Over the last twenty years, the production of wine in England has undergone a quiet revolution. Winemaking in England has never been more professional or focused on achieving the highest levels of quality.

However, the past view that all UK wines are made from concentrate shipped from abroad and result in cheap and low-quality wine (termed "British Wine") is still common. This misconception has given genuine "English Wine" bad press. With greater penetration of supermarket shelves and a loyal support from tourists, the truth about the quality of English wines is becoming more widely known.

That the English climate is not the ideal one in which to grow wines has not stopped the vineyards in the southern regions (mainly Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and the South West) from achieving great successes in recent years. In fact, the climatic conditions and chalky soils in these southern regions are remarkably similar to the famed Champagne region of France. Like the Champagne region, it is not surprising that many successes of English vineyards have been in the production of sparkling wines.

Still wines are also produced in abundance, though the whites are typically more successful than the reds. Indeed, the cooler climate and grape varieties used in England are responsible for the delicate floral and grapefruit characters of the white wines.

Despite the English weather, some vineyards have achieved success with both the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Many also grow some white Germanic varieties that are earlier ripening and more frost resistant, such as Muller-Thurgau (also known as Rivaner), Bacchus, Schonburger, and the Swiss hybrid, Seyval Blanc.

To continue the transition from a fledgling industry to an internationally respected producer of high quality wines, the English Wine Industry has recently announced a quality Marque to help identify quality wines and vineyards. Set up in association with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the new Marque will focus attention on the high quality of English wines and in raising the profile of the industry among domestic wine-buyers.