English Wine

Wine making in England certainly dates back to the Romans, and by the time of William the Conqueror there were at least 40 vineyards, rising to almost 300 during the Middle Ages. The Black Death and the dissolution of the monasteries killed off English wine making until the 1960’s, when some pioneers began to re-establish the art. The vast majority of these vineyards are small boutique style operations, however, some have grown or have accumulated the skills and scientific expertise needed for successful wine making.

When given a fair trial in blind tastings, English wines can be as good as the best from anywhere in the world. And don’t confuse good quality English wines with “British” wines. So-called "British" wine is not made from grapes grown in England, but is “manufactured” in vast factory complexes from wine concentrate. Even with global warming and climate change, English wine will probably remain a cottage industry. Don’t dismiss it though! Growing vines in England at the climatic margins of their range can produce wine of distinctive character and the very highest quality.