More Americans are hearing about English sparkling wine, and many are surprised to learn it is now being compared with Champagne. They taste it, expecting something simple, and discover a wine that is far better than they imagined. As bottles from southern England appear in more U.S. bars and restaurants, American drinkers are the ones starting the comparison, asking whether this could be Champagne’s most unexpected rival.
A rising contender to Champagne is turning heads, and the reactions are catching everyone by surprise. Photo credit: Depositphotos.
Americans make the comparison
I traveled through the Champagne region of France and then to Kent in South East England to understand why Americans are making the comparison. In Champagne, winemakers explained that they do not see English sparkling as a rival. They respect the work being done in England, but they do not view it as competition. What they notice instead is how often American visitors bring up English wines during tastings and tours. The comparison now begins with the customer, not the producer.
What Champagne producers really think
Champagne growers pointed to one simple reason England is producing stronger wines than before: the climate has changed. Warmer summers and longer growing seasons now allow English grapes to ripen in a way that wasn’t possible in the past. Several Champagne producers told me they are not surprised by England’s progress. They said the soil types, temperatures and coastal influence in southern England resemble what Champagne experienced many years ago, which helps explain why sparkling wine works so well there today.
English sparkling wines improved
Quality came up often. Champagne makers said they have tasted English sparkling wines that show careful winemaking and a clear sense of place. The producers in England are not trying to copy Champagne; they’re using similar grapes and methods that give the wine its distinct character. Winemakers in France described this as a strength rather than a threat. The wines stand on their own, which is why visitors keep asking about them.
Americans respond in Kent
In Kent, English producers described a similar trend from their side. Americans arrive surprised that England produces wine at all, much less sparkling wine. Once they have a sip, many say the freshness and brightness feel familiar, especially to those who already drink Champagne at home. Several producers told me the same thing: when the quality is clear, Americans move quickly from surprise to interest.
Zicasso arranged my visits in both regions, giving me access to small and mid-sized producers who are not always part of large tour groups. These winemakers said they have specifically noticed more Americans asking about English sparkling. Some visitors want to try it alongside Champagne to understand the differences in style and climate. Producers in both countries said the trend is new and welcome.
What this means for the sparkling wine market
One point remained consistent. Champagne producers do not believe their wine has a direct rival. English sparkling is simply a growing category that Americans are now discovering. The comparison does not change how Champagne is made, but it shows that interest in sparkling wine keeps rising. From Kent to Reims, winemakers agreed that Americans drive much of this curiosity through travel, social media and a willingness to try something new.
As more Americans sample English sparkling wine, the conversation around bubbles is widening. Champagne still holds its historic place, but English producers are gaining attention in a way few expected. The surprise may fade over time, but the curiosity is unlikely to disappear.
Mandy is a luxury travel, fine dining and bucket-list-adventure journalist with expert insight from 46 countries. She uncovers unforgettable experiences around the world and brings them to life through immersive storytelling that blends indulgence, culture and discovery, and shares them with a global audience as co-founder of Food Drink Life. Her articles appear on MSN and through the Associated Press wire in major U.S. outlets, including NBC, the Daily News, Boston Herald, the Chicago Sun-Times and many more.
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