Where It All Began: The Romans
The story of English winemaking dates all the way back to AD 43, when the Romans arrived in Britain. Known for their love of wine and expertise in vine growing, they introduced winemaking to the British Isles by planting vineyards across southern England, where the climate was mild enough to support grape cultivation.
The Romans quickly recognised the potential of England for producing high-quality wines and established numerous vineyards. Some of the earliest and most notable vineyards were located in what is now modern-day Sussex, an area that is favoured for its chalky soils. Here, Roman villas stood alongside vineyards that not only served local needs but also produced wine destined for export back to Rome.
The Medieval Flourish
Following the Roman departure, winemaking in England largely declined, but began to grow again after the Norman invasion in 1066. The Normans brought with them a strong wine culture, and English monasteries started planting vineyards to produce wine for both religious and everyday use. By the 12th and 13th centuries, vineyards were thriving in places like Sussex, Kent, and Hampshire.
However, things didn’t stay this easy for long. As the medieval period progressed, the climate began to cool and England entered a period known as the ‘Little Ice Age’. With colder temperatures and shorter growing seasons, cultivating grapes became increasingly difficult.
The 20th-Century Revival
For centuries, winemaking remained a rarity in England, but the mid-20th century saw a determined revival. In the 1950s and 60s, pioneers started to recognise the potential of England’s unique terroir. They began replanting vineyards and experimenting with grape varieties suited to the cooler English climate. The focus was initially on still wines, with the planting of hardy Germanic varieties such as Müller-Thurgau and Reichensteiner.
By the 1970s and 80s, modern winemaking techniques were being introduced, empowering winemakers to craft higher quality wines. These advancements paved the way for English Sparkling Wine production and enabled winemakers to produce sparkling wines that rivalled the world’s best.
The Sparkling Wine Breakthrough
The true turning point for English wine came in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with the discovery that England’s terroir, especially in Sussex, was remarkably similar to that of Champagne. Chalky soils, a cool climate, and advancements in viticulture created the perfect conditions for traditional method sparkling wine.
Producers began planting the classic Champagne grapes, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, and adopted the Traditional Method (Méthode Traditionnelle) to craft exceptional sparkling wines. The results were nothing short of extraordinary, with English Sparkling Wines gaining international recognition and competing with the best in the world.
Sussex: The Heart of English Winemaking
Sussex has established itself as one of the premier wine regions in England, known for producing wines of elegance, finesse, and structure. With its south-facing slopes, mineral-rich soils, and passionate winemakers, the region has become a beacon of excellence in English viticulture.
At Highweald, we are proud to be part of this new chapter in English winemaking, crafting award-winning sparkling wines that celebrate our unique terroir and time-honoured traditions.
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Experience English Wine Firsthand
The story of English winemaking is still being written, and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in it than by experiencing it firsthand. Join us for a Tour & Tasting Session at Highweald to explore the craftsmanship behind English Sparkling Wine and taste the history in every sip.
From ancient Roman vines to the sparkling wines of today, English winemaking has come full circle, rooted in tradition, thriving in innovation, and we are ready to prove we have the best English Sparkling Wine in the world.
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