English vineyards are a relatively new phenomenon, but they have been growing in popularity in recent years. The climate in England is not ideal for growing grapes, but some varieties have been found to thrive in the cooler conditions. English wines are often described as being light-bodied and refreshing, with flavors of citrus and stone fruit.
The first English vineyard was established in 1967, and there are now over 500 vineyards in the country. The majority of English vineyards are located in the south of England, in areas such as Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire. The climate in these areas is more temperate than in other parts of the country, which makes it more suitable for grape growing.
English wines are still relatively unknown on the world stage, but they are starting to gain recognition from wine experts. In 2011, English winemaker Chapel Down won a gold medal at the International Wine Challenge for its sparkling wine. This was the first time that an English wine had won a gold medal at this prestigious competition.
The future of English wine looks bright. The climate in England is becoming more temperate due to climate change, which is making it more suitable for grape growing. As the quality of English wines continues to improve, they are sure to become more popular on the world stage.
Here are some of the best English vineyards to visit:
- Chapel Down: Located in Kent, Chapel Down is one of the most successful English wineries. They produce a range of sparkling and still wines, as well as spirits and cider.
- Nyetimber: Located in West Sussex, Nyetimber is another highly regarded English winery. They produce some of the best sparkling wines in the country.
- Gusbourne: Located in Kent, Gusbourne is a newer English winery that is quickly gaining a reputation for its high-quality wines.
- Ridgeview: Located in East Sussex, Ridgeview is one of the oldest English wineries. They produce a range of sparkling and still wines, including the award-winning Blanc de Blancs.
- Denbies Wine Estate: Located in Surrey, Denbies is the largest vineyard in England. They produce a range of sparkling and still wines, as well as a variety of other products, such as ice cream and gin.
If you’re looking to try some English wine, or if you’re just interested in learning more about English winemaking, then be sure to visit one of these great vineyards.