English wines have improved dramatically over the past decade, with many vineyards especially in the Southern areas of the UK, now producing award winning wines rivalling those of Northern France. Climate has obviously played an important role in this rise of English wine, but quality has also been substantially improved with talented winemakers such as Andrew Parley at Chapel Down, bringing much needed experience to English growers. Although red wines can still provide challenges with our weather conditions, English white wines and in particular English sparkling wines are thriving.