- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- AppreciationDrinkingLiquor
- Where:
- United Kingdom
- Date change rule:
- Week starting with the 3rd Saturday of June
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍷
English Wine Week celebrates the U.K.’s thriving wine industry annually, beginning on the third Saturday in June. This week-long event highlights the quality and diversity of English wines, from sparkling to still. Explore local vineyards, enjoy special tastings, and discover unique food pairings at restaurants nationwide.
Want to sponsor English Wine Week? Learn how
Expected English Wine Week Deals
As English Wine Week approaches, expect a delightful array of promotions from vineyards, retailers, and restaurants. Many wineries like Chapel Down and Nyetimber will offer special tasting events and cellar door discounts. Major supermarkets such as Waitrose and Majestic Wine often feature sales on English wines. Restaurants across the country frequently craft special menus with English wine pairings. Keep an eye on local pubs and independent wine shops for unique promotions and events. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June approaches.
Platform Guide for English Wine Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #EnglishWineWeek. Share photos and reels of your favorite English wines, vineyard visits, or food pairings.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #EnglishWineWeek. Create short videos reviewing English wines, showcasing vineyard tours, or demonstrating wine-tasting tips.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #EnglishWineWeek. Share news about events, promotions, and your experiences with English wines throughout the week.
English Wine Week Hero
Stephen Skelton MW
History of English Wine Week
When we think of wine, the legendary vineyards in France and Spain usually come to mind. So, it may be surprising for you to know that the English make some pretty excellent wine. But it wasn’t always this way.
Wine-producing as a commercial endeavor was once considered impossible in the country. In 1920, England’s last commercial vineyard shut down for good. As a result, the English had to rely on the expertise of winemakers in neighboring France and Spain. The situation remained stagnant until after World War II when vineyards cropped up again in southern England.
However, England’s climate wasn’t conducive to growing most grapes. It was relatively cold and rained a lot — not the best weather for growing popular grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. But the fact didn’t stop English winemakers, who turned to grape varieties like Ortega, Sevval Blanc, and Bacchus.
Similarly, winemakers also realized that England’s cool weather and powdery soil were similar to the terrain in France’s Champagne region, creating the ideal conditions for growing white grape varieties. As a result, they started the production of sparkling wine, which won the Sommelier Wine Awards in 2018. The recognition is a testament to the evolution of wine-making history and heritage in the U.K.
Today, the English wine industry is a thriving sector growing every year — and the demand for homegrown English vintages has never been higher.
English Wine Week timeline
A drink made from rice, fermented grapes, and honey becomes popular in ancient China.
Christopher Merret, an English scientist, presents a paper on producing sparkling wine at the Royal Society.
The 2018 vintage becomes the best harvest year for sparkling wine.
English vineyard owners plant more than 1.4 million grape vines.
English Wine Week FAQs
When is English Wine Week?
In 2026, English Wine Week runs from Saturday, June 20, through Sunday, June 28. It’s the perfect time to explore the burgeoning English wine scene.
How many vineyards are there in England?
As of recent reports, there are over 800 vineyards across England and Wales, with a significant concentration in the south-east of England. This number continues to grow as the industry expands.
What types of wine are produced in England?
While English sparkling wine, made using the traditional method, is particularly renowned, producers also craft excellent still white, rosé, and red wines. Common grape varieties include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Bacchus, and Pinot Meunier.
Is English wine only produced in England?
English Wine Week specifically highlights wines from England. However, the broader term ‘Great British Wine’ includes wines from both England and Wales, with Wales also having a growing number of vineyards and producers.
English Wine Week Activities
Visit a winery
If you love to try different kinds of wines, visit wineries famous for their vintages on the holiday. Take a few days off and drive to wineries in Kent, Sussex, or Essex.
Try some English bubbly
Forgo French Champagne for some of England’s finest sparkling wine. You may even find yourself going through a bottle or two — it’s that delicious.
Host a wine and cheese party
Bring the celebrations home. Call some friends over for a wine and cheese night featuring the best U.K. wines.
5 Facts About Prosecco That Will Blow Your Mind
Prosecco over Champagne
Prosecco sales in the U.K. exceed that of French Champagne.
It is a lifestyle
The Italian sparkling wine is so popular in the U.K. that there’s a festival dedicated to it.
Millennials love it
Surveys show that 97% of Millennials in Britain are totally into the Italian fizz.
The entire country is a fan
The English consumed more than a third of the 411 million bottles of Prosecco produced in 2016.
Top tipples in the U.K.
Some of the most popular cocktails in the U.K. are prosecco-based: Bellini, Aperol Spritz, and Prosecco Royale.
Why We Love English Wine Week
It shines a spotlight on English wines
English Wine Week promotes exceptional wines made by over 700 vineyards in the U.K. It highlights sharp reds, bubbly fizzes, and full-bodied whites we’ve never tasted before, giving English winemakers their chance to shine.
It promotes vineyard tours
A whole week of vineyard touring and sampling some of the U.K.’s finest bubbly fizzes? Sign us up already!
It leads to wine events
Numerous wine events spring up across the country during English Wine Week. This is a dream come true for wine lovers.
English Wine Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 21–29 | Saturday–Sunday |
| 2026 | June 20–28 | Saturday–Sunday |
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