English Sparkling Wine: Raising a Glass to Global Recognition

The past year has been a milestone for English sparkling wine. Once considered an emerging category, it is now winning international acclaim at the world’s most prestigious wine competitions — and not just with single standout bottles, but across a wide range of styles.

Breaking Through at the Top Competitions

At the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2025, English sparkling wines collected more than a dozen gold medals, with one entry making history by being crowned Champion Sparkling Wine. This marked the very first time a non-Champagne wine has taken that title — a signal that England’s sparkling wines are not only competing but excelling at the very highest level.

Meanwhile, at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2025, English sparkling wines were among the most celebrated entries. Multiple vintages earned Platinum and Gold medals, and for the second year running, English wines featured in the coveted Best in Show category. Significantly, both vintage and magnum formats drew particular praise, underlining the confidence producers now have in crafting wines with extended ageing potential.

The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2025 also reflected this rising standard. Judges awarded English sparkling wines some of the highest scores of the competition, including several golds in the 95–97 point range.

Quality Across the Board

What’s striking is the breadth of success. Awards have recognised everything from crisp Blanc de Blancs and structured Blanc de Noirs to elegant rosés and prestige cuvées. Far from being limited to a few standout examples, the medal tally reflects an industry-wide lift in quality and consistency.

Redefining Expectations

For decades, Champagne has been seen as the natural benchmark for sparkling wine. Yet the performance of English sparkling wines on the international stage is shifting that perception. By winning trophies that once seemed out of reach, England has firmly established itself among the world’s finest sparkling wine regions.

Looking Ahead

These achievements are more than just medals — they are a marker of maturity. The industry has invested in patience, precision, and craft, and the results are now undeniable. With international recognition growing year on year, English sparkling wine is not simply “catching up”; it is defining its own space in the world of fine wine.