Experts at IEWA have judged these as the best English wines on the market in 2020

While English wine is relatively niche in comparison to our European counterparts, the market is growing and fast. In fact, the UK is now considered one of the world’s fasted growing wine regions in the world.  

The area under vine in Great Britain has more than tripled in the past 20 years with new vineyards popping up across the country and WineGB has forecast the that we could be producing some 40 million bottles per year by 2040.

So, with more English and Welsh wines to choose from than ever before, on a scale of varying quality, how do you know which to choose? Awards are a good place to start.

Founded by Alexander Taylor in 2017, the Independent English Wine Awards (IEWA) is and independent, consumer focused wine competition celebrating English wine and here are its top gold award winners for 2020.

English Sparkling Wines

Black Chalk Classic 2016, Hampshire (overall winner)

Furleigh Estate Classic Cuvée 2014, Dorset

Fox & Fox Essence Blanc de Blancs 2015, Mayfield

Swanaford Sparkling Rosé 2018, Devon

Tickerage Blanc de Blancs 2011, Sussex

Tickerage Blush 2013, Sussex

English Still Wines

Stopham Pinot Blanc 2018, Sussex (overall winner)

Forty Hall Bacchus 2018, London

Furleigh Estate Bacchus Fumé NV, Dorset

New Hall Bacchus Fumé NV, Essex

Oastbrook Pinot Gris 2018, Sussex

Poynings Grange Bacchus 2015, Sussex

Stopham Pinot Gris 2019, Sussex

Tuffon Hall Bacchus 2019, East Anglia

Whitehall Bacchus 2019, Wiltshire

A further 53 silver medals and 41 bronze medals were also awarded by the judging panel.