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Powys County Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Welsh border red wine Offa's Shadow wins national award
A family-run Shropshire vineyard nestled just on the Powys border, Kerry Vale Vineyard, is raising a glass to success after its 2022 vintage of Offa's Shadow was awarded a Bronze Medal at the prestigious WineGB 2025 Awards. The annual event highlights the best of English and Welsh wine, and this year's accolades reflect the growing excellence and innovation within the homegrown wine industry. Produced from the vibrant Rondo grape, Offa's Shadow is a smooth, fruit-forward red, barrel-aged in oak to add a rich, warming complexity. RECOMMENDED READING The wine's name nods to the vineyard's location beside the ancient Offa's Dyke, celebrating the heritage that winds through the landscape where England meets Wales and grapes flourish in the microclimate in Pentreheyling, between Sarn and Churchstoke. The award announcement came during English Wine Week (June 21 to 29), a nationwide celebration of the diversity, quality, and character of English wines. Organised by WineGB, the week encourages wine lovers to explore local vineyards, attend tastings and events, and discover the stories behind the bottles. It's a chance to champion the growing success of English winemaking and support the passionate producers behind it. Nadine Roach, Marketing and Events Manager at Kerry Vale Vineyard, said: 'We're incredibly proud of this recognition. 'Offa's Shadow is a wine that really tells a story — of our land, our climate, and the care we put into every stage of the winemaking process. It's fantastic to see an English red gaining this kind of recognition, and we're so looking forward to sharing it with visitors this weekend.' As one of the most south-westerly vineyards in Shropshire, Kerry Vale continues to build its reputation as a destination for wine lovers — offering tastings, vineyard tours, and partnerships with local artisans that champion the rich culture and produce of the Welsh Marches.
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
King Charles and Camilla's favourite sparkling wine has huge discount for English Wine Week - here are the best deals ahead of Wimbledon and Henley Regatta
With English Wine Week in full swing, there's no time like the present to refresh your drinks collection. Taking place from 21 to 29 June, the annual event - organised by WineGB - celebrates the quality, innovation and community spirit of English winemaking, with a strong focus on sparkling wines. This year's theme, Create New Traditions, invites wine lovers to explore and enjoy homegrown bottles in fresh, meaningful ways. And with summer events like Wimbledon and the Henley Royal Regatta just around the corner, there's no better excuse to stock up on something special. Browse our curated selection of standout English sparkling wines at exceptional prices - including a discounted sparkling rosé from Highgrove, the official residence of King Charles and Queen Camilla. Highgrove English Sparkling Rosé NV, 75cl £30.56 Crafted exclusively for Highgrove by Herbert Hall Winery in Kent, this pale pink blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay features aromas of wild strawberry, peach blossom and fresh acidity. It's ideal as an elegant aperitif. Shop Rathfinny Wine Estate, Classic Cuvée Brut, 75cl £33.95 This Sussex sparkler delivers aromas of grapefruit, red apple and brioche, with zesty acidity and a creamy, biscuity texture. Perfectly paired with truffle-infused arancini or a cep and onion tart. Shop Tesco Finest English Sparkling Wine, 75cl £21.50 From the award-winning Balfour winery, this crisp blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir delivers apple, citrus and subtle brioche notes. Best enjoyed chilled as a refreshing aperitif. Shop Flint Charmat White, Norfolk, 75cl £19.80 Made sustainably in Norfolk, this sparkling white features notes of lemon, pear, melon and green apple. Fermentation in oak and tank gives it both depth and vibrancy. Shop Chapel Down A Touch of Sparkle 2022/23, Kent, 75cl £13 One of the UK's leading winemakers, Chapel Down, blends Bacchus and Chardonnay grapes grown in Kent. Expect fresh floral aromas and tropical fruit notes, including pineapple and grapefruit. Shop Furleigh Estate Dorset Coast Special Reserve, 75cl £25 Boasting a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this sparkling wine is made in the Dorset countryside. It has earned numerous accolades for its refined character. Shop Harvey Nichols English Sparkling Brut NV, 75cl £31 Produced by Digby Fine English, this traditional method blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is aged for two years on lees. It boasts citrus, green apple and stone fruit flavours with a creamy biscuit finish - great with canapés or seafood. Shop Waitrose Leckford Estate English Sparkling Wine, 75cl £30 From Waitrose's Leckford Estate, this one-off vintage offers a slightly sweeter profile with a creamy mouthfeel. Celebration-ready, it's perfect for toasting or enjoying with light desserts. Shop Bolney North Downs Classic Cuvée NV Brut, 75cl £25 An outstanding wine from Bolney Estate, this vintage blend has aromas of green apple and tea roses, with lemon oil and brioche on the palate. It's complex and structured - great with delicate canapés or shellfish. Shop Sainsbury's Ellercombe English Sparkling Wine, Taste the Difference, 75cl £17 Made from grapes grown across top vineyard sites in Southern England, this wine combines Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Expect green apple, citrus, toasty brioche and a hint of elderflower. Shop
