English wine is going from strength to strength with more and more boutique vineyards popping up (there are over 400 vineyards across the UK), leading producers investing in expansion and English wines winning global awards in blind tastings.

So as English Wine Week begins tomorrow, experts The English Wine Collection recommend five English wines for the uninitiated to give you a taste of what you’re missing – why not combine a spa break to the region with a wine tasting session? It’d be rude not to…

The wine: Trevibban Mill sparkling white Brut 2014

Made in the traditional method and aged for 18 months, this sparkling wine has green apple, lemon, sherbet and biscuit notes on the nose and the palate. In the mouth, it’s fresh and zingy with fine bubbles.

The vineyard:

Trevibban Mill – set in a beautiful location in Cornwall, the owner used to work in financial services before leaving the city to set up a vineyard.

Why not try a spa break in Cornwall?

The wine: Wellhayes sparkling white

A unique sparkling wine from Wellhayes Vineyard, this white wine is produced in limited quantities from a beautiful small south-facing vineyard in Devon. A crisp fresh sparkling wine, it makes for a perfect aperitif. Light in body and rich with texture, it also pairs perfectly with smoked salmon.

The vineyard:

Wellhayes is a beautiful vineyard in North Devon, where the passionate owners also have a love of music. As a result they have set up a concert hall and host classical music and opera events throughout the summer.

Why not try a spa break in Devon?

The wine: London CRU Baker Street Bacchus

Very clear in the glass with a hint of green gold colour, this wine gives aromas of pear, apple blossom, peach, elderflower and pear drops combined with cut grass as well as classic Bacchus notes, which are a UK favourite.

The vineyard:

London CRU is really unique in that they are a London winery who source grapes from vineyards across the UK. They have really thought about their brand details, including beautiful labels which feature maps of London in the shape of vine leaves.

Why not try a spa break in London?

The wine: Three Choirs Ravens Hill 2016

A clear, ruby coloured red wine full of ripe blackberry and cherry fruit on the nose with a subtle hint of lightly toasted oak. Bursts of English red berry fruit dominate on the palate. Cherry with a hint of blackberry and raspberry, and a subtle vanilla oak character adds a degree of complexity to this cool-climate light body red wine.

The vineyard:

Three Choirs is one of the biggest vineyards (if not the biggest) in the UK, based in beautiful Gloucestershire just a short trip from London.

Why not try a spa break in Gloucestershire?

The wine: Chapel Down Sparkling Rose Brut

A delicate rosé with aromas of ripe strawberries and raspberries, with background notes of toasty shortbread. The palate is focused and pure, its fine mousse contributing to the crisp and fresh style.

The vineyard:

The Managing Director of Kent-based Chapel Down previously worked for some of the biggest names in Champagne before moving to English wines, giving you an idea of their calibre.

Why not try a spa break in Kent?

The wine: Hambledon Premiere Cuvee

A really special sparkling wine, Hambledon Premiere Cuvee exudes Seville orange and brioche aromas with hints of dried flowers and toasted hazelnuts. The palate is explosive, with mouthwatering acidity and dried apricot and citrus. The mouthfeel is a silky soft foam of tingling sparks. The finish shows undertones of vanilla and and salted caramel, ending again with that fresh, vivid, orangey tang. Very dry, long and immensely complex.

The vineyard:

Hambledon is an elegant estate in Hampshire, where the head winemaker is a Frenchman who has worked all over the world before choosing to come to England.

Why not try a spa break in Hampshire?

Spabreaks.com Director Abi was interviewed by The English Wine Collection for their British businesses podcast. Now available on YouTube, you can watch it here!

Wine images courtesy of The English Wine Collection