Where are English vineyards located?

Primarily in South East and South West England. Kent, West Sussex and Hampshire are the top-producing counties.

How does English sparkling compare to Champagne?

English sparkling uses the same Traditional Method, same grapes, similar chalk soils. Englands cooler climate gives a distinctively crisp character.

How has climate change affected English wine?

Climate change has transformed English wine from a niche product into a rapidly growing industry with warmer, more stable summers ideal for grape ripening.

Why is English wine more expensive?

High production costs, small-scale operations and premium labour requirements. It competes with Champagne quality but lacks economies of scale.

How many wines will I taste?

You will taste 8-9 English wines during the experience, with food included.

Yes, all courses include food. We can cater for most dietary requirements with advance notice.

Do I need prior wine knowledge?

Not at all. Our courses are approachable and jargon-free. Beginners are always welcome.

The English Wine Masterclass

The English Wine Masterclass is a standout new course from The London Wine Academy — your chance to discover a remarkable success story, with English wines now competing confidently on the world stage.

Level

Beginners

Duration

2.5 hours

Location

The Punch Bowl, Mayfair

Duke of Sussex, Mayfair

Tapas-style Wine & Food Matching

Price

From £169 per person

Welcome to The English Wine Masterclass

This masterclass is your invitation to taste what all the excitement is about, in a warm, welcoming, and wine-filled setting

It’s not just the London Wine Academy who are excited about English Wine. French Champagne houses and international producers are buying up English vineyards because they see the future here. Our chalky soils and cool climate mirror Champagne’s conditions of a generation ago — and the results are outstanding. By joining this masterclass, you’ll taste wines that are making history and understand why England is now one of the most talked-about wine regions in the world.

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a confident enthusiast, this masterclass will give you a deeper understanding of English wine, confidence to choose, serve and recommend English bottles in your own life, and even a chance to taste wines that are winning international awards – and raising eyebrows in Champagne itself.

Join the London Wine Academy for a class of fizz and fun, and if you thought that English wine began and ended with Sparkling, we’ll leave you in the proud knowledge that our vineyards can do that and more.

The English Wine Masterclass is a 2.5-hour immersive wine experience at The London Wine Academy in central London, priced at £169 per person. Established in 1993 and rated 4.6 on Google, the Academy is one of the UK’s longest-running independent wine schools. Part of the Voyager Masterclass series — each one designed as a journey into the heart of a wine region — this session explores England’s rapidly growing wine scene. The focus is on the award-winning sparkling wines that now rival Champagne, alongside still whites and rosés from leading English producers. A 4-course tapas menu is included. You’ll learn about the key regions, grape varieties and winemaking techniques driving England’s wine renaissance. All tutors hold a WSET Diploma, Master of Wine qualification or Master Sommelier certification. If you’ve ever wondered what all the fuss is about with English wine, this is the experience that makes it clear.

What will I learn during the English Wine Masterclass?

The English Wine Masterclass is a 2.5-hour tasting of 8 premium English wines, with a spotlight on world-class Sparkling Wine alongside distinctive still whites, rosés, and reds. Taste the wines attracting Champagne investment, discover future star regions, and see why English wine is now one of the most exciting stops on the ever-evolving wine journey.

The London Wine Academy will join you as we explore how climate change, investment from Champagne houses, and innovative winemaking are reshaping the wine industry of England and the wine world at large. Talking about our chalky soils and consistently cool climate, you will understand just why English wines are making history – and why the rest of the world is finally taking notice.

English Wine Masterclass Agenda

Start times of this wine workshop may vary. Please check your chosen date for the correct start time.

Kindly arrive 5 – 10 minutes before the start of your class to meet and greet the London Wine Academy tutors who will be guiding you along your journey.

Experience all that English wine has to offer with this exclusive English Wine Masterclass. Meet your wonderful wine guide from the London Wine Academy, along with a group of equally excited wine enthusiasts. Jump right into this masterclass with a tasting of at least eight premium English Wines, showing you that the English can make more than an excellent Sparkling wine.

The London Wine Academy is here to elevate all your knowledge while thoroughly enjoying an exquisite meal, side-by-side with your comrades in wine. Focus fully on what makes English Wine incredible – and if by the end you realise you need more, ask the London Wine Academy experts to teach you about Italy, or Spain. Either way, this English Wine Masterclass will not be your last step in the wide world of wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is English wine actually good or is it just hype?

It’s genuinely impressive, and not just hype. Over the past couple of decades, quality has risen dramatically, particularly for sparkling wines, thanks to improved viticulture and winemaking expertise. The chalk soils and cool climate in parts of southern England are very similar to those in Champagne. As a result, many English wines now compete confidently on the world stage.

Why are Champagne houses buying vineyards in England?

Climate change has made southern England increasingly suitable for growing high-quality sparkling wine grapes. Warmer growing seasons mean more consistent ripening, which is essential for balance and flavour. Major producers from Champagne have recognised this potential and invested in English vineyards. It’s a strong vote of confidence in England’s future as a premium wine region.

Is English wine only sparkling or are there good still wines?

Sparkling wine is still the headline act, but there are some excellent still wines emerging too. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are showing real promise, particularly in warmer vintages. Aromatic varieties like Bacchus also perform well in England’s cool climate. Overall, the category is evolving quickly and worth exploring.

What grape varieties are grown in England?

The key grapes are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, primarily used for traditional-method sparkling wines. These are the same varieties used in Champagne. For still wines, Bacchus is one of the standout grapes, known for its aromatic style. Other varieties, including Pinot Gris and Seyval Blanc, are also grown in smaller quantities.

What is Bacchus wine and what does it taste like?

Bacchus is one of England’s signature still wine grapes. It’s often compared to Sauvignon Blanc, with bright acidity and expressive aromatics. Expect flavours of elderflower, citrus, gooseberry, and fresh herbs. It’s typically light, crisp, and very refreshing—perfect for warmer days.

How does English sparkling wine compare to Champagne?

English sparkling wines are often made using the same traditional method as Champagne, so the styles can be quite similar. They tend to be crisp, elegant, and structured, with fine bubbles. Many show a slightly fresher, more citrus-driven profile due to the cooler climate. Quality can be outstanding, and in blind tastings they often perform very well.

Why does English wine tend to be more expensive?

English wine can be pricier due to higher production costs and lower yields. The climate is less predictable, which means more risk and smaller harvests. Many producers are also relatively small and focused on quality over volume. As the industry grows, prices may stabilise, but for now you’re paying for careful, hands-on winemaking.

Is food included in the English Wine Masterclass?

Absolutely, food is included in the English Wine Masterclass. You will enjoy a four-course, tapas-style meal during the experience.

How much does the English Wine Masterclass cost?

The English Wine Masterclass costs £169 per person, and includes six or seven English-style wines, and is enjoyed over 2.5 hours.

Feature Venue

The Punch Bowl

Famously previously owned by Guy Richie and Madonna, The Punch Bowl is one of Mayfair’s most historic and celebrated pubs.

Feature Venue

The Duke of Sussex

The Duke of Sussex is a reflection of the needs of the local community - the food is simple and harks back to the days when the British Pub first came about.