Forbes
23-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How To Celebrate English Wine Week
A Union flag flies above Exton Park vineyard in Southampton, England. Getty Images English Wine Week is underway, and this year's theme, 'Create New Traditions,' feels increasingly relevant. Premium sparkling wines are consistently emerging from the chalky slopes of southern England, and wine lovers are taking them very seriously, increasingly convinced they can compete with Champagne for prestige and glamour. From weddings and Sunday lunches to garden parties and casual aperitifs, English fizz is no longer a curiosity, it deserves its place in the social calendar. During English Wine Week (21–29 June 2025), wine lovers can immerse themselves in a host of events across the country, from vineyard tours and tastings to winemaker dinners and pop-up experiences. Many estates across Southern England are opening their doors to guests, with guided walks, barbecues among the vines, live jazz, and even vintage-bus tours between producers on the agenda. A look at the stats suggests it's going to be a busy week. Visits to UK vineyards have seen steady growth, with WineGB's latest Wine Tourism Report recording a 55% increase over the two years leading up to 2024 - totalling 1.5 million visits to vineyards and wineries in the past year alone. The upward trend shows no signs of slowing, driven by the growing reputation of English wine and the continued expansion of cellar door experiences across the country. Visitors to Balfour winery. Saltwick Media Restaurants and bars are offering English wine pairing menus, while national and independent retailers are all running promotions in their own way. Whether you're sipping sparkling in the sun, exploring a vineyard trail, or discovering the growing stable of award-winning wines, this week is the perfect time to celebrate and support England's fast-rising wine scene. Virtually every winery in the country is doing something, but you can see a full program of events throughout the week here. Here are some other ideas and stops worth checking out. Restaurants with an outstanding English wine list The stunning interiors at Woven by Adam Smith at Coworth Park is one of the greatest place to indulge in England's best bubbles. Woven by Adam Smith / Cowarth Park Set within the elegant grounds of Coworth Park in Berkshire, Woven by Adam Smith offers a confident expression of modern British cooking. The interiors are understated, and thoughtfully designed, providing a calm and polished backdrop to a menu driven by seasonal ingredients and technical precision. A carefully curated English wine list complements the food, with producers like Danbury Ridge featured by the glass and in half-bottles - offering both sophistication and strong value. English wines are fully integrated into the tasting menu, from lively local sparklings to a refined Sussex Blanc de Blancs, each pairing selected to echo the flavours and textures of the dish. It's a considered and immersive dining experience, where English food and wine are presented at their most articulate. The Clove Club in Shoreditch has English wines going back to the 90s in their cellar. The Clove Club The Clove Club The Clove Club is one of London's most refined and forward-thinking restaurants, celebrated not only for its elegant, ingredient-led tasting menus but also for its exceptional wine list. For those curious about the evolution of English sparkling wine, it's it's an opportunity to explore the category's legacy. The cellar includes rare back vintages from pioneering producers like Nyetimber, with bottles dating back to the early 1990s, offering a glimpse into how these wines age. Things have improved a lot since then of course. You'll also find older vintages from Roebuck Estates and Gusbourne, each showcasing the depth, complexity, and ageing potential that English sparkling can now command. It's a fitting setting to appreciate just how far the country's wine industry has come and drink important wines with some of the best ingredients and cooking in the British isles. The Gallivant has a wonderful English wine list. The Gallivant The Gallivant The Gallivant at Camber Sands is a boutique coastal retreat that combines laid-back luxury with a deep-rooted passion for English wine. Just steps from the sweeping dunes of East Sussex, the hotel offers a relaxed, beach-house feel with a distinctly British sensibility. What truly sets it apart, however, is its extraordinary wine offering—the largest English wine list in the country. Each evening, guests are invited to take part in the hotel's signature 'English Wine at Five' ritual, where a rotating selection of local sparkling wines is served by the glass in the lounge, creating a warm and convivial atmosphere. The restaurant places English wine front and centre, with a carefully curated