Here’s a selection of some of the best, and most unique English wines from all over the South East region, which will add joy to any occasion.

Rosé all day

Summer is rosé season. Versatile and characterful, perfect as an aperitif, seafood accompaniment or pairing a fruity dessert. Here are some southeast rosés we’ve got our eye on.

Rose de Noir sparkling wine from Chartham Vineyard

Chartham Vineyard 2021 Rosé de Noir, £29.95 (Kent)

For those seeking a tradition, high quality sparkling Rosé, this is for you. Traditional method, and 100 per cent Pinot Noir.

This wine is rich with red fruits and has a crisp and refined finish. Perfect on its own or paired with pork and duck.

Wiston Estate 2018 rosé, £54 (Sussex)

Wiston Estate 2018 sparkling Rosé

Looking for something unique? This bold rosé is certainly that. Boasting a range of flavours including dark cherry, blood orange, rose, brioche and marzipan.

This unapologetic Rosé would be the perfect addition to smoked duck or charcuterie. As Wiston puts it – This is a rosé for grown ups!

Kingscote Estate and Vineyard Rosé Brut NV

Kingscote sparkling Rosé, £27 (Sussex)

65 per cent meunier meets 35 per cent pinot noir. The result? A luscious combination of summer fruits, with a touch of acidity.

Here, you’ll experience expressive notes of strawberry and raspberry with nutty shortbread. Enjoy this wine with a fruity dessert or a fruit pairing meat like pork or duck.

Plumpton Estate 2022 Rock Lodge Rosé

Plumpton Estate Rock Lodge 2022 Rosé, £15.95 (Sussex)

Fresh, light and fruity. This is a Rosé that screams summer. Rich with strawberries, raspberries and cherries. This is wine that can be enjoyed on its own or with nibbles in the sunshine.

Alternatively, top up with soda water and fresh strawberries for a refreshing summer cooler

Captivating whites

White wines have fast become a staple of English wine production. Perfected techniques and a changing climate mean there’s now something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of a Marlborough sauvignon or French champagne – We’re confident you’ll find a new favourite on this list.

The Mount Vineyard 2023 Flint Key Bacchus, £25 (Kent)

The Mount Vineyard 2023 Flint Key Bacchus

This is a fantastically unique Bacchus. Peach and hedgerow permeate the nose whilst stonefruit and rhubarb fill the palate.

Fruity, herbaceous and full of character, this summery tipple would be the perfect accompaniment to a summersalad, pork or poultry

Balfour Winery 2023 Sage’s Ortega

Balfour Winery Sage’s Ortega, 2023, £25 (Kent)

Looking for something a little different? This fantastic Kent wine uses a lesser-known grape – Ortega. Fantastic in cooler climates its versatility is showcased in this fruit-forward white.

Juicy pineapple character meets citrusy acidity. The result is this vibrant summer beverage, great with seafood, pasta and salads.

Gusbourne Estate wild ferment chardonnay

Gusbourne Estate 2022 wild ferment Chardonnay, £35 (Kent)

Familiar and yet completely inventive. This unique take on a classic chardonnay provides the drinker with an ensemble of pear, apple and beeswax on the nose, transforming into a palate of roasted nuts, popcorn,citrus and white pepper.

This wine is great with poultry, pork and salad.

Albourne Estate 2023 Bacchus

Albourne Estate 2023 Bacchus, £17.95 (Sussex)

An excellent choice for lovers of a Marloborough Sauvignon. This complex wine wine is bursting with citrus and tropical fruits, punctuated by a gentle herbaceous undertone.

Despite some palate variation dependant on the vintage this is a consistently great wine. Fantastic with poultry, seafood and pasta.

Paint the town red

Though English whites and rosés have been in the spotlight of British wine production for some time, English reds are now making a name for themselves. From Merlot to Pinot Noir, the UK is now producing red wine to rival any French Cabernet or Argentinian Malbec.

