Carr Taylor: Take a Sip of History

(written exclusively for Absolutely Sussex and published in their April 2025 edition)

SPOTLIGHT

Carr Taylor: Take a Sip of History

Before English wine was cool, before it was winning international awards, and before people realised our chalky soils were basically Champagne’s long-lost twin, there was Carr Taylor. Established in 1971, this family-run vineyard just north of Hastings has been flying the flag for English wine for over 50 years, proving that Britain isn’t just good at drinking wine – we can make it, too.

At a time when most people laughed at the idea of growing grapes in England, David and Linda Carr Taylor took a gamble. And it paid off. By 1983, they had produced the first-ever commercially available traditional method English sparkling wine, a move that set the stage for the country’s now booming wine industry. Skeptics were silenced, medals followed, and today, their wines have racked up over 150 international awards. They continue to innovate, balancing tradition with forward-thinking winemaking, all while staying true to the vineyard’s original pioneering spirit.

A visit to the estate offers a rare glimpse into a rich history of pushing English wine forward. Their guided tours take you through the vines, the winery, and the bottling room, offering an up-close look at the winemaking process before you settle in for a well-earned tasting. Expect crisp, fruit-forward still wines and elegant sparkling wines that might just make you question your loyalty to Champagne. For anyone looking to explore the foundations of England’s wine success story, this is where to begin.

LAUNCHES

Battle of Tastebuds

Brand new to the wine world, Wine Smash is here to shake up your sipping routine. This freshly launched tasting game turns drinking into a full-blown showdown — armed with an app and five expertly selected wines, players go head-to-head, rating each pour before matching their notes against the experts. Closest score wins. Expect laughter, surprises, and the occasional bruised ego.

A Slice of Greece

Longing for sun-soaked Greek terraces and a glass of something crisp? Grecian Artisan Wines delivers boutique bottles, hidden gems, and all the Assyrtiko your heart desires — at prices so good, I was tempted to keep this one to myself. Whether you're just discovering Greek wine or already fluent in Xinomavro, this is your fast track to a Mediterranean state of mind.

Ellie Goulding’s Next Hit

Pop star turned drinks mogul? Why not. Ellie Goulding has officially entered the booze business with Served, a premium hard seltzer brand that is all about crisp refreshment without the nonsense. Made with surplus wonky fruit and British spring water, it’s low-calorie, sustainably minded, and dangerously easy to drink. Consider it the perfect encore to a night out — or a reason to stay in.