list that celebrates the diversity and quality of producers across the country. Sommelier-led pairing suggestions and tastings are regularly offered for those looking to explore more deeply. With nearby vineyard visits available and a team passionate about sharing the story behind each bottle, The Gallivant is more than a place to stay—it's a coastal gateway to the vibrant world of English wine. The Vineyard Hotel & Spa near Newbury is a wine focussed hotel and alongside a changing selection of English wines, boasts a cellar of 30,000 bottles. The Vineyard The Vineyard Hotel The Vineyard at Stockcross, just outside Newbury in Berkshire, is a five-star hotel and spa with a celebrated restaurant - all built around a genuine passion for wine. Set within an elegant 18th-century former hunting lodge, it offers refined accommodation and award-winning dining beneath a domed skylight, surrounded by an impressive collection of original artworks. At its heart is an extraordinary wine cellar, home to around 30,000 bottles and over 100 wines by the glass, including a carefully curated selection of leading English still and sparkling wines. A well informed team guides guests through the menu, and and is keen to provide recommendations. Just 90 minutes from London, The Vineyard is a great weekend retreat combining relaxation and quality food with thoughtful wine experiences. The interiors at The Ivy. © Jake Eastham The Ivy The Original Ivy is a West End institution, where Art Deco glamour and classic British charm create the perfect setting for a glass of English bubbles. With its polished wood panelling, vintage mirrors, and pressed white tablecloths, the décor alone makes it a fitting place to enjoy a bottle of. Nyetimber's homegrown fizz, alongside their well-loved menu of elevated English comfort food. Pair it with the Dorset crab. Perfect for dining before a show, the Ivy combines style, heritage, and a gently patriotic drinks list in the heart of London's theatre land. Other cool spots A growing number of top restaurants and hotels are embracing English wine with conviction. At Hide in Mayfair, owned by Hedonism Wines, diners enjoy access to one of the most expansive cellars in the country - everything in the Hedonism shop is available at the table, including their strong English selection. Meanwhile, in Covent Garden, La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels has a chic but casual vibe. It is known for an extensive, and frankly, exceptional curation of Champagne and Burgundy. Yet tucked among the French classics is a small but thoughtful English wine choice. Wiltshire's Domaine Hugo is the current fizz selection, and there is also a rather cool 'Many Moons' Chardonnay Pinot Blanc field blend from the clays soils of the Crouch Valley in Essex. So if you're feeling a bit provocative, you can pop in here for a cheese board and a few proud glasses of vins anglais. The Pig hotel group has also emerged as a champion of English wine, offering extensive and thoughtfully curated list across its various properties. At their South Downs site, the list features over 50 English wines, enhanced by knowledgeable input from the team. The Pig has even partnered with Sugrue South Downs to produce its own bottles - such as the 2018 Pig Reserve and Lobster Shed Pink Rosé - from a small vineyard parcel known as the Alpaca Block. With a dedicated 'Friends of The Pig' category, highlighting rising stars like Northbrook Springs and Bee Tree Vineyard, the group offers guests an immersive, vineyard-to-glass experience. Five recommendations for English sparkling wines Viticulture in the UK can be traced right back to day of Roman rule, with evidence suggesting a tradition of wine drinking that predates even that. The Domesday Book of 1086 records 42 vineyards across England and Wales and references 'Nitimbreha', the namesake of Sussex producer Nyetimber. While the practice of grape cultivation is far from new, the modern UK wine industry remains relatively young. Nonetheless, it is expanding steadily: there are now over 700 vineyards across Great Britain, with new plantings continuing each year. In 2019 alone, three million vines were added, bringing the total vineyard area to just over 3,800 hectares. Annual production remains highly variable, shaped by the challenges of a marginal climate—ranging from 5.9 million bottles in the frost-affected 2017 vintage to 15.6 million in the exceptional 2018 harvest. These fluctuations are a reminder that, however sophisticated the winemaking, vines remain subject to the same agricultural vulnerabilities as any other crop. Blanc de Blancs 2019 by Gusbourne Gusbourne's Blanc de Blancs 2019 is a pure expression of English Chardonnay, crafted exclusively from grapes grown on the estate's clay and chalk-rich vineyards in Kent and West Sussex. Produced only in selected vintages that offer both ripeness and precision, this wine is a benchmark for English elegance and finesse. The nose opens with notes of green apple, lemon zest, and white blossom, carried by a fine, persistent mousse. The palate is taut and focused, with crisp citrus, ripe pear, and hints of toasted brioche and crushed oyster shell. A saline edge and vibrant acidity drive a long, precise finish. With its clarity, poise, and