English wine

The English white wines we would buy

England’s still whites are crisp and aromatic, and less famous than its sparkling wine, which often makes them better value. Bacchus is the grape to try first.

Written and checked by English Wine Tours, an independent guide. How we choose, check and earn.

Which one to choose

Start with Bacchus: England’s signature white grape, with elderflower and gooseberry. Chapel Down Bacchus is the bottle most people try first.
Something different: Westwell Ortega, one of Kent’s most distinctive whites, from an unusual grape.
An everyday white: Chapel Down Flint Dry, a crisp blend led by Chardonnay.
If you like Chardonnay: Simpsons’ Gravel Castle or Westwell Village Chardonnay, both unoaked and fresh.
A little fuller: Bolney Pinot Gris, made in the Alsace style.

Prices and stock are checked every week. Prices are for a single 75cl bottle.

White wine

England’s still whites are crisp and aromatic, and often better value than its sparkling wine. Bacchus is the grape to try first.

Chapel Down Bacchus

Tenterden, Kent · £17.50 at Winebuyers

Bacchus is England’s signature still white grape, and this is the bottle most people start with.

Visit Our guide to Chapel Down

Buy, £17.50

Westwell Ortega

Charing, Kent · £21 at Winebuyers

Westwell is known for its Ortega, an unusual grape it makes into one of Kent’s most distinctive whites.

Visit Our guide to Westwell

Buy, £21

Bolney Pinot Gris

West Sussex · £23 at The Great Wine Co.

Pinot Gris made in the Alsace style: a little fuller than Bacchus, with pear and citrus.

Visit Our guide to Bolney

Buy, £23

Westwell Village Chardonnay

Charing, Kent · £21 at Winebuyers

An unoaked Chardonnay from the Charing winery, fermented cool in stainless steel.

Visit Our guide to Westwell

Buy, £21

Questions people ask

What is Bacchus?

A white grape that ripens well in England’s cool climate and has become the country’s signature still white wine. It is fresh and aromatic, often with elderflower and gooseberry, and a good place to start.

Is English white wine good value?

Often, yes. Still wine does not need the years of ageing that sparkling wine does, so the best English whites usually cost a good deal less than the leading sparkling wines.

What food goes with English white wine?

Crisp whites like Bacchus and Ortega suit seafood, salads and goat’s cheese. A Chardonnay or Pinot Gris will stand up to chicken, pork and creamy dishes.