English Wine Week arrives at precisely the right moment in the British calendar. Longer evenings, tables moved outdoors at the slightest suggestion of sun, and bottles opened with considerably less hesitation than usual. Across Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, and beyond, British vineyards are now producing indulgent wines: crisp whites, elegant rosés, and sparkling bottles capable of carrying an entire lunch from first pour to final glass. At Forman & Field, we have long believed English wine deserves a proper place at the table. Here are the bottles we shall be opening this week, and exactly what we suggest serving alongside them.
What are the best English rosés?
English rosé has become one of the great pleasures of the British summer. The best English rosés manage to feel refreshing without becoming forgettable. The Bolney Rosé offers delicate summer berries and an easy elegance, particularly suited to outdoor lunches and smoked salmon shared generously across the table. For something slightly more structured, Biddenden Gribble Bridge Rosé 2018 brings crisp acidity and a cleaner finish that works beautifully alongside cheeses and seasonal salads. Meanwhile, Bolney Cuvée Rosé 2018 delivers fine bubbles and bright fruit that feel particularly celebratory during English Wine Week.
What are the best English red wines?
A great English red still surprises people, which is precisely part of its charm. Lighter than many continental reds yet no less satisfying. Bolney Lychgate Red brings soft red berries, gentle tannins, and an easy warmth that feels especially convincing alongside grilled meats and rich cheeses. For something slightly deeper, Brightwell Vineyard Oxford Regatta Dornfelder offers dark cherries, damson, and a longer finish, particularly suited to outdoor cooking and slower evenings. Meanwhile, Balfour Pinot Noir delivers a more elegant expression altogether; delicate red fruit, freshness, and exactly the sort of bottle that quietly disappears over the course of a very good dinner.
What are the best English white wines?
English white wine comes into its own at this point in the summer. Crisp, aromatic, and beautifully suited to long lunches outdoors, the best bottles manage freshness without sacrificing depth. Lyme Bay Shoreline delivers bright citrus, grapefruit, and delicate floral notes that feel particularly persuasive alongside seafood and lighter summer dishes. For something softer and more aromatic, Three Choirs Coleridge Hill 2017 brings elderflower, peach, and a crisp finish that works beautifully with smoked salmon and seasonal vegetables. Meanwhile, Biddenden Ortega 2021 offers freshness and gentle fruit that make it exactly the sort of bottle one wishes had been chilled earlier in the day.