ageing potential, Gusbourne's Blanc de Blancs 2019 is a standout among English sparkling wines. Tillington Single Vineyard 2016 by Nyetimber Nyetimber's Tillington Single Vineyard is a low-production cuvée made only in exceptional vintages, showcasing the distinctive character of one of England's most celebrated vineyard sites. Made predominantly from Pinot Noir (73%) with a touch of Chardonnay, and matured for nearly a decade, it is a true expression of place. Fine, elegant bubbles carry lifted aromas of raspberry, red apple skin, and rose petal. The palate is textured and refined, unfolding in layers of orange zest, raspberry, apricot, and marzipan, with opulent fruit and complex biscuit notes lingering on a long, mouth-watering finish. This is one of the finest English sparkling wines available today. English Brut Rose NV by Louis Pommery A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grown in the chalk rich soils of Hampshire, the Louis Pommery Brut Rosé is a beautifully quaffable cuvée. It's made at the Pinglestone Estate in New Alresford, where head Winemaker Will Perkins works in close collaboration with Clément Pierlot, Champagne Pommery's cellar master. This wine's charm lies in the bright notes of strawberry and citrus, while a fine mineral edge accompanies crisp, easy drinking freshness. Rose de Noirs 2016 by Ridgeview Ridgeview's Rosé de Noirs 2016 is a limited-release sparkling wine made using the saignée method from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, crafted only in exceptional vintages. It pours a distinctive peach-gold hue, with fine bubbles and fragrant aromas of redcurrant, summer berries, and honey. The palate is expressive and vibrant, offering bright notes of strawberry and cherry layered with hints of orange, cranberry, and delicate biscuit. A soft, creamy texture and rounded mouthfeel lead into a long, elegant finish. This is a poised and characterful English rosé sparkler that balances depth, freshness, and finesse. Pair it with strawberries and smoked salmon canapés. Pinot Noir Rosé Brut 2020 by Camel Valley Vineyard Camel Valley's 2020 Pinot Noir Rosé Brut is a beautifully balanced traditional method Cornish sparkling wine made from estate-grown Pinot Noir. Founded in 1989 by former RAF pilot Bob Lindo, and now a proud holder of a Royal Warrant, Camel Valley is one of the key references in English wine's success. The estate's rosé shows a delicate salmon-pink hue with fine, persistent bubbles and opens into fragrant aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and floral honey. On the palate, vibrant red fruits merge into a brioche-like richness, supported by crisp acidity and a soft mousse. Very easy to like and a charming summer party fizz. Bacchus grapes growing at Fox Hole Vineyard in West Sussex. London Cru Wines A new era for Bacchus What about still wines? Over the past decade, English wine producers have deepened their understanding of Bacchus, a grape once seen primarily as a workhorse for crisp, grassy whites. Through careful site selection, canopy management, and refined winemaking techniques, growers have learned how to coax more complexity and ripeness from this variety, even in England's marginal climate. The result? A new wave of peachy, aromatic Bacchus wines that retain their signature freshness but now show layers of ripe stone fruit, elderflower, and soft citrus. In warmer vintages, some expressions even flirt with the texture and perfume of a cool-climate Viognier, marking Bacchus not just as England's answer to Sauvignon Blanc, but as a grape with a voice of its own. Bacchus by London Cru (West Sussex): London Cru's Bacchus from Foxhole Vineyard is a vibrant, cool-climate expression of one of England's most promising white grapes. Grown on just 0.3 hectares of carefully tended vines in West Sussex, this limited-release wine (only 1,200 bottles made) delivers zesty aromas of grapefruit, candied lemon peel, and gooseberry, underpinned by subtle smoky notes. The palate is crisp and mouth-watering, with green apple, lime, and a whisper of oak adding creaminess and depth. Hand-harvested and gently vinified, it's both gastro friendly and dangerously quaffable - perfect with oysters. Bacchus by Three Choirs (Gloucestershire): A beautifully fresh, expressive Bacchus showcasing vibrant peach, lime, and subtle herbal notes. Crafted via cool fermentation with a touch of lees aging for extra complexity, it finishes crisp and clean. At around £16–19 per bottle, it's a refined yet accessible example that highlights the varietal's peachy charm 'Kit's Coty' Bacchus by Chapel Down (Kent): This wine offers a crisp and expressive take on Bacchus, with bright citrus, elderflower, and a clean mineral backbone. Produced in Kent, one of England's key wine regions, it captures the grape's aromatic charm while maintaining a refreshing clarity. Chapel Down's attention to detail in both vineyard and winery lends this Bacchus a polished, modern style. Bacchus by Lyme Bay Winery (Devon & Essex): A vibrant expression from fruit blended from both Devon and Essex, Lyme Bay's Bacchus offers lively green fruit and citrus flavours, with just enough ripeness to evoke peach and passionfruit notes. Has energy and depth, and those comforting notes of English hedgerow.
