English wine is finally coming into its own

Winemaking in England stretches back to the Middle Ages and probably to the Romans. In March, the Food Standards Agency reported that 2025’s English wine production was up 55% on the previous year, and tastings over the past 12 months suggest a marked improvement in quality.

For decades English wine carried a reputation for high prices and underwhelming drinking — sparkling labels drew attention but some questioned whether they merited champagne prices, and still wines were often seen as bracingly acidic novelties. Higher volumes are pushing prices down at the lower end, making bottles feel more in tune with their contents.

New vintages such as Waitrose’s Blueprint English White and The Wine Society’s English White — made by well-known wineries in Surrey and Gloucestershire — retail for less than £12, while Aldi’s Specially Selected Bowler & Brolly English White Cuvée is priced at £5.99.

England, Surrey, Gloucestershire

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