The best English wines to drink this summer

Our Drinks Editor James Viner selects seven standout bottles for English Wine Week (20–28 June), highlighting the quality, value and confidence behind one of the wine world’s most compelling recent success stories…

Once regarded as a curiosity, English wine has matured into a serious force. Sparkling wines remain the standard-bearers, while sweet and still styles are gaining in sophistication and finesse. From Kent to Cornwall’s windswept vineyards and Surrey’s chalky slopes, excellence now stretches across the country.

The seven wines below chart that journey in liquid form – from zippy Bacchus and smart supermarket fizz to premium traditional-method cuvées and a rare botrytised dessert wine. Together, they show a category that has truly come of age. I have also included a special bottle for football-loving dads to enjoy on Father’s Day this Sunday. Try these…

1.     Chapel Down Bacchus 2024, Kent £13 Nectar card price until 28 June (down from £16), Sainsbury’s, 12%

This fragrant English Bacchus – a German-bred crossing often compared to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc – bursts with citrus, elderflower and gooseberry, finishing with a grapefruit lift. Ideal with asparagus, shellfish, trout or summer salads. Outstanding value at the promotional price.

2.     Asquith Gardens English Sparkling Brut NV £18.25, Asda, 11.5%

Creamy, to and nutty, this Chardonnay-led sparkling wine offers refinement rarely seen at this price. Extended lees ageing adds texture and depth, making it arguably the classiest English sparkling wine under £20 in the UK’s supermarket aisles. Produced by Rolling Green Hills, a sister label of Nyetimber. Excellent value and superb drinking.

3.     Tesco Finest English Sparkling Rosé Brut NV £22, Tesco, 11.5%

Crafted by Balfour Winery, this polished, pale sparkling rosé combines Pinot Noir-led red berry fruit with fine bubbles and a lightly savoury finish. Complexity is not its calling card, but sheer drinkability is. A strong choice for summer entertaining.

4.     Westwell Wicken Foy NV Brut Sparkling Wine, Kent £29, The Wine Society, 12%

From the chalky North Downs, this traditional-method blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay offers orchard fruit, pastry notes and nutty depth. Reserve wines aged in magnum add extra intrigue. Elegant and characterful, it shines with seafood – fish and chips included.

5.     Camel Valley Pinot Noir Rosé Brut 2022, Cornwall £29.50 until 23 June (down from £39.50), Waitrose, 12%

A benchmark Cornish sparkling rosé. Pure Pinot Noir expression brings red plum, raspberry and wild strawberry, lifted by a fine mousse and lively finish. Precise, expressive and dangerously easy to finish. Excellent value while on offer. Delightful drinking.

6.    Hambledon Vineyard Première Cuvée NV, Hampshire £52.50–£75, Noble Green Wines mix 6 /Berry Bros.& Rudd,12%

England’s oldest commercial wine estate remains a benchmark. Chardonnay leads the way, unfolding into brioche, almond croissant, red apple and blossom. A saline thread runs through the core, giving added focus and tang. A flagship cuvée with genuine ageing potential.

7.     Denbies Noble Harvest, Botrytis Ortega 2025, Surrey £35 (37.5cl), Denbies, 11.5%

A rare English dessert wine born from a dry, bountiful, sun-kissed vintage. Honeyed apricot, dried fig and caramelised citrus peel glide over a line of freshness that keeps everything in balance. Rich, poised and excellent with blue cheese or fruit-based desserts. These bottles make the case: English wine is no longer ‘emerging’ – it has arrived, matured and earned its place alongside far more established regions.

BONUS POUR FOR FOOTBALL-LOVING DADS:

THE PERFECT MATCH FOR FATHER’S DAY ON SUNDAY

 Champagne Taittinger Brut Réserve FIFA Limited Edition NV (in a gift box), France (£35.99-£45, Laithwaites / Morrisons / Sainsbury’s and elsewhere, 12.5%)

#DrinkEnglishWine and follow James on Instagram @QuixoticWines