History of English Wine Week
When we think of wine, the legendary vineyards in France and Spain usually come to mind. So, it may be surprising for you to know that the English make some pretty excellent wine. But it wasn’t always this way.
Wine-producing as a commercial endeavor was once considered impossible in the country. In 1920, England’s last commercial vineyard shut down for good. As a result, the English had to rely on the expertise of winemakers in neighboring France and Spain. The situation remained stagnant until after World War II when vineyards cropped up again in southern England.
However, England’s climate wasn’t conducive to growing most grapes. It was relatively cold and rained a lot — not the best weather for growing popular grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. But the fact didn’t stop English winemakers, who turned to grape varieties like Ortega, Sevval Blanc, and Bacchus.
Similarly, winemakers also realized that England’s cool weather and powdery soil were similar to the terrain in France’s Champagne region, creating the ideal conditions for growing white grape varieties. As a result, they started the production of sparkling wine, which won the Sommelier Wine Awards in 2018. The recognition is a testament to the evolution of wine-making history and heritage in the U.K.
Today, the English wine industry is a thriving sector growing every year — and the demand for homegrown English vintages has never been higher.