November 28, 2023

Destination: United Kingdom

Best Wines in the UK

It’s fair to say that, these days, the UK is making a name for itself in the wine industry for producing quality wines.

From the chalky banks of Kent to the sleepy slopes of Suffolk and even as far as Wales, it’s home to over 900 vineyards – many of them award-winning – that have even turned the heads of some of the biggest Champagne producers.

One of the main reasons the UK wine industry has gained such high renown is because, in some areas, we have the same chalk soil that’s found in Champagne. This is why many vineyards are focusing on the production of sparkling wine. That said, there are also some brilliant expressions of white wines, rosé, and even some reds emerging, too.

So, now we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a look at some of the best wines in the UK to pop right now.

Oxney Organic Chardonnay 2022

Oxney is one of the biggest organic wine estates in the UK and makes a variety of wines including sparkling.

Their 2022 Chardonnay is bright and fresh with great citrus notes, a delicate hint of butter, and a touch of savoury salinity. Try it with fish or alongside creamy dishes.

Price from: £25. Oxneyestate.com.

Exton Park RB 23

A blend of two traditional Champagne grapes, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and made in the traditional ‘Champagne method’, this elegant sparkling rose is delicious and worthy of any celebration.

Price from: £39. Extonparkvineyard.com.

Westwell Pelegrim NV

Westwell Wines is located just outside of London, in Charing, Kent. They love to experiment and have made everything from Pet Nat and dessert wines to classic sparklings.

Their non-vintage sparkling wine has great depth and complexity that rivals many of its better-known rivals.

Price from: £33. Westwellwines.com.

Flint Pinot Noir Précoce 2022

Norfolk-based Flint Vineyard is one of Britain’s top wineries for making still wines.

This Pinot Noir Précoce has been made using semi-carbonic maceration, a technique widely used in Beaujolais, to achieve low-tannin, fruit-forward wines. It’s silky and smooth with bright red fruits.

Price from: £24.99. Flintvineyard.com.

Wiston Estate Blanc de Blancs 2018

This bottle may be on the pricier side but it’s worth it, trust us. Gold Medal winner at the 2023 International Wine Challenge, this wine has great character for its age, with notes of greenage, apples, lemon zest, and pastry.

Price from: £58. Wistonestate.com.

Rathfinny Estate Blanc de Noir 2019

Rathfinny is a low-intervention estate, so not quite organic, but they do their best in the unpredictable UK climate.

They make a stand-out selection of sparkling wines and the Blanc de Noir is no exception. It’s bursting with summer fruits and sweet Russet apples with a long zesty finish.

Price from: £49. Rathfinnyestate.com.

Tinwood Brut 2019

The Tinwood Brut 2019 is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier – the three main champagne grapes.

It’s elegant, with a lovely mousse of fine bubbles, freshness, and fruit. Savour it on its own or enjoy it with nibbles like salmon blinis.

Price from: £33. Tinwoodestate.com.

Bolney Lychgate Bacchus

Bolney has been making wine for over 50 years, so they certainly know what they’re doing. While their sparkling wines are delicious, this Lychgate Bacchus is a great example of still UK wine.

An aromatic grape, some people even call Bacchus the ‘Sauvignon Blanc of the UK’ with its fresh elderflower and grassy notes.

Price from: £20. Bolneywineestate.com.

Velfrey NV

Wales may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of British wine. But that chalk basin that’s popped up in the South Downs is also in Wales.

This non-vintage, traditional method sparkling wine was selected by WineGB as one of the UK’s top 100 wines. For £35 a bottle, it’s a steal.

Price from: £35. Velfreyvineyard.com.