
A brief history of winemaking in Britain
Viticulture in the United Kingdom dates back to Roman times, with early plantings in Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire. The Domesday Book documents Norman-era vineyards, notably in Kent and Essex. After a long period under ecclesiastical stewardship, winemaking underwent a modern revival in the 1960s and 1970s.
Pioneering estates, such as Nyetimber in West Sussex, began cultivating Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier—the classic Champagne varieties. Nyetimber produced its first traditional method sparkling wine in 1997 and quickly earned acclaim in international competitions, igniting a new wave of viticulture.