If you’d asked most people twenty years ago where the best wines came from, they’d likely have said France, Italy, or maybe New Zealand. England wouldn’t have made the list.
Fast forward to today, and English wine is not just making waves—it’s winning awards, opening tasting rooms, and drawing visitors from all over the world. English wine tourism is thriving, and for good reason. The vineyards are producing wines of remarkable quality. They’re rooted in place. And more importantly, they’re inviting people to experience that quality first-hand.
As someone who hand-selects every wine I stock, I’ve spent time with the winemakers. I’ve walked the vineyards. I’ve tasted the wines not just from a bottle but in the very landscape they come from. And I bring a selection of these brilliant English wines back to Skye to offer something a bit different—something rooted in British soil but with global flavour and finesse.
Why English Wine Is Having a Moment
There are a few reasons why English wine is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
First, the climate is changing—and southern England’s chalky soils, especially in Sussex and Kent, now resemble parts of Champagne. That’s not just a throwaway line. Champagne houses like Taittinger and Pommery have invested here. They see the potential.
Second, the quality has skyrocketed. English sparkling wine now regularly beats Champagne in blind tastings. But it’s not just about bubbles. Still wines—especially Bacchus, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay—are showing their own identity.
And finally, the vineyards themselves are opening their doors. They’re not just making wine—they’re creating destinations.
English Wine Tourism: More Than Just a Tasting Room
There’s something deeply personal about visiting a vineyard. You see the rows of vines, you meet the winemakers, you taste the wine in the place where it was grown. It’s immersive. And England is full of these experiences.
Whether you’re heading to Sussex for a vineyard lunch, popping into an Oxfordshire winery after a riverside walk, or exploring the chalk ridges of Kent, English vineyards now sit firmly on the map for anyone who enjoys food, wine, and travel.
Let me introduce you to three vineyards I’ve visited and now stock proudly here on Skye.
Ridgeview Wine Estate – The Sparkling Pioneer
📍 Ditchling, Sussex
🔗 ridgeview.co.uk
Ridgeview is one of the original pioneers of English sparkling wine. Founded in 1995, it was among the first vineyards to really believe that England could produce world-class fizz.
They’ve been proved right. Ridgeview wines have been served at Downing Street receptions, royal occasions, and international state dinners. But that’s not the story that stayed with me.
What struck me when I visited was their philosophy: make sparkling wine with care, from the best fruit, using traditional methods, and let the land speak through the bottle. Their estate sits on the South Downs with the same chalk seam that runs under Champagne. You can taste that clean, bright minerality in every sip.
Their Sparkling Cavendish NV is a customer favourite on Skye. It’s crisp, toasty, elegant—and it pairs beautifully with local shellfish or soft cheeses. I stock Ridgeview because I believe in their wine and the integrity behind it.
Visiting Ridgeview? Their tasting room has stunning views over the vines, and they run regular tours, tastings, and even sparkling wine and cheese pairing sessions.
Silverhand Estate – A Newcomer with Bold Vision
📍 Kent
🔗 silverhandestate.com
Silverhand Estate is newer, bolder, and offers something distinctly modern. Set in Kent, they’re focused on creating premium still and sparkling wines with real personality.
I visited the vineyard as they were gearing up for release, and what stood out was their attention to detail. Every decision—from vineyard planting to bottling—was deliberate. They’re not imitating France. They’re building an English identity.
Their Silverhand Sparkling Rosé is fresh, lively, and shows real finesse. Think summer berries, fine bubbles, and just enough toastiness to give it structure. I’ve served it during tastings here on Skye and it always surprises people. It’s got elegance but also energy—like a sunrise over Waternish.
Silverhand is creating a visitor destination, too. You’ll find vineyard walks, pop-up tastings, and plans for a full hospitality experience. If you’re in Kent, it’s well worth a stop.
I stock Silverhand wines because they offer something exciting, different, and exceptionally well made. If you want to try something modern, this is it.
Brightwell Vineyard – Oxfordshire’s Quiet Gem
📍 Wallingford, Oxfordshire
🔗 brightwellvineyard.co.uk
Tucked away on the banks of the Thames is Brightwell Vineyard, one of Oxfordshire’s longest-established wine producers. They’ve been growing grapes since the 1980s and have built a loyal following for their still wines—especially their Bacchus and Oxford Rosé.
When I visited Brightwell, I was struck by the simplicity. This isn’t a grand estate or luxury destination—it’s a working vineyard with honest wines, made by people who love what they do. There’s something grounding about that.
Their Brightwell Bacchus is dry, zesty, and aromatic. It’s England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc, with elderflower, nettle, and citrus running through it. I often recommend it to guests pairing wine with Skye seafood or as a fresh aperitif before a meal. Their Oxford Rosé is also a hit during warmer months—light, floral, and easy to enjoy.
They offer relaxed tastings, vineyard tours, and a chance to see the quieter side of English wine country.
Why do I stock the award winning Brightwell Pinot Noir? Because it reminds me that great wine doesn’t always shout. Sometimes, it just speaks quietly and clearly—with flavour, honesty, and a sense of place.
Why I Stock These Wines on Skye
So why bring English wines to the Isle of Skye?
Because they offer something unique. They’re local in spirit, handcrafted, and growing in quality year after year. I’ve walked the vineyards, met the makers, and understood the ethos behind every bottle. I only stock what I believe in—and English wine deserves its place on my list.
When guests visit the island, they often want something different. Something rooted in place. These wines do exactly that. They’re not just from somewhere—they reflect the landscape, the weather, the people.
And while Skye may feel a long way from Sussex or Kent, these wines arrive here with their story intact. Whether it’s a Ridgeview sparkling to celebrate, a Silverhand rosé to enjoy with seafood, or a chilled glass of Brightwell Bacchus on a sunny evening—each bottle brings a taste of England to the Hebrides.
What This Means for You
Are you planning a holiday to Skye and want wine ready when you arrive at your accommodation? I can deliver Ridgeview, Silverhand, and Brightwell wines right to your door. No need to scour supermarkets or guess what works with your dinner plans.
Do you want to lay down a few bottles for a future occasion? I can advise on which wines are ready now and which will evolve beautifully over the next few years.
Or maybe you just want to try something different—something English, made with care, and selected by someone who’s met the winemakers and walked the vineyards. I’ve done that work so you don’t have to guess.
Wrapping Up
English wine tourism is no longer niche—it’s growing, thriving, and offering visitors real, immersive experiences. Ridgeview, Silverhand, and Brightwell are just three examples of what’s happening across the country. Each brings something different. But they all have one thing in common: passion.
I’ve tasted that passion first-hand. And now I bring it to Skye.
If you’d like to try these wines—or want advice on what to pair with your next seafood dish, Highland picnic, or fireside evening—get in touch with me directly or visit www.wineguyonskye.com.
Let’s bring England’s best to your glass—wherever you are.