In 1952, Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones planted the first commercial vineyard in England at Hambledon, Hampshire sowing the seeds for the UK to start creating great wine.

English viticulture today has undergone considerable change, partly influenced by the effects of climate change, particularly in the south. This slight temperature increase has brought England’s climate closer to that of the Champagne regions of Northern France and has allowed English vineyards to grow the true ‘Champagne’ grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

As time has passed, the establishment of more UK vineyards has led to a considerable increase in experience and, therefore, more comprehensive knowledge, leading to better yields and, more importantly, better quality of yield. English sparkling wines are now hitting the top awards in many blind-taste tests across the world.