While the world has taken notice of English wine as a serious player over the past decade, the south coast has been the main beneficiary of the development of the industry. But now the search for prime growing territory is widening and many prospectors are looking to East Anglia, a region steeped in farming tradition, for new opportunities.
A small group of winemakers have already realised the vast potential of East Anglian land and are producing wines of the highest quality with local and national demand on the rise. The Humbleyard Vineyard, in the Norfolk countryside just outside Norwich, has been producing from its eight-acre site since 2010. Inspired by wines that owner Robert Preston and family enjoy drinking, Humbleyard has opted for production of white, rosé and sparkling varieties.
The south facing slopes are warm and well-drained and have proved successful for the growth of soft fruit over the past three decades.
The Sauvignon Blanc from Humbleyard is beautifully crisp and clean. Its fruitiness comes in the form of peach and passionfruit notes which are complemented by a sweet honey flavour. It’s earthy, surprising and exciting and, as one of not many Sauvignon Blancs to be produced in the UK, it’s a must try for any white-lover.