Local tipples that'll hold their own against their European peers
Our homegrown wine is going from strength to strength. Tom Gilby counts down his top ten lip-smacking British wines for stocking up your cellar…
This article is featured in our Great British Brands 2023 book. Check out the digital edition here or grab a physical copy today.
Good To Quaff: Our Favourite British Wines
Camel Valley Bachus, North Cornwall
Think Sauvignon Blanc but with even more crispness and energy. Akin to a very good Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé or dry Vouvray. £16.95, camelvalley.com
Camel Valley Pinot Noir Rosé Brut,
North Cornwall
A party in a glass, so pretty in colour… Think summer meadows and a plate of strawberries. £36, camelvalley.com
Gusbourne Chardonnay Guinevere 2020, Kent
Think Premier Cru Chablis but with enough peach-like flesh to make this a very gluggable mouthful. £35, gusbourne.com
Hambledon Classic Cuvée NV, Hampshire
From one of our most established vineyards. Top quality sparkling wine, grown on chalk. £33, hambledonvineyard.co.uk
Hundred Hills Preamble 2018, Henley-on-Thames
The result of 100 days of ripening over a long, fair summer, producing wonderful subtlety and vitality. £37.50, hundredhills.wine
Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Chardonnay 2019, Kent
While some might think it’s a touch on the pricey side, this is very, very good. Our answer to White Burgundy. £30, chapeldown.com
Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2014, West Sussex,
A hedonistic, complex and flavoursome bombshell. One of our finest estates and this is its best wine. £46, nyetimber.com
Rathfinny Blanc de Noirs 2018, West Sussex
Rathfinny’s flagship wine, Blanc de Noirs is the product of black skinned grapes, in this case pinot noir. £40.50, rathfinnyestate.com
Simpsons Railway Hill Rosé 2021, Kent
Proof that we can challenge Provence rosé in style, elegance and flavour. A well-made and beautifully pretty pink. £19.50, simpsonswine.com
Stopham Pinot Gris, West Sussex
Slightly off dry with a mesmerising hedgerow, floral scent and beautifully crisp flavour. £16, stophamvineyard.co.uk
