Andrea Ontiveros Flores, a sommelier and marketing & communications specialist from Alicante, Spain discovers the Golden 50 at the Vineyard & Winery Show 2025.
You escape to the British countryside, soaking in the most enchanting landscapes of South East England, and find yourself at the Vineyard & Winery Show 2025, sampling some of the finest English and Welsh wines. I can’t imagine a better way to close out last year than discovering and tasting selections from the prestigious Golden 50, all while I was able to curate my own New Year’s Eve list of sparkling wines for the perfect toast.
The Vineyard & Winery Show 2025 covered virtually every aspect of top-tier wine production, from cutting-edge machinery and expert consulting spanning grape to bottle, to thrilling masterclasses and of course, exceptional wines in the tasting hubs. More than just an exhibition, it was a celebration of wine, bringing together producers, enthusiasts, and industry insiders for inspiration, networking, and pure vinous delight.
Not only did I wish I could have taken home every wine I tasted that afternoon, though my luggage would have begged to differ, but I also wanted to write about them all: sparkling, red, rosé, white, and everything in between. Here’s a glimpse of my top picks from the Golden 50 at the Vineyard & Winery Show 2025 tasting.
Fenny Castle, Sparkling Rosé 2020. Somerset
£34.50
www.fennycastlevineyard.co.uk
From Fenny Castle Vineyard, a small estate in Somerset, UK – the 2020 Sparkling Rosé is crafted entirely from estate-grown Pinot Noir. Thanks to its pedigree, traditional method production, and recognition from independent wine awards, this sparkling rosé stands out among English bubblies. It’s a wine made with care and ambition rather than mass-market frizzante, making it a particularly compelling choice for those exploring English sparkling wines beyond the familiar names. The 2020 vintage has earned a Gold medal at the WineGB Awards 2023 and strong scores at the International Wine Challenge, confirming it as one of the more accomplished English sparkling rosés.
As a traditionally made sparkling wine from a boutique UK producer, with awards under its belt, it is perfect for celebratory moments or special occasions – ideal for a dinner party or a thoughtful gift, especially if English and boutique wines are appreciated. Elegant and moderately complex, it balances fruitiness with subtle toasty notes. Its red-berry character and fine bubbles make it inviting and approachable as an aperitif, while pairing beautifully with lighter meats, and charcuterie. This is a less-mainstream wine from a smaller producer with story, and versatility, that work both for casual sipping and more refined food pairings.
In short, the 2020 Fenny Castle Sparkling Rosé delivers both charm and character, enticing fruitiness with enough structure and texture to feel like more than “just a pink fizz.” For anyone eager to explore sparkling wines beyond the Champagne or Prosecco route, it is a truly an elegant option with sophistication and personality.
Wiston Estate Library Collection Cuvée 2009. Sussex
From £60.00
www.wistonestate.com
Breaking away from the typical “young, fresh fizz,” the 2009 Cuvée from Wiston Estate (South Downs, Sussex) leans closer in style and ambition to a mature Champagne. Born of the estate’s second-ever vintage, it also marks their first commercial release. Aged extensively on its lees for over 13 years and only disgorged at the end of 2023, the wine is a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, and 10% Pinot Meunier. This late-release style, part of Wiston’s Library Collection, showcases the remarkable potential of English sparkling wine with extended aging.
This is no sweet, easy-going fizz – Wiston’s vintage is nuanced, subtle, and evolves beautifully with air and time. A mature, complex sparkling wine rather than the typical fresh and fruity style, it shines on its own as a contemplative sip, perfect for the start of a special evening or a tasting-focused meal. Thanks to its depth and age, it rewards patience in the glass, allowing its aromas to unfurl and develop. The wine offers a captivating interplay of crisp acidity, minerality, bright citrus notes, and delicate nutty, toasty nuances.
I wouldn’t call it overly “serious” for casual drinkers, but the 2009 Cuvée is certainly a wine for special moments – when you want something refined, thoughtful, and truly unique. Limited and historic, it is an expression of what English sparkling wine can achieve with time.
J L Baxter Savage Vineyard, Four Daughters Albarino 2022. Kent
£26.00
www.fourdaughters.co.uk
This wine stands out as one of the relatively rare examples of Albariño grown outside its traditional heartlands of Spain and Portugal, offering a compelling glimpse into what cooler-climate UK viticulture can achieve with international grape varieties. Produced in Kent by Four Daughters Vineyard under the estate’s own label, the 2022 Albariño is made entirely from locally grown Albariño grapes and forms part of the winery’s core range. Its moment came in 2025, when it earned a Gold Award from WineGB and secured a place on the Golden 50 list.
Think of a fresh, fruit-forward white: crisp, clean, and lively, with notes of citrus alongside hints of white peach and melon. Light-bodied and well balanced, it shows the typical freshness of a cool-climate Albariño. This is a wine that leans toward vibrancy and easy drinking rather than heavy oak or buttery richness – uncomplicated, versatile, and thoroughly enjoyable. Not built for aging, it’s best consumed young to capture its aromatic clarity and brightness. While it may lack the depth or complexity of traditional Galician examples, its appeal lies in its immediacy and freshness. For those drawn to experimental wines from non-traditional regions, or curious to see how UK producers interpret international grape varieties – it offers a fascinating climate and terroir contrast.
The 2022 Four Daughters Albariño is a compelling example of how well this grape can adapt to a cooler climate like Kent. Bright, fresh, and effortlessly drinkable, it works beautifully as an everyday white or a summer wine, while also appealing to those curious about non-traditional regions of familiar varieties. Lovers of clean, crisp whites will find it especially rewarding alongside seafood, light summer dishes, or relaxed social occasions. Light and vibrant in style, this Albariño offers an enticing glimpse into the grape’s future potential in England.
Andrea Ontiveros Flores
Andrea is a certified Sommelier trained at the Escuela Superior de Hostelería de Sevilla (ESAH), with expertise in wine service, gastronomy, and hospitality, combined with an entrepreneurial and commercial background. With over a decade of international experience spanning digital media strategy, advertising, customer success, and business management. Andrea holds an MSc in International Marketing, with professional experience in global organisations such as Amazon and leading UK media agencies.
A long-standing passion for wine and gastronomy led Andrea to a professional transition into the wine industry through specialisation in sommellerie, integrating commercial strategy with hands-on hospitality. Currently based between Alicante and London, Andrea has launched personal projects within the gastronomic sector, including the founding of a food and wine venture in London. This work has involved collaboration with well-known bars and venues, alongside recognition in specialised industry press. Currently her focus sits at the intersection of wine expertise, and business development, applying marketing insight to the creation of wine-led experiences. Above all Andrea finds genuine pleasure in writing about wine and exploring the identity and potential of English & Welsh wines and emerging wine-producing countries.
