English Wine Week
As English wine continues to earn serious recognition both at home and abroad, there has never been a better time to explore the vineyards on our doorstep. For this issue, wine enthusiast and local advocate for English viticulture, Paul Bevan, takes us through English Wine Week and shares a personal selection of standout vineyards across Kent and Sussex, two counties now firmly at the heart of England’s flourishing wine scene.
Nine Oaks
English Wine week begins on Saturday 20th June and runs through until Sunday 28th June. There is no better time to celebrate how good English wine has become. With warmer weather you can choose from delicious and generous sparkling wine, aromatic white wines like Pinot Blanc or Pinot Gris, or sunbathe with a glass of rosé. Don’t overlook the reds either there are some great wines in this category too.
With English vineyards booming there are so many to choose from. But let us start closer to home. Sussex and Kent really are the counties in the heart of English wine country. There are around 1100 vineyards in England. Kent has around 120 vineyards and Sussex has around 138.
Kent and Sussex have a continuous belt of soil that runs across the North and South Downs. It has the same cretaceous chalk line as Champagne. This chalk line especially in Kent and around Chichester make some very special sparkling wines.
Through Kent into the Weald the chalk is replaced with Greensand. Clay then takes over until West Sussex.
These soils really do give English wines across this area a “sense of place”.
Here are some of my favourite vineyards:
Kent
Gusbourne
Appledore, Kent
Gusbourne can trace the estate history back to 1410 when the land was owned by John de Goosebourne. In 2004, the modern estate began when Andrew Weeber planted the first vines. They have produced wines of the highest quality since their first vintage in 2006. The site forms the original parcels of the Gusbourne estate. They now have multiple sites across Kent and Sussex.
Their Blanc de Blancs always gives me shivers no matter the vintage. The Brut is opulent and generous. If you can get your hands on it, their new OR (Oak Reserve) sparkling is one of their best wines yet.
Tours and Tastings are available.
2019 Oak Reserve — £75
2020 Blande Blancs — £65
2022 Brut Reserve — £45
Nine Oaks
Hoffield, Kent
I fell in love with the spirit of Nine Oaks when I first met Martyn and Helen in 2023. It’s an 8‑acre vineyard which makes some truly delicious wines. The first releases were still wines, however they now have a range of sparkling wines in their portfolio.
The knock-out for me is their Pinot Noir Rosé. I love the cherry extraction and slight strawberries and cream at the end. It’s a perfect alternative to wines from Provence. The Bacchus is subtle and clean.
Their sparkling wines continue to be released and are delicious.
Tours and Tastings are available.
Sussex
Artelium, Hassocks, East Sussex
This vineyard has been one of my favourites since they released their first vintages. Mark and Julie have created a modern approach to vineyards. The seamless connection between wine and art makes this a special place to visit.
The wines are of the highest quality. Their 2018 Blanc de Blancs was simply stunning. The Pinot Gris is the best example of the grape in England.
They have also been quick to experiment with the Piwi varieties such as Caberet Noir. Their Artefact #9 is an English red wine game changer for me. The whole Artefact range is great to explore.
2018 Blanc dew Blancs – Sold Out
2023 Pinot Blanc — £25
Artefact #9 – Sold Out
Oxney Organic Estate
Peasmarsh, East Sussex
Oxney Organic Estate is one of the largest organic vineyards in the country. Since its first vintage in 2014, Kristen Syltevik’s wines have been widely applauded.
My favourite wine is anything zero dosage (no added sugar). They are always so clean and vibrant. However, it is not just their sparkling wines that you should look out for. The Chardonnay is creamy and rich with stone fruit. The Woodhouse Pinot Noir is a multiple vintage red that uses the Solera method to blend multiple vintage wines. This is same method (solera) that is used to in sherry.
2022 Pinot Noir Rosé — £41
2023 Chardonnay — £27
MV Woodhouse Pinot — £27
Oatsbrook Estate
Robertsbridge, East Sussex
America and Nick’s wines are some of the most elegant wines around. I struggle to choose which wines we list. The wines are all grown on the single estate and made on site. The have been releasing wines since 2018.
The Brut is delicious and the White Pinot Noir is one of the best of this Blanc de Noirs style. However, Nick’s Chardonnay is extremely elegant and generous. If you are lucky enough to try the Insurgence, then you will be taken away to a Burgundian style white right on your doorstep.
If you have never tried Pinot Meunier then this is something you must try. Their red wines do not disappoint either. The Pinot Noir Reserve has a wonderful smokiness along with morello cherries.
2018 Sparkling Cuvée — £38
2023 White Pinot Noir — £23.50
2024 Pinot Meunier — £25.50
2021 Pinot Noir Reserve — £38
