British bubbles: Where to stay and taste the best

In recent years, English sparkling wine is really starting to make its mark. In recent years, its production and reputation has soared, and it’s become an increasingly firm favourite on the global wine stage. Thanks to climate change, the southern regions of England — particularly the counties of Kent, Sussex and Hampshire — now offer conditions similar to those of the Champagne region decades ago. Cooler growing seasons, coupled with chalky soils and longer daylight hours, have proved to be the perfect recipe for producing high-quality sparkling wines, especially from traditional Champagne grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It’s no wonder, therefore, that English vineyards are winning prestigious international wine awards, and starting to challenge France’s dominance in the sparkling wine.

This growing recognition is also supported by drinkers seeking locally sourced products, happy to pay extra when it comes to homegrown alternatives. English sparkling wines are now appearing on fine dining menus and stocked by major retailers, with demand rising each year. High-profile endorsements—from royal events to Michelin-starred restaurants— are a nod to the quality of the offerings. Having spent nearly a year in the UK, I’ve been eagerly tasting my way through bottles produced by some of the 200 wineries now registered in England. When a group of fellow wine enthusiasts from South Africa visited for the summer, it was the ideal opportunity to taste in situ—and overnight somewhere truly special.

Bolney Estate

The first is a personal favourite – Bolney Estate. One thousand vines were planted here in the early 1970s, and today, a staggering 250,000 bottles are produced annually. It was a delightful surprise for us to discover that winemaker Cara is South African—and hearing her story from pilot helicopter to Pinot grower was inspiring. The classic Cuvée is my go-to, with mouthwatering notes of brioche, apple, and citrus. Bolney is also among UK producers expanding their still wine offerings. The Chardonnay is her current passion project—the Chablis-styled 2023 vintage is clean, citrusy, and features creamy stone fruit. When asked what it’s like as a winemaker in the burgeoning UK industry, she replied, “It’s not always an easy industry, but we’re working hard and seeing the results come through.” You can taste the results yourself at the estate—just remember to book in advance. The Café or Eighteen Acre Restaurant offer a fair post-tasting experience, enjoyed in the vineyard setting.

Ridgeview

Ridgeview Wine Estate is an award-winning, family-run enterprise that has also helped put English sparkling wine on the global map, with elegant vintages that rival Champagne. Here visitors are welcome to stroll through the estate’s vineyards, learn more about winemaking, and of course enjoy some world-class bubbles, all against a backdrop of magnificent views. We enjoyed our tasting in the informal setting of the wine shop, where our consensus was that the fruit-forward Fitzrovia Rosé was the winner. If booked in advance, tastings can also be done in the acclaimed Rows & Vine restaurant nestled among the vines.

Nyetimber

Last but not least, Nyetmber’s elegant black bottles with shield-shaped labels are unmistakable – and as England’s largest producer, they’re also spotted across the country in fine wine stores and restaurant listings. The South Downs estates date back to 1086, centred around a beautifully preserved 15th-century barn used for tastings and events. Visit typically begins in the White Barn with an expert-led introduction to Nyetimber’s pioneering journey—from the original vine plantings in the 1980s to the estate’s rise as an English sparkling wine powerhouse. The experience then culminates in sampling the award-winning (and if you’re exceptionally lucky, getting to taste the 2013 vintages of the 1086 range). The picturesque blend of historic architecture and pastoral views makes every sip of the bubbly feel truly rooted in place.

Stay: South Lodge

Complementing the fine wines, we needed a similarly elegant place to retreat to between tastings, and the five-star South Lodge was the ideal choice. Alongside the grand hotel building, The Reeds is a collection of eight lodges nestled around a picturesque lake. The six Lakeside and two Spa Lodges are designed with biophilic architecture, featuring double-height windows and private terraces with copper baths. Constructed from upcycled, locally sourced, or naturally derived materials like bamboo cladding and rainwater harvesting, every detail ensures the lodges offer indulgence without harming the environment.

Inside is akin to a Scandinavian-style sanctuary—neutral tones, tactile materials, clever kitchenettes, and digital fireplaces create a relaxed yet sophisticated home-from-home. The welcome hampers, filled with local Sussex produce, seasonal surprise cocktails, and a chilled bottle of Ridgeview sparkling wine, were a lovely touch. From our deck, we were entertained by birdsong, water lilies drifting past, and even joined a guided wild swim.

South Lodge boasts a world-class spa set amid acres of countryside. The spa’s hydro-journey begins in the scenic natural pool, then moves to the heated vitality hydrotherapy pool. Indoors, there’s a 22m infinity-edge pool and a thermal suite featuring a botanical sauna, salt steam room, aromatic infusion room, and awakening bucket shower. A bar complements the range of spa treatments available, with snacks and drinks served from the poolside bar, while the Botanica restaurant offers mezze-style, health-conscious fare. Overall, South Lodge provides an immersive escape that combines design, wellbeing, and sustainability into an unforgettable Surrey-area getaway.