English Wine Has Arrived — And Nine Oaks Is One Vineyard to Watch

There has never been a better time to explore English wine, or to visit our vineyards. With well over 800 vineyards now established across England, the category continues to grow in both scale and confidence. From crisp, characterful whites to elegant, world-class sparkling wines, England is no longer emerging, it has arrived.

Climate change has undoubtedly played a role in reshaping our growing conditions, with warmer temperatures creating increasingly favourable environments for viticulture. What we’re seeing now are wines that genuinely reflect England’s unique terroir: freshness, precision and depth, paired with a distinctively modern edge. The English wine movement is one worth following closely, quality has never been higher, and the wines are absolutely worth celebrating.

If you’re looking for something new to discover this summer, English wine deserves a place in your glass. As far as modern wine-making goes, England is doing an exceptional job.

One vineyard well worth seeking out is Nine Oaks, a family-run English vineyard in Hothfield, Kent, just an hour from London. Open for tours and tastings every Saturday from April to September, Nine Oaks can also be found at food and drink events and festivals throughout the year. Do stop and say hello if you see them, the passion behind the wines is unmistakable.

Undiscovered English vineyards you may never have heard of are quietly producing some seriously impressive wines.

I’ve recently been tasting three bottles from Nine Oaks Winery in Ashford, Kent, including an elegant English sparkling wine alongside still wines a rosé, a Chardonnay and a Bacchus. The wines are beautifully made (the rosé disappearedrather quickly), and the labels are just as thoughtful, illustrating a journey through the seasons, from spring through to autumn, wrapped around each bottle.

Add Nine Oaks to your list of English vineyards to discover, you won’t be disappointed.

PS: North London readers can find Nine Oaks at Islington Square’s Saturday market.

Elizabeth x