Telegraph
20-06-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Why English wine is so painfully expensive – and how to find the best-value bottles
The first question I am usually asked about English wine is not which county does it best, or whether English fizz is better than champagne. It's, 'Why is it so expensive?' With English sparklers often weighing in at well over £30, home-grown wine is undoubtedly on the pricey side. But there are good reasons for these eyebrow-raising price tags. Skip to: Best-value bottles to buy How to find the best value in English wines First, grape yields are relatively low in our cool-climate vineyards. Simon Woodhead, founder and winemaker at Stopham Vineyard in Sussex, says the grape varieties capable of ripening in chilly England, such as the pinot family of vines, tend towards 'very small bunches of grapes', so less fruit comes from each vine than from, say, cabernet sauvignon in hotter parts of the world. There are no economies of scale to speak of. The industry is still young and most wineries and vineyards are relatively small – two-thirds of commercial English vineyards are less than 7.5 acres, according to industry body, WineGB. Then there's the, ahem, occasional very poor year for grape farmers – I hardly need to say that English weather is unreliable. Last year, for example – a wash-out for many English wineries. A bad harvest (vintage) obviously pushes up costs overall. As for the sparklers, almost all are made in the meticulous, time-consuming and ultimately expensive méthode traditionnelle (AKA champagne method). Nonetheless, I urge you to try English wines if you haven't already. That pesky cool climate means that when the vintage is a good one, there's a delightful tingling acidity, and super-fresh, zesty fruit flavours – impossible to find in mass-produced, hot-region wines. The coming days are a great opportunity to give home-grown wine a whirl, as it's English Wine Week from 21-29 June, when many local wineries throw open their cellar doors and vineyards for special events, tastings and promotions. The best way to enjoy English wines is at the cellar door, talking to the producer, and sitting among the vines. And there are ways to get better value out of English wines – follow my tips to make the most of them. Best-value bottles to buy How to find the best value in English wines Look out for special offers Obviously, but right now in particular, as English Wine Week always brings on a flurry of special deals. My bottle recommendations below feature several very keen offers running in June and July. Match English wines with food – and drink them now Savour them with light savoury food like summer salads, mild cheeses, light seafood and fish dishes, cold pork and chicken, creamy pasta sauces and simple risottos. With their relatively light styles (English wines generally have lower ABVs than many other wines) they especially suit the summer season, so don't tuck them away until Christmas – they don't work as well with hearty winter food. Seek out own-label stars Some of the best-value English wines are now made for the major retailers under own-labels. There are some in my list of best buys below. Don't overlook cheaper Charmats Char-whats? The Charmat or tank method of making sparkling wine (as used for prosecco) is less expensive than the champagne method, and some English wineries have adopted it for certain labels. You won't get the rich complexity of a traditional bottle-fermented fizz, but some of these new sparklers are more than decent and often have lower price tags. Don't just stick to sparkling wine Still wines from England are getting better and better, and they often come in more cheaply than the fizz as they are cheaper to make. Reds are gradually improving, but for now the whites and rosés, in general, offer more consistent high quality. Don't serve English wines too cold To really appreciate their value, don't treat these wines as easy quaffers; instead appreciate and savour their elegant aromas and fresh-as-a-daisy flavours by serving them the right way. Chill the sparklers, whites and rosés well (but not too cold; I like mine at about 8-10C), and once opened, drink them up within three days.
