5 superb sparkling wines to toast English Wine Week

The dynamism of English wineries has exerted influence on countless wine competitions, and a firm favourite on the medal-winning stage.

And this year was a record breaker, with England winning the highest percentage of gold medals per entry at the International Wine Challenge 2026.

Moreover, more than 50 wineries in this year’s results have also won medals in numerous competitions prior, “underlining remarkable long-term consistency across vintages and regions”, according to the IWC.

And with UK wine tourism flourishing – there are now more than 300 vineyards and wineries throwing open their cellar doors and offering tours, tastings, fine wine experiences and festivals – the gastronomic scene is as exciting as Blighty’s bubbly.

Indeed, the South East (home to more than half the UK’s vineyards) has become a wine lovers’ paradise, and there couldn’t be a better time to raise a glass to English Wine Week (20 to 28 June) and visit a local winery.

To put you on the front foot, here’s a small tasting to bring on the bubbly…

1. Lovington English Wine Brut, England, £22, Co-op, in-store

Legendary Champagne Pommery was the first champagne house to produce an English sparkling wine, and with Louis Pommery behind this award-winning label, this one’s a dead cert for fizz fests. Classically English with bright acidity, a fine minerality, delicate blossomy notes with crisp apple and gentle citrusy character, it’s fresh, balanced and elegant.

2. M&S Rockferne English Sparkling Wine Rosé, England, £30, Ocado

When it comes to sparkling rosé, M&S has it nailed with this seductive pink produced by award-winning Roebuck Estates. Utterly delicious, with a delicate bouquet of wild strawberries, raspberries, and red cherries, it’s tangy with hints of hedgerow, touch of toasted almond, beautifully balanced acidity, and long-lasting finish. A favourite find and very English.

3. Harrow & Hope English Sparkling Brut Reserve No 9 NV, England, £34, Laithwaites

This award-winning winery produces various styles, and this is the ninth release of its classic Brut Reserve which delivers what it promises on the nose. With floral, fruity aromas, attractive ripe stone fruit flavours with hints of apple pie on the round, textured, creamy palate, finishing fresh and long. Charming.

4. Simpsons White Cliffs Blanc de Blancs 2019, England, £46, Simpsons Wine

Love blancs de blancs? This award-winning winery puts their own spin on 100% chardonnay sparkle. With a precise palate of svelte stone fruits, with hints of white peach, green apple and lemony accents; a fine minerality, with freshness and drive on the finish. A perfect match with crispy battered fish’n’chips and tartar sauce.

5. The Weyborne Oriana Golden Spur NV, England, £48, Ocado

With numerous medals under its belt, including gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2025 (95 points), this ethereal label is worth seeking out. With a lifted nose of buttered brioche, orchard fruits and lemon peel, hints of apple blossom and apple pie come into play, with fresh acidity and hints of citrus lingering on the deliciously refreshing finish. Expressive with a wonderful sense of purity. Cheers!

* Prices correct at time of going to press