The Roman legacy in England is breathtaking in its variety. Along with straight roads, bath houses, central heating and aquaducts the Romans also brought vines to England. Perhaps not the first thing you pack for an invasion but wine was needed for communion wine and also reminded the Roman soldiers of home.Englands cool , damp climate lends itself to crisp, acidic white wines, the ideal base wine for sparkling wines. In the southern counties Champagne houses have already started buying vineyards in Kent and Sussex to make sparkling wines as the climate starts to warm up in Champagne itself. In Cornwall you can enjoy a selection of traditional method sparkling wines which knock spots off many Champagnes at Camel Valley Vineyard.Also at Camel Valley you can enjoy crisp elegant white wines, reminiscent of Sancerre. The wines are so highly regarded that you can also enjoy them in Rick Steins Seafood Restaurant in nearby Padstow.As far north as Yorkshire Pinot Noir is already thriving at Yorkshire Heart Vineyard near York where it is used to make a delicious strawberry scented rose. If you ever needed an excuse to enjoy English wines just think of the wine miles you will save......
