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Best English still wines to try

Toast the end of summer with some of our top-scoring still English wines tasted in the last six months, including a selection of value picks, available for under £15 per bottle.

In 2020, 36% of the UK’s total wine production was dedicated to still wines, according to the latest WineGB Industry Survey, which marks significant growth from 2019’s 28%.

From England’s potential ‘poster grape’ Bacchus, to Champagne classics such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, in addition to more obscure cool-climate German varieties, there’s an ever-growing range of quality English still wines that feature aromatic charm and cleansing crisp fruit.


Also read: English Bacchus wine – How it tastes plus wines to try


English wine: the facts*

UK sparkling wines map

Planted area: 3,800ha under vine (including estimated plantings in 2021 of 1.4m vines). 98% of the plantings are in England.

Wine production: 8.7million bottles were produced in 2020

Vineyards and wineries: 800 vineyards and 178 wineries


Also read: Great Champagne deals


Main growing areas: South East (61.5%), Wessex (12%) and East Anglia (10%) are the top three growing regions.

Styles: Sparkling wines account for 64% of the total production. 36% are still wines (2020). 

Main grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Bacchus account for 83% of all plantings.

(*Source: 2019 and 2020 WineGB Industry Survey)


Best English still wines to start the Autumn with:


Gusbourne still wines: the new range tasted

Best English vineyards to visit

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