If you think that English fizz is a recent trend? Think again.
As far back as 1662, scientist Christopher Merret documented the method of secondary fermentation in a bottle – well before the French were doing it.
Also in the 17th century, Kenelm Digby developed the stronger glass that made sparkling wine bottles possible without exploding under pressure. So yes, the English roots in sparkling wine run deep.
Still, it wasn’t until the 1980s that serious commercial production began. Carr Taylor was the first to release a traditional method sparkling wine in 1984. In 1988, Nyetimber planted Champagne varieties in Sussex, and by 1997, they were winning gold medals on the international stage.
Since then, over 100 producers have followed, with vineyards spreading across the South of England—particularly in Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire. Today, around 75% of all English wine produced is sparkling.
Royal households, global sommeliers, and wine lovers alike are raising a glass to English Sparkling.
Giving English Sparkling Wines A Voice
Our website, English Sparkling Wines, is a new online publication with a clear vision: to become the go-to destination for everything related to English sparkling wine.
Our aim is to provide the latest industry news, vineyard updates, producer interviews, awards, events, reviews and opinion pieces, creating a trusted resource for consumers, trade professionals, journalists, buyers and producers alike.
Why Now?
There has never been a more exciting time to be involved in English sparkling wine.
The industry is experiencing exceptional growth:
- Sales of English and Welsh wines have more than doubled since 2018, with overall sales increasing by around 200%.
- Sparkling wine production increased by 187% between 2018 and 2024, making it one of the UK’s fastest-growing premium drinks categories.
- The UK now has more than 1,150 vineyards, with new vineyards and wineries continuing to open each year.
- International demand continues to rise, with exports growing strongly into markets including the United States, Canada, Japan and Hong Kong. The industry has ambitions to double exports by 2030.
- English sparkling wines are increasingly winning the world’s most prestigious wine awards and competing directly with Champagne, helping to build international recognition and demand.
We believe there is a real opportunity for a dedicated media brand to become the recognised voice of this growing industry.
Meet the Team
Philip Addis
Philip has years of experience in selecting the right wines for customers having started his own wine company way back in 1983 which he sold in 2010 with sales of over £8.5 million a year. He then became a shareholder in a French vineyard but in recent years he has become increasingly excited by the challenge of bringing the rapidly improving quality and exceptional value of wines being made right here in the UK to a wider audience.
Rob Phelps
With over 25 years in the tech industry and a deep background in software solutions, Rob handles all aspects of technology behind the scenes at English Sparkling Wines. His passion for innovation and excellence helps keep the company at the forefront of technology.
Katharina Frank
Katharina has decades of experience in the fine dining industry, having worked in senior positions within a range of Michelin starred restaurants such as The Fat Duck in England and Focus restaurant at the luxurious Park Hotel Vitznau in Switzerland.