Forbes
04-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
English Sparkling Wine Gains Altitude In British Airways Cabins
A bottle of Nyetimber English sparkling wine, part of the airline's new premium in-flight drinks selection. English sparkling wine, once a curiosity outside the United Kingdom, is now reaching new heights—literally. British Airways has introduced a rotation of English sparkling wines, including limited prestige cuvée bottlings, to its First and Club World cabins on all long-haul flights. The move reflects both a strategic shift and a broader confidence in the quality of English sparkling wine. Tim Jackson, the airline's Master of Wine, says this is not a temporary trial. 'As the nation's flag carrier, we are always looking at ways to champion originality and British provenance, and serving English sparkling wine across our long-haul network is a key example of that,' he says, via email. British Airways has offered English sparkling wine in First Class for more than a decade. The addition to Club World, its business class cabin, began in 2023. But British Airways is also now the first airline to serve prestige cuvée English sparkling wines onboard. The decision to now include prestige cuvée expressions—rare, extended-aged bottlings made from top vintages—signals how far English wine has advanced. 'A prestige cuvée is an exceptional wine made using the best grapes from outstanding vintages,' Jackson says. 'Only a handful of English wine houses produce prestige cuvée wines, which is still a relatively new phenomenon in England and a growing accolade across the wine industry.' Sales of English sparkling wine have risen as much as 187%, from 2.2 million bottles in 2018 to 6.2 million in 2023, according to WineGB. In 2023 alone, the U.K. produced 21.6 million bottles of wine, the majority of which were sparkling. Despite this upward trajectory, the industry faced challenges in 2024 due to adverse weather conditions, leading to heavy crop losses. Nevertheless, the overall expansion and increasing recognition of English sparkling wine underscore its rising prominence in both domestic and international markets. The U.K.'s wine industry at large now encompasses more than 1,000 vineyards covering 4,209 hectares—a 123% increase over the past decade. He attributes this recent ascent to a combination of geology, climate and winemaking ambition. Southeast England's chalk soils, similar to those in France's Champagne region, have helped produce wines that are increasingly winning international attention. 'There are a few elements that distinguish prestige cuvée wines from other English sparkling options,' Jackson explains. 'This includes the highest quality fruit, the skill and ambition of the pioneering British producers themselves, who have realized England's potential and craft wines of prestige cuvée quality, as well as an extended ageing process, meaning the wines have extra time to develop depth, texture and creaminess.' These selections are more than symbolic. The wines are served in the challenging environment of a pressurized cabin, where air dryness and reduced pressure can diminish aroma and alter perception. Jackson and his team accounted for these variables when curating the list. 'At altitude, cabin dryness reduces flavor perception while the reduced cabin pressure can make bubbles in sparkling wine larger,' he says. 'We therefore look for wine that has great depth of flavor and fine bubbles at ground level, so we know that it will taste great at altitude too.' Passengers' views are also part of the equation. British Airways uses surveys, direct feedback and focus groups to monitor and adjust its onboard selections. 'Feedback confirmed the popularity of English sparkling wine when we first introduced the program over two years ago in Club World,' he says. The airline's latest offering includes a rotating list of English sparkling wines that change every three months. The current slate includes rosés, timed to match seasonal menus and anticipated demand. The selection process is blind, with quality as the guiding criterion. 'All our wine selections undergo blind taste testing, where the quality of wines from these producers stood out in the tasting,' Jackson says. 'This means our customers will now be able to enjoy original sparkling variations from pioneering English wine houses at 35,000 feet.' This initiative is part of British Airways' broader effort to promote domestic producers and align its onboard offerings with its national identity. 'Showcasing British originality is an integral part of our offering,' Jackson says. 'That's why we are weaving our British Original positioning throughout every step of the customer journey, which also forms an important part of our £7 billion ($9.2 million) investment plan.' He also draws a historical link to the drink's origins: 'Since it was an Englishman, Christopher Merret, who first wrote the method for creating sparkling wines in 1662, English fizz is a sparkling example of British originality.'
