English wine is gradually coming into its own, again, led by its impressively aristocratic sparkling wines. The vine has been cultivated here since Roman times and by the early middle ages, England's monastic vineyards were extensive (and successful). Read more

English wine is gradually coming into its own, again, led by its impressively aristocratic sparkling wines. The vine has been cultivated here since Roman times and by the early middle ages, England's monastic vineyards were extensive (and successful). Had it not been the marriage of Henry II to Eleanore of Aquitaine in 1152 – which gave England access to the wines of Bordeaux – the history of English wines would have almost certainly been more continuous.