English Wine at Fortnum's

Our famous wine cellars are home to an extraordinary collection of bottles from producers across the world and those right here on our own shores.

Today, the English wine industry is flourishing, with over 900 vineyards spanning 10,000 acres across the UK. Fortnum's has proudly supported English winemakers since the 20th century, recognising pioneering producers creating excellent wines.

The history of English wine goes back much further than you might expect. Between 1000 and 1400 AD, many religious establishments, including monasteries, produced their own wines. During this time, England enjoyed a warmer climate, ideal for vineyard cultivation. Although disease and changing temperatures halted wine production for much of the Middle Ages, the mid-20th century saw a resurgence in vineyard planting in England. With advances in knowledge and technology, the industry has continued to thrive – and we’re even giving Europe a run for its money!

The English wine industry is now internationally acclaimed and award-winning, and today you’ll find many established producers lining our shelves. Let us introduce you to a few of them…

Gusbourne Estate

From vines first planted in 2004, Gusbourne is considered one of the great English producers, growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes across their Kent and West Sussex estate. And the grapes, grown exclusively in their vineyards, produce superior quality vintage wines and are regular recipients of both national and international awards.

Fortnum’s have proudly worked with Gusbourne for a decade, and in 2021 we joined forces to launch our first Fortnum’s English Sparkling Rosé Vintage. Made with whole bunch pressed grapes sourced from their vineyards in Appledore and Goodwood, it boasts notes of ripe strawberries, fresh cherries and redcurrants. 

Nyetimber

Located in the rural heart of Southern England, Nyetimber's roots trace back to its mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, nearly 1,000 years ago, when the peaceful valley of Nitimbreha was first documented.

A true pioneer in the wine industry, Nyetimber is renowned for achieving many 'firsts' and was the first English sparkling wine producer to exclusively cultivate the three grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay.

Fortnum's English Rosé

Folc, the English wine company founded by Tom Cannon and his wife Elisha in 2019, produce this pale rosé exclusively for Fortnum’s using a blend of Kent and Suffolk grapes from cool climate-friendly varieties including Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

With a delicate tint similar to the much-loved Provençal rosés but a crisp acidity and strawberry perfume that belong very much to England, this is an ideal wine for summer picnics and will match particularly well with smoked salmon.

Fortnum's English Sparkling Vintage

This impressively complex cuvée was made by Wiston Estate in Sussex exclusively for Fortnum’s. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes grown on the chalk of the South Downs were fermented in oak and aged for six years on lees. Aromas of brioche and mushroom and a balance of elegant acidity and enticing creaminess: drink now, with smoked haddock tart or roast chicken, or cellar for up to five years.

Exton Park

Located near Winchester, Exton Park Vineyard covers 60 acres of pure chalk soil. As a founding member of WineGB's Sustainable Wines of Great Britain, they are dedicated to natural growing, managing, and harvesting practices.

Exton Park's sparkling wines are a must-try for adventurous wine lovers. A first for England, the 60 Above and 60 Below duo of their 2014 vintage features a bottle that spent a year 60 metres underwater off Brittany’s coast. This unique ageing process, influenced by the water's movement, darkness, and constant temperature, creates a distinct character unlike any other. 

Camel Valley

Having swapped service life for country life, Bob Lindo, a former RAF Pilot, and his wife Annie first tried their hand at cattle and sheep farming in the 1980s, but year after year, they watched the grass turn brown on the sun-drenched slopes of the Camel Valley, and wondered if vines might enjoy this spot a little more. Well, thank goodness they did wonder, because they have enjoyed huge success and built a reputation for excellent still and sparkling wines enjoyed the world over. 

From the grapes borne of the Camel Valley vineyard, comes a deliciously celebrated bottle – Bacchus, a gem in the English wine industry.

Inspiration

Discover The Journal, home to a host of our most delicious stories. 

Helen McGinn's English Wine Case

Fortnum's Sparkling Teas