Best English sparkling wine: Award-winning bottles to buy in 2026

It’s fair to say that English sparkling wine has bloomed in popularity over the last couple of years, becoming the drink of choice for everything from royal receptions to Michelin-starred meals. There’s even an English Wine Week dedicated to the stuff.  

So, what is it about this native wine that's caught people’s attention? Not only is it nice to know you’re buying something that’s been made up the road, English sparkling wine also has a deeply complex flavour with very similar characteristics to Champagne. In fact, it’s quickly becoming a drink to rival the famous French-made sparkling, with a number of big-name Champagne houses investing in land in the UK with the intention of producing their own English sparkling. 

The similarities between Champagne and English sparkling wine don’t stop there. Both are made using the ‘traditional method’ using a blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes. One of the first, and now the most well-known, brands to start making English sparkling wine was Nyetimber, who planted their first vines back in 1988. We spoke to their winemaker Brad Greatrix, to explain how it's made. 

'Traditional method means the bubbles come from a second fermentation that happens inside the bottle. It differs from more industrial methods where the second fermentation happens in a tank, which is how Prosecco is made, for example. [Prosecco] is fermented in a tank and then bottled under pressure so the whole process is much quicker and much more cost effective.

'There are other varieties coming along – such as bacchus and seyval blanc – with a few people experimenting with different things. But if you want to speak generically about English sparkling wine, it's going to be made with the traditional method using chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier.'

Sparkling wine now accounts for about 80% of the grape-growing planted area in this country, which is huge. And sure, while there are a number of similarities between domestic wine and Champagne, what makes English sparkling all the more special is its unique flavour profile.  

'What English sparkling wines tend to evoke is a reflection of fruits and flavours that are typical and known for this country', Brad explains. 'Our rosé, for example, is typically evocative of red fruits that grow and succeed really well in in England, like strawberries and raspberries.  

'Our cool climate also means that English sparkling wines retain a freshness and an acidity that is needed for our long ageing, high quality sparkling. Because of the acidity, there's also an association with lemon. Apple and lemon flavours are not unusual.'

Specifics aside, the real question is knowing which bottle to buy when there’s so much choice on the shelves, so we took it upon ourselves to put in the tasting time and test some of the best English sparkling wines on the market right now. We’ve included tasting notes on each one, as well as a score out of ten, so you can see at a glance how each one stood up.  

Louis Pommery Brut Rosé

Verdict: With the launch of its first sparkling rosé in spring 2024, Louis Pommery broke new ground at its Pinglestone Estate in Alresford, Hampshire. Predictably (for this house) Chardonnay provides the backbone, finesse and elegance, but there’s some punchy summer fruit coming from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. Delicate salmon pink in colour, you can expect wild strawberry and raspberry notes and hints of apple blossom, as well as a creamy texture underscored by chalky minerality. Try it at the Sabine Roof Terrace (Leonardo Royal, St Paul’s) and Searcys Champagne Bar at Battersea Power Station.
How much? £45
Rating: 9/10 
Buy now: Louis Pommery Brut Rosé

Bolney Classic Cuvee

Verdict: Bolney is a beautiful vineyard in Sussex (also home to the highly-praised Eighteen Acre Restaurant) that’s been producing award-winning English wines for over 50 years. Its signature Classic Cuvee comes out highly-rated in every guide it’s included in; green apple, brioche and lemon combine to create a structured drink with nice acidity and a strong mousse. A delicious pairing with salmon, smoked dishes and strong cheeses. 
How much? £35
Rating: 8/10
Buy now: Bolney Classic Cuvee

Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve

Verdict: Hattingley Valley has risen from humble beginnings to become indisputably one of Britain's leading sparkling wine producers, with a reputation for pure, refreshing wines. This Classic Reserve incorporates around 18% reserve wines to help preserve a consistent style, and the flavour profile is typical of this part of Hampshire – high acidity, lemon peel and green orchard fruit, softening into some brioche and nutty pastry notes.
How much? £37
Rating: 9/10 
Buy now: Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve

Chapel Down Brut NV 

Verdict: Even if you don’t know much about sparkling wine, chances are you’ve heard of Chapel Down which is something of a household name these days. Based in Kent, this award-winning blend is made from chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot meunier and pinot blanc grapes and offers soft aromas of apple and blossom, with a long finish and lots of depth of flavour. It delivers all the hallmarks of a quality sparkling wine, and we rate it amongst the best in this list.  
How much? £30
Rating: 8/10 
Buy now: Chapel Down Brut NV

Denbies Greenfields NV

Verdict: Denbies Wine Estate has been making English wines on its Dorking estate since the late 1980s. In fact, it’s one of England’s largest single estate vineyards, covering a whopping 380 acres with 265 acres currently under vine, as well as being home to multiple restaurants and event spaces, including The Gallery and the Wine Library Brasserie & Bar. Naturally, it offers a large range of English sparkling, but we like this non-vintage wine from Greenfields made from a Champagne blend of Pinot Noir (56%), Chardonnay (32%) and Pinot Meunier (12%). The grapes spend a minimum of three years on lees and the resulting flavour profile offers a pleasing balance of strawberries and brioche.
How much? £25
Rating: 8.5/10
Buy now: Greenfields NV

