England's sparkling wines are particularly acclaimed, with Ridgeview, Camel Valley and Hush Heath being the most recent to beat prestigious Champagnes at international competitions, reinforcing England's status as a world class sparkling wine producer.
Not only are we now "out-Champagning" the French, but it was the English who invented the high-pressured bottles needed to create the fizz and prevent bottles from exploding. It was also the English who first recorded the process of making sparkling wine in 1662, long before Dom Perignion's alleged declaration "come quickly - I am tasting the stars."
Given this legacy and quality, why do people not know more about English wine? In London particularly,more people I spoke to could quote Peter Ustinov's idea of Hell being "Italian punctuality, German humour and English wine" than name an English vineyard. Despite campaigns by some supermarkets and a number of high-end English food driven restaurants listing English still and sparkling wines, it was only those whose family or friends lived close to a vineyard who had tried them.
Clearly the fact that some supermarkets and restaurants retail English wine, does not guarantee that people notice or buy it.
Also, some journalists do not always help, by confusing "English wine" and "British wine" - "British wine" is made using cheap imported grapes and can be found in some supermarkets around the £3 price range, "English wine" on the other hand is made with grapes grown in England and Wales and is tested for quality.
I came across an article by accident claiming that the South Downs of Sussex not only shares the same chalk soils as the Champagne region but that the climate is becoming increasingly favourable for the three Champagne grape varieties - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. An amateur wine enthusiast, I wanted to try it for myself.
Where to start? The producers themselves! From Cornwall to Kent I set about touring the wine growing regions of the United Kingdom countryside, building on my wine list and knowledge. I have been very fortunate to have met some of the most inspirational and innovative winemakers we have (at times trespassing across land with my arms in the air shouting, "don't shoot, I'm from London").
The result is the finest selection of white single varietal wines, blends, rosés, sparkling traditional champagne styles, sparkling English grape varietal styles, sweet wines and yes, even reds!
Our philosophy is that people should be able to taste the wines and decide what they enjoy before buying a glass or bottle.
This is achieved through the use of specialised wine dispensing machines where customers can purchase 5 tasters for £5.00.
Whether you are looking for a wine to match with food, drink on its own, for a special event or simply to taste the large range of wines English and Wales have to offer, we hope to see you soon!
