As the UK readies itself for a week of scorching weather, vineyards across the country are preparing for visitors taking part in English Wine Week, which runs from 20–28 June.
Created by English wine association WineGB, the week-long campaign was first launched to encourage vineyard visits and help establish new traditions around English wine.
Today, it includes a series of initiatives, including free window stickers for shops stocking English wine, a trade competition to identify ten English wine ambassadors and a public-facing competition to win an English wine weekend for two at The Pig Hotel in the South Downs.
WineGB has also launched a Wine Map, making it easier for consumers to plan vineyard tours and discover new wine producers.
Events
To mark the week, retailers across the UK have announced a range of events aimed at boosting sales.
Among them, Fortnum & Mason are hosting an English Wine Showcase where customers can sample over 30 styles of wine including reds, whites, rosés and sparkling wines.
The Oxford Wine Company will host the Rathfinny team on 25 June at its central Oxford shop, offering customers the chance to taste through a selection of English sparkling wines.
Likewise, Berry Bros. & Rudd will keep its shop open late on 25 June, pouring wines from Hambledon, Rathfinny and Gusbourne.
Cambridge Wine Merchants marked the week with its regular Saturday Supper Club, where each course was paired with a different English wine to showcase the category’s diversity and quality.
Vinotopia has also already hosted one pop-up tasting featuring English wines, which took place on 20 June. A second event will be held on 27 June, with a complimentary tasting running from 11am to 3pm.
New launches
To celebrate the growing industry, several English wine producers have announced new releases.
Among them, All Angels Vineyard in West Berkshire will launch its Sparkling Rosé 2019, led by Pinot Gris and aged on lees for six years.
Kerry Vale Vineyard on the Shropshire–Wales border has unveiled a new English red wine named 1140, which it recommends serving lightly chilled.
At the same time, Hambledon Wine Estate in Hampshire announced a new retail-exclusive sparkling wine, The English Cuvée.
Alongside the launch, the estate also unveiled an expanded on-site cellar door, curated by Mark Pardoe MW, wine director at Berry Bros. & Rudd, which acquired Hambledon in 2023 alongside Symington Family Estates.
Celebration
As well as launching new products, producers from across the country are coming together to celebrate English Wine Week.
In Hampshire, Vineyards of Hampshire will host eight sparkling wine producers and 20 premium still wine producers for its public-facing Fizz Fest event.
Among those attending will be Black Chalk, Danebury Vineyards, Exton Park, The Grange, Hambledon Wine Estate, Hattingley Valley, Louis Pommery England and Raimes.
The day will include an opening address from drinks expert Andy Clarke, a series of masterclasses and a sabrage demonstration.