Leonardslee Blanc de Blancs 2020

Verdict: Nestled in the heart of the Sussex countryside, Leonardslee Wine Estate is a sprawling enterprise home to a 38-acre vineyard, hotel, restaurant (Interlude) and tasting room. The estate specialises in making English sparkling, and this blanc de blancs is truly delicious, crafted exclusively from 100% Chardonnay and with notes of quince, apple and nuts. The 2020 vintage was marked by a cool start and a warm autumn, resulting in a late harvest that lends itself to wines with crisp acidity and layers of richness.
How much? £60
Rating: 9.5/10
Buy now: Leonardslee Blanc de Blancs 2020

Sandridge Barton Classic Cuvée 2022

Verdict: We love a left field entry and this sparkling from Sandridge Barton estate in South Devon is a lesser known, but wonderfully unique wine that deserves a shout out. The estate has been making wines since 1981, with vines planted on south-facing slopes that roll all the way down to the River Dart. If you prefer to opt for winemakers with a conscience, you'll be pleased to hear that Sandridge Barton practices a regenerative approach, focusing on optimal soil health and refraining from using any pesticides or herbicides. Story time over, what did we think of the wine? This one is lively and bright on the palate, with notes of apple and spice, and an altogether dry texture. It's aged for 20 months on lees and has a lovely, subtle savouriness to it. At 10.6%, it's also a lower alcohol option, making it all too easy to drink in our opinion. 
How much? £37
Rating: 8/10 
Buy now: Sandridge Barton Classic Cuvée

Wiston Estate Brut NV

What: Wiston Estate has quickly become one of the most reliable names in English winemaking, and these chalky south-facing hills have been growing grapes ever since the Romans arrived in Britain. The Brut NV is Wiston’s benchmark, and it’s quintessential English sparkling - bags of orchard fruit, some English hedgerow perfumery and a little toastiness too. For the price, it’s excellent.
How much? £36
Rating: 9/10
Buy now: Wiston Estate Brut NV

Rathfinny 2019 Classic Cuvée

What: South Downs sparkling producer Rathfinny was established in 2010 but has quickly found its way into the hearts and wine lists of some of the best restaurants in the country. Its ‘house style’ English Sparkling leads with pinot noir grapes (44%), blended with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, and offers a juicy flavour profile of red apple, lemon and red berries. The sparkling is left for 36 months in the bottle to mature, resulting in rich and toasty notes, and we love its honeyed lemon colour. Rathfinny has also achieved B Corp status, becoming the first grower-producer of sparkling anywhere in the world to do so - clearly the sign of a winemaker on the up.
How much? £35
Rating: 8.5/10
Buy now: Rathfinny 2019 Classic Cuvee

Plumpton Estate Brut Rosé NV

Verdict: If you prefer the richer, fruity notes of a sparkling rose, then this entry from Plumpton Estate is one of our favourites. It’s made by students at Plumpton College (the UK’s leading wine centre) for Plumpton Wine Estate, which makes for a nice back story, and the result is a fruity, biscuity sparkling rose. It’s made by the traditional method using a classic blend of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir grapes, and aged on lees for two years.
How much? £27
Rating: 7/10
Buy now: Plumpton Estate Brut Rosé NV

Digby Fine English 2014 Vintage Reserve Brut

Verdict: Founded by Trevor Clough and Jason Humphries in 2009, Digby Fine English makes its modern blend wines from grapes grown in Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and Dorset, creating a portfolio of sparkling that has become popular with the likes of the House of Commons, British Airways and HMS Queen Elizabeth. Digby’s Vintage Reserve Brut always reserves a spot in our best-for guide, and this 2014 fizz is just as delicious as the previously featured 2013. The Chardonnay-predominant English sparkling sings with citrus, so we wouldn’t recommend it if you prefer your wine on the sweeter side, but for those that love the tang of fresh lemons, this one's a winner. 
How much? £45
Rating: 8/10
Buy now: Digby Fine English 2014 Vintage Reserve Brut

Ridgeview Bloomsbury

Verdict: Fun fact: this Bloomsbury bottle by Ridgeview was the official wine served at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, so naturally we had to taste a wine that's good enough for royalty. Ridgeview is another well-established winemaker that's been going for more than 25 years. Their vineyard is based in Ditchling in rural Sussex, and they were one of the first wineries in England to focus solely on the production of sparkling wines from chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes. So, what did we think? A gorgeously light number with very fine bubbles that creates a lovely effervescent, melt-in-the-mouth feel. We detected subtle notes of red fruit along with plenty of crunchy, crisp tartness from lemony accents. A smart and striking bottle would make this a very nice gift for someone. 
How much? £35
Rating: 8.5/10 
Buy now: Ridgeview Bloomsbury