Bolney Wine Estate 2021 Point Noir

Bolney Wine Estate 2022 Pinot Noir, £30 (Sussex)

Silky and luxurious, this is an award-winning wine. Those who drink it will be transported through the British countryside by rich flavours of blackcurrant, fig and cherry, highlighted by a hint of white pepper.

This is a drink best enjoyed with creamy goats’ cheese and game.

Bluebell Vineyards 2020 Ashdown Merlot

Bluebell Vineyard Ashdown 2020 Merlot, £28.40 (Sussex)

Smooth, well balanced and delicate. This is a light-medium bodied merlot. Notes of plum, blackcurrant, cherry bakewell and vanilla begin on the nose, transforming into a palate of rich blackberry jam and cooked cherries.

Oaked for 19 months, this is the perfect accompaniment to beef, risotto and game.

Biddenden Vineyard’s 2023 Gribble Bridge Dornfelder.

Biddenden Vineyards 2023 Gribble Bridge Dornfelder, £16.75 (Kent)

Looking for something truly unique? Look no further – A light red, fruit forward with a good acidity.

This is a wine that can be served chilled, making it a perfect summer drink for red lovers. Fantastic with Mediterranean foods, this wine is the perfect addition to any summer barbeque.

Ridgeview Sparkling Red Reserve

Ridgeview Sparkling Red, £55 (Sussex)

Winner of the 2023 Wine GB pioneer trophy. This wine encapsulates all the creativity of English vineyards. Highly aromatic, with notes of blackberry, cherry and vanilla.

Sweet, luxurious and lightly spiced, this is a sensational barbeque pairing.

A little extra sparkle

Sparkling wine is a staple of English vineyards – Here’s some extra sparkle to add to your next celebration.

Court Garden Sparkling Blanc de Noirs.

Court Garden sparkling Blanc de Noirs, £32.25 (Sussex)

An extra dry, long aged, sparkling wine. This Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier blend produces a refreshing, flavourful tipple. It has just the right level of acidity.

With flavours of apple, citrus and a hint of stone fruit. It’s an exciting change from your average prosecco.

Nyetimber Classic Cuvée

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee, £42 (Sussex)

A consistent award winner – and Nyetimber’s signature wine. Intense yet delicate, elegant yet complex. With succulent notes of apple and honey.

This quality wine is a signature blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Great on its own as an aperitif or paired with creamy pasta, cheese or summer salad

Chapel Down – Kit’s Coty ‘Coeur de Cuvée’

Chapel Down 2016 Kits Coty Coeur de Cuvée, £129 (Sussex)

Searching for a showstopper? Something high end? This sparkling wine has been the winner of four Wine GB awards including ‘Top Sparkling Wine’ in 2024.

Rich, elegant and complex – This is the embodiment of class. Fresh apple and toasted nuts meet well integrated oak resulting in a rich palate with incredible purity.

Artelium Blanc de Blancs

Artelium Blanc de Blancs 2018, £48 (Sussex)

Winner of the 2024 Decanter awards this wine is elegant and a true reflection on the time put into its creation.

Predominantly Chardonnay, it’s rested on its lees for four years, resulting in a sumptuous, creamy concoction. Citrus, apple and pastry notes are complimented with vivacious acidity.

Rathfinny Blanc de Noirs 2020, £55 (Sussex)

Rathfinny 2020 Blanc de Noirs.

A sparkling tipple with notes of red fruits – A love letter to the Pinot Noir grape. Traditionally made, with a long aging period.

Rathfinny have spent years honing their craft – and it shows. Classic and classy, this wine would pair fantastically with Asian flavours, venison and duck.

This selection isn’t all the Southeast has to offer. If we’ve missed any bottles or vineyards don’t hesitate to comment. One things for sure, there’s no shortage of exciting wines – I can’t wait to see what England produces next.

Emma Cruickshank

Emma is a literature, TV, and film enthusiast. When she’s not writing, she can normally be found out in the Sussex countryside, walking her dog Herbie, or in a restaurant drinking an overpriced cocktail and dreaming up ideas for her next literary endeavour.

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