It wasn’t all that long ago that English wine was the preserve of the overly optimistic or the fiercely patriotic. But in recent years, something remarkable has happened: it’s got seriously good. With climate conditions increasingly favouring vineyards across the south of England – and a new generation of winemakers putting quality first – English bottles are now giving their continental cousins a run for their money.

To mark English Wine Week this June (21st – 29th June), we’ve picked five standout bottles that showcase just how far things have come. From a fruit-forward red to a skin-contact orange, and a couple of very sip-worthy rosés in between, here are the homegrown wines we’re reaching for right now.

1. For an English Red: Gusbourne 

What: Pinot Meunier Single Vineyard 2022 (£35)

The Lowdown: Bright, expressive, and bursting with charm, the 2022 Pinot Meunier from Gusbourne’s single vineyard is a celebration of fruit and finesse. Grown on the sun-drenched slopes of the estate in Kent, this wine captures the vibrant character of the vineyard and the meticulous care Gusbourne is known for. Take a sip, and you’ll find a lively medley of crunchy red fruits – cranberries, cherries, blueberries, and a hint of blackberry

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2. For an Elegant Rosé: Nyetimber

What: Nyetimber Rosé Multi-Vintage (£47)

The Lowdown: With its delicate sunset-pink hue, this elegant rosé captures the essence of an English summer. Crafted by Nyetimber – pioneers of English sparkling wine – it offers a beautifully balanced expression of fruit and finesse. The nose is fresh and inviting, with notes of British summer berries, redcurrants, and a subtle hint of buttery shortbread.

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3. For an Orange Wine: Sandridge Barton

What: Don’t Feed the Ponies Little Bee 2022 (£21.50)

The Lowdown: A skin-contact Pinot Gris with real character, this orange wine by Sandridge Barton is made with minimal intervention and maximum intent. On the nose, it leans into citrus and summer fruit — ruby grapefruit, white strawberry, orange peel — while the palate brings raspberry, sour stone fruit and a flick of tannin for grip. There’s taut acidity holding it all together, and the finish is long, generous and just a little wild.

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4. For a Berry Rosé: Bolney Wine Estate

What: English Vines Rosé 2023 (£25.50)

The Lowdown: Made from 100% pinot noir grapes giving the wine its lovely rose gold colour, this delightful rosé by Bolney Wine Estate has notes of strawberry, watermelon and peach blossoms on the nose, and perfectly balanced, gentle acid with a dry finish on the palate. Deliciously refreshing.

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5. For a Classic Sparkling Wine: Hambledon Wines

What: Classic Curvée (£39)

The Lowdown: Made from grapes grown on the chalky slopes of Windmill Down in Hampshire, Hambledon’s Classic Cuvée is a confident reminder of just how far English sparkling wine has come. A blend of the three classic Champagne grapes, all handpicked from the estate, it’s aged for nearly three years to develop depth and complexity. Expect crisp acidity, soft floral notes and ripe stone fruit, all stitched together with impressive balance and freshness.

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