Exton Park RB|23 Rosé

Verdict: We were particularly taken by the colour of this English sparkling rose by Exton Park, which is a beautiful blush and shown off in a clear, simple bottle. The pale colour matches its floral, slightly peachy flavour, with a good structure that renders it very crisp and dry. If you don’t trust us, trust Simon Rogan who serves it at his three-Michelin starred restaurant L’Enclume. 
How much? £39 
Rating: 7/10 
Buy now: Exton Park RB|23 Rose

Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2017

Verdict: Nyetimber was one of the first brands to put English sparkling wine on the map, when owner Eric Heerema saw its potential back in 2006 and brought head winemaker Cherie Spriggs and winemaker Brad Greatrix on board. Blanc de Blancs was the first style of wine the vineyard started producing back in the 90s and it's still one of the best English sparkling wines on the market right now. Made from 100% chardonnay grapes, this delicate sparkling offers a flavour profile of lemon curd, fresh citrus and short crust pastry, while a long finish and lots of salinity make it a great pairing with fresh seafood. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s certainly one of the best.
How much? £58
Rating: 9/10
Buy now: Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2017

Gusbourne Brut Reserve

Verdict: One of the top dogs in the English sparkling wine world, Gusbourne planted their first vines in 2004 across their vineyards in Kent and West Sussex, going on to collect a series of awards over the years for all its sparkling wines. This best-seller offers floral blossom notes, good fruit and a hint of honey on the nose, while zesty grapefruit conspires with nutty, toasty flavours on the palate, with a hint of white pepper. A shaft of acidity keeps things fresh and the finish is rewardingly long. 
How much? £45
Rating: 9/10 
Buy now: Gusbourne Brut Reserve 

Louis Pommery Brut

Verdict: Known for being the first English fizz to be made by a Champagne house, this high pedigree wine from chalky south-facing slopes in Hampshire pedals freshness and finesse in equal measure. Aromas of green orchard fruits and waxy petals on the nose are a prelude to a palate that continues the theme of joyous freshness – think zesty lemons, crisp Granny Smith apples and hints of white peach. As the wine warms in the glass, attractive lemon sherbert notes appear and honeyed peachy fruit come to the fore. A lovely long finish applies the punctuation. 
How much? £33
Rating: 8/10
Buy now: Louis Pommery Brut 

Tesco Finest English Sparkling Wine 

Verdict: Interestingly, this English sparkling wine from Tesco’s Finest range is crafted by another maker in this list, Balfour Winery, so we were interested to see how they compared. With a dry and citrusy flavour - albeit a slightly bitter after taste - subtle brioche notes and plenty of bubbles, we thought it was a decent option for just over 20 quid a bottle. It’s the cheapest in this list and very good value. 
How much? £22
Rating: 6/10 
Buy now: Tesco Finest English Sparkling Wine 

Balfour Brut Rosé 2020

Verdict: 2020 might not have been the most bountiful year for Balfour Winery, but this lovely Brut Rose is proof that quality reigns supreme. Bursting with notes of blood orange and wild strawberry, it’s a bright and structured entry that stands up to big flavours when paired with food, or is simply a great guzzler on its own. Balfour has always been a premium option, but there’s a reason for that.
How much? £55
Rating: 9/10
Buy now: Balfour Brut Rosé 2020

Searcys Classic Cuvée English Sparkling Wine NV

Verdict: British caterer Searcys has created its first ever English sparkling wine in collaboration with award-winning Greyfriars Vineyard near Guildford. The grapes are grown on sunny south-facing chalk slopes before being handpicked, while the wine itself is aged in cellars for at least four years. Our first impression was marked by bubbles - lots of them - which create a pleasingly creamy texture. Bready flavours and notes of apple emerge on the palate, while a citrusy finish (we detected grapefruit) leave a clean and bright aftertaste.
How much? £45
Rating: 7.5/10
Buy now: Searcys Classic Cuvée English Sparkling Wine

Hambledon Classic Cuvee NV

Verdict: A blend of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier grapes, this Classic Cuvee by Hambledon tends to come up trumps in best-lists and, without wanting to follow the crowd, we’d have to agree. Its grapes are grown on Newhaven Chalk, the same chalk found in the best Chardonnay areas in Champagne, allowing Hambledon to create something very similar in quality and flavour. This is a beautifully balanced wine with a precise, vibrant freshness provided by citrus and white stone fruit, overlaid with a yeasty, autolytic note that adds weight. Classy stuff. 
How much? £32.50
Rating: 9/10 
Buy now: Hambledon Classic Cuvee 

Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Wine

Verdict: If you don't have a huge budget to blow on English sparkling, this Morrisons wine is a great-value bottle that has all the hallmarks of a top-quality fizz. While the supermarket doesn’t give away much about the winemaker, it boasts a surprisingly rich flavour and comprises a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier grape varieties. Apple, pastry and brioche shine through in this well-priced fizz.
How much? £24
Rating: 7/10
Buy now: Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Wine

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