Vine Britannia: Can England’s Wine Boom Weather the Storm?

It wasn’t just the crisp acidity or the hint of stone fruit that caught our attention. It was the bottle. We’d just tasted a Chardonnay from The Heretics – a bold new producer tucked into the North Essex hills – and immediately went digging for more. The wine was brilliant. But then we saw the label: bright, graphic, and unlike anything else on the shelf.

Turns out, that’s the point. Each vintage has its own name, its own look, and its own story. Their labels change year to year – just like the weather that shapes the wine – and the designs come from under‑25 creatives chosen specially for each release. It’s fresh, it’s thoughtful, and like the wine itself, it stands out.

English wine is no longer a curiosity. It’s convincing. And The Heretics aren’t just making wine – they’re building something bold.

But while the taste might be bright, the finances behind the scenes are less sparkling.