The warmer, drier weather in southern England has led to improving conditions for winemaking in the region, and a spike in demand for English sparkling wines. England produced 5 million bottles last year, a 100% increase since 2010, according to Ross Allen, deputy UK consul.
England’s prime wine areas include the counties of Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. The warmest part of England, but still cool enough for wine production. The increased climate helps to ripen the grapes just enough while preserving the acidity vital to sparkling wine.
Source: The Washington Post, December 2016