Recently, English sparkling wine is truly beginning to make its mark. Recently, its production and credibility has skyrocketed, and it’s become a significantly firm preferred on the international white wine stage. Thanks to environment modification, the southern regions of England– particularly the counties of Kent, Sussex and Hampshire– now offer conditions similar to those of the Champagne area years back. Cooler growing seasons, combined with chalky soils and longer daytime hours, have actually proved to be the perfect dish for producing high-quality sparkling wines, specifically from conventional Champagne grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It’s not surprising that, therefore, that English vineyards are winning prominent global red wine awards, and beginning to challenge France’s dominance in the sparkling wine.
This growing recognition is likewise supported by drinkers looking for in your area sourced items, pleased to pay additional when it comes to homegrown options. English sparkling wines are now appearing on fine dining menus and equipped by significant sellers, with demand increasing each year. High-profile endorsements– from royal occasions to Michelin-starred dining establishments– are a nod to the quality of the offerings. Having actually spent almost a year in the UK, I’ve been eagerly tasting my way through bottles produced by a few of the 200 wineries now signed up in England. When a group of fellow wine lovers from South Africa checked out for the summer, it was the ideal opportunity to taste in situ– and over night somewhere genuinely unique.
Bolney Estate
The very first is a personal favourite– Bolney Estate. One thousand vines were planted here in the early 1970s, and today, a staggering 250,000 bottles are produced each year. It was a delightful surprise for us to discover that winemaker Cara is South African– and hearing her story from pilot helicopter to Pinot grower was motivating. The classic Cuvée is my go-to, with mouthwatering notes of brioche, apple, and citrus. Bolney is also among UK producers expanding their still red wine offerings. The Chardonnay is her current enthusiasm project– the Chablis-styled 2023 vintage is tidy, citrusy, and includes creamy stone fruit. When asked what it’s like as a wine maker in the growing UK market, she replied, “It’s not constantly an easy industry, however we’re striving and seeing the outcomes come through.” You can taste the results yourself at the estate– simply remember to book in advance. The Coffee Shop or Eighteen Acre Dining establishment use a reasonable post-tasting experience, enjoyed in the vineyard setting.
Ridgeview Red Wine Estate is an award-winning, family-run business that has actually also helped put English champagne on the worldwide map, with elegant vintages that equal Champagne. Here visitors are welcome to stroll through the estate’s vineyards, find out more about winemaking, and naturally delight in some first-rate bubbles, all versus a backdrop of stunning views. We enjoyed our tasting in the casual setting of the red wine shop, where our consensus was that the fruit-forward Fitzrovia Rosé was the winner. If reserved beforehand, tastings can likewise be done in the well-known Rows & Vine dining establishment nestled amongst the vines. 
Nyetimber Lastly, Nyetmber’s stylish black bottles with shield-shaped labels are apparent– and as England’s biggest manufacturer, they’re also found across the nation in great wine shops and restaurant listings. The South Downs estates date back to 1086, centred around a beautifully preserved 15th-century barn utilized for tastings and occasions. Visit usually begins in the White Barn with an expert-led intro to Nyetimber’s pioneering journey– from the original vine plantings in the 1980s to the estate’s rise as an English champagne powerhouse. The experience then culminates in sampling the award-winning (and if you’re incredibly fortunate, getting to taste the 2013 vintages of the 1086 range). The picturesque blend of historic architecture and pastoral views makes every sip of the bubbly feel genuinely rooted in location. 
Whatever you require to plan your journey in 2025 Stay: South Lodge Matching the great red wines, we required a similarly classy place to retreat to between tastings, and the five-star South Lodge was the perfect choice. Along with the grand hotel structure, The Reeds is a collection of eight lodges nestled around an attractive lake. The six Lakeside and two Spa Lodges are created with biophilic architecture, including double-height windows and personal balconies with copper baths. Built from upcycled, in your area sourced, or naturally derived products like bamboo cladding and rainwater harvesting, every information makes sure the lodges use indulgence without damaging the environment. 
Inside is akin to a Scandinavian-style sanctuary– neutral tones, tactile products, clever kitchen spaces, and digital fireplaces create an unwinded yet sophisticated home-from-home. The welcome hampers, filled with local Sussex produce, seasonal surprise mixed drinks, and a chilled bottle of Ridgeview sparkling wine, were a beautiful touch. From our deck, we were captivated by birdsong, water lilies wandering past, and even joined an assisted wild swim.
< img width ="920"height ="767 "src="https://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1-south-place-reeds-920x767.jpg"alt=""/ > South Lodge boasts a first-rate day spa set in the middle of acres of countryside. The health club’s hydro-journey starts in the picturesque natural pool, then transfers to the heated vigor hydrotherapy swimming pool. Inside your home, there’s a 22m infinity-edge pool and a thermal suite including a botanical sauna, salt steam room, aromatic infusion space, and awakening pail shower. A bar complements the range of health club treatments readily available, with treats and drinks served from the poolside bar, while the Botanica restaurant uses mezze-style, health-conscious fare. Overall, South Lodge provides an immersive escape that integrates design, health and wellbeing, and sustainability into an unforgettable Surrey-area trip.
Jared Ruttenberg Jared Ruttenberg is a travel author from Cape Town, South Africa. He delights in linking people and experiences through words, images and social networks.
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