Wine remained one of the most popular drinks in different countries of the world in any era. It was even considered “the drink of the Gods.” Thus, you can understand that the wine has an interesting and rich history of creation and production. The history of winemaking in England, and in particular in London, is no less fascinating, even though the city is not the motherland of the drink. In London, there are many admirers of wine and many traditions associated with the consumption of this alcoholic drink. Moreover, winemaking itself is quite attractive for tourists visiting the city. So, what is this amazing story that has begun with the planting of vineyards and continues with the opening of new modern wineries? Learn more at londonname.
The popularity of wine in England at different times
Despite the fact that today, Great Britain occupies one of the first places in terms of the amount of wine consumption, its production has not been properly developed throughout England for a long time. While France or Italy could boast of various wine types, in England, people tried to at least preserve the planted vineyards. Climate was the most significant obstacle in any era. Producers very often lost their harvest due to the large amount of precipitation and cold weather. England, and London in particular, was not the best place for growing grapes. However, wine still existed in the country, and some of its local varieties became known to the whole world.
The earliest records of winemaking in and around London date back to the Roman rule over these lands. They were the first to grow different grape varieties to make the best wine. At that time, the climate in modern London was relatively favourable for winemaking. This area was characterised by sunny and warm weather. The Romans made fruity and sweeter varieties of wine from the local grapes. When that era ended, the English forgot about the wine of their own production for a while. First, the climate has changed significantly. Secondly, the drink began to be brought from other European countries. For example, during the Middle Ages, wine from the French province of Bordeaux became the most popular here. In the 18th century, the government imposed high duties on French wine and Londoners of the time usually enjoyed sweet fortified wine imported from Portugal and Spain. Local production was in a kind of decline until about the 20th century. Even nowadays, there are only single vineyards and small wineries in and around London, but it doesn’t mean that Londoners don’t have their own traditions of making a drink.
Development of winemaking in the 20th century
Vineyards began to be planted at a frantic pace in many parts of England in the 1960s. The country recovered from the terrible war and new technologies made it possible to grow grapes even under adverse weather conditions. That business developed rapidly, and in the early 1970s, the country experienced a kind of revival of English winemaking. More than 1,300 hectares of vineyards were planted in England between 2000 and 2009. The pace of wine production has increased significantly. For example, four million bottles were produced in 2010. In London, grapes were grown mainly on the outskirts of the city. The first wineries began to open here in the 21st century.
Modern winemaking in London
Nowadays, London can offer enough wineries to satisfy any taste. Such places embody the traditions and customs associated with English wine. In some of them, you can find secret recipes and ancient equipment. The products of perfect taste and bright colour continue to be created at Blackbook in London. This is one of the city’s wineries, which was born thanks to the love for ripe and sun-drenched grapes. Blackbook was founded by a young couple who were filled with love for each other and their work. The husband travelled halfway around the world until he found his true purpose and the wife left her own job for the sake of business. The story is truly fascinating, as is their attitude to the production. The founders of the winery very often choose the grapes by themselves, as their experience allows them to clearly define a quality product. They usually choose Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but they are always open for experiments. Therefore, they sometimes try to make something more interesting and refined from other varieties. Here, everyone can taste the art of winemaking. This beautiful place is located near Battersea Park in the south of London.
Photo source: Blackbook
The London Cru winery is no less interesting. This is another place in London where you can taste extremely delicious wine. The winery was one of the first to open in London in 2013. Its representatives concluded agreements on harvesting with various vineyards around the city. They also arranged the process in such a way that they have access to fresh grapes throughout the year. Here, visitors will be able not only to see the process of making wine with their own eyes but also to taste exotic types, which are rarely presented in other similar establishments. Of course, some recipes are kept secret, but it won’t become an obstacle before the desired pleasure.
Photo source: London Cru
London Cru cooperates with many other companies in Europe. In particular, representatives of the winery take over the experience of their colleagues from France, Italy and Spain. It is also important for the company to be eco-friendly and manufacture a completely natural product. Therefore, they implement special environmental programmes. You can buy winery’s products online. In addition, London Cru supplies wine to the most popular bars and restaurants in London. Many people (especially tourists) want to try local food and drinks in a cafe or restaurant. Therefore, it is a good idea to offer visitors local wine.
Photo source: London Cru
Is a winery amid the bustling city a crazy or genius idea?
Wineries are usually built outside the city and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, this is a complex production and it needs a lot of space. Second, it provides constant access to the vineyards. Thus, less money is spent on the transportation of products and there is also a greater probability that the grapes will not be damaged during transportation. So, a winery in the middle of today’s bustling London might seem like a crazy idea. However, such nuances didn’t become an obstacle for Renegade Urban Winery. Its founders knew exactly what they wanted and how to achieve it. They managed not only to create an establishment for making wine but also to impress everyone with the variety of the drink. They never stop at the obtained result and are always open to new ideas, experiments and tastes.
Photo source: Renegade Urban Winery
The story of Renegade Urban Winery began in 2016. At that time, it was an ordinary winery that produced products according to a standard recipe. About a year later, the founders and manufacturers realised that it was necessary to introduce something new and unusual. Nowadays, this winery harmoniously combines ancient traditions and modern methods, technologies and equipment. Not only has the display of the preparation process made the place so special, but also the original labelling of the bottle, which depicts the eyes of random people. All of them are residents of Great Britain. Anyone can participate in this project. So, if you live in this country, your face could end up on a bottle of their amazing wine.