The Blog All Post Many people know England for its rain, royal family and ability to queue with almost unnerving precision. English wine is a newer addition to the list, at least for those of us in the U.S. But across the English Channel from France’s famed Champagne region lies a hidden gem: the chalky soils of southern England. These ancient soils, geologically connected to Champagne, offer ideal conditions for vineyards producing some of the world’s most exciting sparkling wines. And sparkling is only the beginning. English producers are now making still Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, rosé and white wines from black grapes, often in styles that challenge everything you thought you knew about those varieties! What is the difference between English wine and British wine? English wine is made from grapes grown in England. That distinction matters because “British wine” has historically also been used for a very different product made in Britain from imported grape concentrate. At Bubbles of Britain, when we talk about English wine, we mean wines grown and made by English producers. The modern English wine story may be young compared with many European regions, but it is developing quickly. These wines aren’t just delicious (though they are very delicious); they are powerful expressions of innovation, climate, terroir and a generation of winemakers pushing boundaries with every vintage. Why is England so good for sparkling wine? English sparkling wine utilizes the same Traditional Method as Champagne and is primarily composed of the same three grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. England has always had excellent soil for growing sparkling wine. In fact, the Paris Basin, the ring of chalk and limestone that lies underneath Paris and Champagne, dips underneath the Channel and re-emerges through much of Southern England. England’s cooler climate helps the grapes retain the bright acidity that makes sparkling wine feel so crisp and energetic. The longer growing season also allows flavors within the fruit to build slowly. Add increasingly skilled growers and winemakers, and you have a category that has gone from gutsy outsider to serious cellar essential. Does England make good still wine? Absolutely… and this is where things get particularly exciting. For a long time, the idea of still wine in England felt almost impossible. Sparkling wine thrived because it requires less ripeness, but still wines, especially reds, need fully ripe fruit and fully ripe tannins. Otherwise you end up with those unmistakable green, vegetal notes. Warmer vintages have started to change what is possible. Grapes originally earmarked for sparkling have reached ripeness levels that made producers rethink their plans, and still wines began to feel not only possible, but promising. Today, the Bubbles of Britain collection includes fresh, elegant English Chardonnay, expressive white Pinot and vibrant English Pinot Noir alongside traditional-method sparkling wines. Which grapes grow in England? Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier remain the stars of English sparkling wine, but they are far from one-note performers. Chardonnay is a true chameleon. In a cool climate it can be all lemon, lime and green apple; in moderate sites it stretches toward peach and apricot. Pinot Noir can become sparkling wine, rosé or a bright, crunchy red. And Pinot Meunier, too often treated as Champagne’s dependable supporting act, is producing serious, characterful wines in its own right. English winemakers also work with Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and a range of other varieties, giving them room to make wines that feel both familiar and entirely new. Where can I buy English wine in the U.S.? Very little English wine makes it across the Atlantic, particularly from small, boutique producers. That is precisely why Bubbles of Britain exists. Our mission is simple: to bring the best of Britain to the American table. We source directly from boutique English producers and make their wines available to U.S. customers through our online collection and Bubbles of Britain Membership. Consider this your invitation to discover what England can do, one remarkable bottle at a time. Share Subscribe Sign up to our newsletter and get first access to exceptional English sparkling wines!