Your Guide to The Wines of England - This Month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club

Welcome to this month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club, the UK's most exciting wine subscription for the curious drinker. Each month, we will introduce you to a new wine region as part of our promise to deliver no two wines the same for a whole year. Not a member yet? Subscribe here.

Looking for an older guide? See all the Explorer's Club guides here.

What's in this month's Explorer's Club?

This month, we're celebrating the best of homegrown brilliance with our English Explorer Case — a journey through the vineyards and cellar doors of England’s flourishing wine scene. From rolling hills to coastal breezes, each bottle tells a story of craftsmanship, character, and a touch of British eccentricity.

In true Novel Wines fashion, we’ve gone beyond the expected to uncover hidden gems and new favourites, from crisp and elegant whites to beautifully expressive reds and characterful sparklers. Whether you’re toasting a sunny afternoon, pairing with a picnic, or simply raising a glass to the joys of local discovery, this case has something special for every moment.

So, pop the cork, savour the terroir, and fall in love with the wines growing right on our doorstep. As always, we're here for your questions, tasting notes, or just a good old chat about wine. Cheers to exploring England, one glass at a time!

No celebration of English wine would be complete without a bottle of homegrown fizz — and this one’s a real gem. From the heart of South Staffordshire, the Pattingham Vineyard Single Estate Sparkling White 2021 is a testament to just how exciting English sparkling wine has become.

Crafted using the traditional method, this elegant sparkler captures the cool-climate freshness and purity that defines the best of English terroir. Fine bubbles dance in the glass, delivering delicate aromas of orchard blossom, crisp green apple, and lemon curd, with subtle notes of toasted almond and pastry in the background.

On the palate, it’s bright and refined with a creamy mousse, lively acidity, and flavours of citrus peel, pear, and a hint of honeyed brioche. The finish is clean, dry, and refreshingly moreish — a perfect choice for picnics, celebrations, or simply raising a glass to English excellence.

Perfect for festive toasts, parties, or accompanying light bites like smoked salmon or creamy cheeses, this sparkling wine embodies the spirit of celebration.

A quiet classic from one of Somerset’s hidden gems, Leonora’s 2022 is a beautiful expression of English white wine — graceful, refreshing, and effortlessly elegant. Produced by the family-run Oatley Vineyards, this wine captures the essence of a small-batch, single-vineyard approach with real heart and precision.

Made with the rare Kernling grape, a variety related to Riesling and shares it's aging potential. Pale and glinting in the glass, it opens with soft aromas of elderflower, green apple, and citrus blossom, touched by a gentle herbal lift. On the palate, it’s clean and vibrant, offering delicate flavours of pear, lime zest, and white peach, with a subtle mineral edge that lingers on a crisp, dry finish.

Ideal as an aperitif or paired with fresh seafood, garden greens, or a sunny afternoon, Leonora’s 2022 is a quiet reminder that sometimes, the most memorable wines come from just down the road.

With its breezy charm and vibrant fruit, Sutton Ridge Rosé 2022 is practically made for picnics, garden parties, and sunny afternoons. Grown on the sun-kissed slopes of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, this small-batch English rosé is a celebration of summer in a glass.

A perfect blend of Phoenix and Regent it offers a bouquet of wild strawberries, redcurrants, and rose petals, with a whisper of orange zest and fresh herbs. The palate is crisp and juicy, balancing ripe berry flavours with a refreshing lift of acidity and a dry, mouthwatering finish.

It can pair with charcuterie, grilled veggies, or simply sip it al fresco, this is a bottle made for sunny afternoons and good company — an English rosé with real personality. Whether you're spreading out a picnic blanket or hosting friends in the garden, this is your go-to bottle for relaxed elegance and a splash of English sunshine.

Delicate, refined, and full of quiet confidence, Aldwick Estate Pinot Noir is a shining example of what England’s cooler climate can achieve. Grown on the sheltered slopes of Somerset’s Mendip Hills, this is a red with poise, purity, and a real sense of place.

In the glass, it’s a light ruby hue with lifted aromas of ripe cherry, red plum, and hints of violet and sweet spice. The palate is silky and fresh, offering layers of wild berries, cranberry, and a touch of earthiness, wrapped in fine tannins and a gentle, elegant finish.

Perfect served lightly chilled on warmer days, it’s a versatile partner for everything from charcuterie boards and grilled vegetables to herb-roasted chicken. An expressive, food-friendly red — ideal for English garden gatherings or a quiet evening under the stars.

A true standout from Pattingham Vineyard, Rudge Heath Divico is a striking example of how hybrid grapes can shine here. Grown on the estate’s sun-drenched slopes in South Staffordshire, this wine is crafted from the rare and exciting Divico grape — a variety that thrives in the unique English terroir, offering an almost Cru Beaujolais style wine.

In the glass, it’s a deep, vibrant red with aromas of ripe red berries, black cherry, and subtle hints of spice and earthy undertones. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and smooth, with flavours of plums, raspberries, and a touch of black pepper, all underpinned by soft, velvety tannins and a well-rounded finish.

Perfect for a springtime garden party, Rudge Heath Divico pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fresh salads, or a spread of charcuterie. Its bright, berry-driven profile and soft tannins make it the ideal companion for relaxed outdoor gatherings, enjoying the sunshine with good friends and great food. A refreshing, elegant red that brings the best of the season to your glass.

A perfect sip for those long, sunny days, Woodchester Valley Vineyard Pinot Rosé is a bright and lively rosé that captures the spirit of English spring in every glass. Grown in the heart of the Cotswolds, this wine showcases the exceptional quality of English Pinot Noir in its most refreshing form.

Pale pink with a slight copper hue, it greets you with delicate aromas of wild strawberries, fresh raspberries, and a hint of rose petal. On the palate, it’s light and crisp, with vibrant flavours of red currant, citrus zest, and a touch of watermelon, all wrapped in a refreshing, dry finish.

Perfect for an afternoon in the garden or as an aperitif to kick off your spring gatherings, this rosé is as versatile as it is charming. Whether you're pairing it with fresh seafood, goat cheese, or a light summer salad, it’s the ideal companion for those joyful moments in the sun.