Yes…we make wine and it’s really good. The odd thing is that most people don’t know about it and when they do they wrongly assume us British make very bad wine. Around 26 million people in the UK are regular wine drinkers. But the vast majority of that wine is made in other countries. We actually make some rather amazing vino in the UK and the wine world is really starting to take note. So here is a handy guide to the wine regions of the UK and what our wine is all about.

Location, Location, Location

There are a number of big factors in wine making. However most are related to the types of grapes and how they are used. The one big one that is arguably the most important is where the vineyard is placed. After all, if the grapes don’t grow then all the other factors are a mute point. The UK has a range of different soil types and weather conditions. But there are areas that are perfect for growing vines. The odd thing about the UK is that in terms of latitude it simply should not work. However, the wonder that is the Gulf Stream provides us with a unique temperate climate that means grapes grow very well indeed.

Soil and Terrior

While the Gulf Stream makes sure we have the right weather for growing wine it is the soil that gives the wine the character and taste. It may come as a surprise but much of Southern England has a very similar geology to that of the Champagne region in France. This means we can grow many of the same grapes used in champagne. Terrior is a French term used to describe a multitude of factors that affect vine growth.

The terrior in Southern England is very very good for growth. In fact, with climate change starting to bite the UK wine industry is actually benefiting though this is not something anyone would celebrate given the recent heat wave (July 22). There are other parts of the UK that have suitable conditions such as parts of Wales and the West Country and well as some part of Suffolk and even the Midlands. Warm, fairly dry climate coupled with the right soil means the UK is very much a wine region.

Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine is one of the really big hits for the UK. Specifically English Sparkling Wine produced in Sussex, Surrey and some parts of Hampshire. These wines are world class, make no mistake. They are as good if not better than a number of Champagnes and made using the same methods. Can it be called Champagne? Sadly not because of the PDO (Protected Destination of Origin). This protects any specific product that can only be made in a certain location. The really interesting news is that Sussex Sparkling Wine is so important globally it now has it’s own PDO! Places like the High Weald in Sussex are leading the charge in making these amazing wines and across England they are becoming very fashionable.

Still Wines

It’s not just great sparkling wines. Us Brits are also making some pretty amazing reds and whites too! We have actually been making it in the UK since Roman times. However only in that last 60 or so years has it been revived and built upon. It started as a few hardcore winemakers creating small batches. But is now big business with Surrey and Sussex having a number of huge wine estates with more popping up all the time. Still wines are perhaps not the “big thing” in the UK. Although that doesn’t mean we should not be proud of them and seek them out when we can.

UK Wine Pride

We are oddly one of the only countries that doesn’t seem to support and enjoy our own produce when it comes to vino, but this is certainly changing. As the Sussex PDO kicks in and supermarkets look for more local products to cut down on food miles we are likely to see a continued growth in wine from the UK. Climate change may also continue to play a role in this growth which in its own way will hopefully contribute to a lowering of CO2 through choosing locally sourced wine.

If you plan on gifting wine you might find my earlier article useful.