinging. Think of it as a “winegrower’s vintage” — a year where skill beats sunshine.
Oeno-blimey! The Rise of Wine Tourism
We’re not just sipping wine now. We’re staying over. We’re dining. We’re getting married between the vines. From luxury lodges with barrel saunas (Tinwood Estate) to estate-grown tasting menus at Michelin-plated restaurants (Wiston Estate), the UK is offering a five-star, cork-popping countryside escape.
Some estates like Chapel Down have partnerships with boutique hotels. Others, like Nyetimber, let you roll in on the Belmond British Pullman after brunch and finish the day with rosé and regrets.
Still Wines Steal the Show
English wine used to be all about sparkling. And for good reason — our chalky soils and nip-in-the-air climate mimic Champagne. But in 2024, still wines got their swagger. Of the 56 golds handed out at WineGB, 21 were stills. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are now the new show-offs, especially from legends like Chapel Down and Simpsons.
4. Top 20 Producers: Who to Know and Where to Go
If you want to impress at your next dinner party, here’s a short list of vineyards to name-drop:
These 20 producers were selected based on four key factors: total vineyard acreage, performance in 2024 awards (WineGB, Decanter, IWSC), the quality of their visitor experience, and their role in shaping the oenotourism economy. It’s a blend of scale, acclaim, and hospitality excellence — not just who makes the most bottles, but who makes the biggest impact.
- Chapel Down (Kent): The boss of English wine. Think fine fizz and fine dining.
- Langham Estate (Dorset): The critical darling. Low-intervention, high-flavour.
- Nyetimber (Sussex): Grand Marque energy. Their open days are rarer than truffles.
- Gusbourne (Kent): All vintage. All class. All Instagrammable.
- Rathfinny (Sussex): If Soho House did vineyards.
- Wiston Estate (Sussex): Chalky roots, Michelin food, and full South Downs glam.
- Hambledon Vineyard (Hampshire): Historic fizz and a gravity-fed winery.
- Camel Valley (Cornwall): Rosé royalty with a river-view terrace.
- Balfour Winery (Kent): Wine meets boutique inn escapism.
- Ridgeview (Sussex): State banquets, served bubbly.
- Denbies (Surrey): The Disneyland of UK wine tourism.
- Simpsons (Kent): Modernist flair and a glass tasting room.
- Hattingley Valley (Hampshire): The oak whisperer of English sparkling.
- Tinwood Estate (Sussex): Vineyard views, saunas, and serious chill.
- Woodchester Valley (Cotswolds): Sauvignon Blanc and stylish barns.
- Sandridge Barton (Devon): Sharpham’s sleek new chapter.
- Roebuck Estates (Sussex): Vintage-only, for the patient sipper.
- Three Choirs (Gloucestershire): The elder statesman of English wine.
- Bolney Estate (Sussex): Red wine pioneers now backed by Freixenet.
- Greyfriars (Surrey): Value-driven fizz that punches above its price.
That’s your full 20. Each one blending great wine with great times.
Special mention to a few personal favourites: Digby Fine English, whose 2014 Vintage Brut just scored an impressive 95 points from Vinous. Then there’s Hundred Hills, which I’ve raved about in another article, and the ever-reliable Camel Valley — each of them poured wines so good, I had to check I wasn’t drinking top-tier Champagne.
Why Now?
- Climate change (yes, really) means warmer vintages.
- Investment is flooding in, with luxury brands getting involved.
- Tourism is booming. British staycations now include fizz flights and vineyard yoga.
What’s Next?
Expect more still wines. Expect prices to rise (lower yields = scarcity = cha-ching). And expect even more immersive wine experiences. The UK is proving it can compete with Bordeaux, Barossa and beyond — just bring your wellies.
So whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious cork-dabbler, there’s never been a better time to explore the vineyards of this green and pleasant land.
Cheers to the rise of British wine. It’s not a fad. It’s a revolution.
