You may not think of England as a viticultural hotspot, but the first thing any self-respecting English winemaker will tell you is that England and wine go back – way back. The Domesday Book recorded 42 vineyards across England and Wales in the 11th century (below a line from Ely to Gloucestershire). The manuscript also referenced “Nitimbreha”, from which one of the best English wines – Nyetimber – takes its name (more on that later).

The best English wine tends to be made with chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes, but this is changing all the time. The modern English wine industry is really in its infancy, albeit growing rapidly. According to the “Rural Matters” report by Knight Frank in 2024, the area of the UK planted with vines has soared by 75% over the past five years to almost 10,000 acres. Today, there are over 950 vineyards across Great Britain, with more vines being planted every year.

To begin with, it was the sparkling wines that set the wine world alight – from the nineties onwards. In 2017, Pommery and Taittinger, two of France’s best-known champagne houses, planted vines in England. At the time, Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger told the Daily Mail: “We have been very impressed by the quality of English sparkling wine being produced, and we believe the combination of chalk soils, climate and topography of our site in Kent are ideal for producing quality sparkling wine. These attributes are perfect for grape growing, and are very similar to the terroir in Champagne, for us it was a natural step to do this”.

In recent years, a warming planet means England is also having success with still wines, mostly made from chardonnay and pinot noir grapes. Warmer summers and growing know-how means more complex and higher quality wines are emerging from England all the time. But who makes the very best English wine? Here are some names to know.

Read next: How to Taste Wine Like a Sommelier

1. Roebuck Estates

Across Sussex and Kent, named for the wild deer who roam the land, this is an award-winning producer of some of the best English sparkling wines. The winery in West Sussex runs various tours and tastings, plus Friday evening “sunset sippings”. Try the Rosé de Noirs 2018, a sparkling rosé with notes of cherries, strawberries, and toasted almonds.

 

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2. Gusbourne

In the short history of English sparkling wines, Gusbourne’s debut vintages – the Brut Reserve 2006 and the Blanc de Blancs 2006 – attracted international interest and acclaim when they were released in 2010. The producer now also makes a host of still wines, including the citrus-driven Chardonnay Guinevere (2022), one of their most awarded. There are tastings and tours at the estate near Rye in east Sussex, plus picnics in the vineyards from spring.

 

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3. Hambledon

In 1952, with a little help from renowned champagne house Pol Roger, Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones established Hambledon. The Classic Cuvée, a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, once famously beat Pol Roger, Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger in a blind tasting. Tours, tastings and afternoon teas are available at the vineyard in Hampshire.

4. Nyetimber

In 1988, Nyetimber’s first vines were planted, but it wasn’t until 2006, when Eric Heerema took over, appointing Cherie Spriggs as head winemaker, that Nyetimber (she of the Domesday book) became a global name. The Classic Cuvee is not just one of the best English sparkling wines, but one of the best sparkling wines in the world. Also try the Cuvee Chérie – a celebrated Demi-Sec sparkling wine, the first of its kind in England. The estate is only open to the public on select open days, Willy Wonka-style.

 

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5. Chapel Down

This is one of England’s biggest and best wine producers. You can’t go wrong with any of their sparkling and still offerings, but Kit’s Coty Coeur de Cuvée 2016 has been a big award winner of the last few years. At the Kent winery, there are guided tours, tutored tastings and three-course dinners with wine flights at The Swan Wine Kitchen. Plus, the vineyard partners with Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse to offer overnight accommodation.

6. Tillingham

Tillingham Winery offers natural wine, seasonal food and stylish rooms near Rye in East Sussex. This is a good one to know if you want to extend your Luxury Gold journey to the UK and make a trip of it. Tillingham is not just a winery, it’s a mixed farm, dedicated to sustainability and restoring soils to the optimum level of organic matter.

 

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7. Ridgeview

This has been a family business since 1995, when it was started by Mike and Chris Roberts. Queen Elizabeth II served the Blanc de Blancs 2004 at her birthday banquet in 2006, and the Bloomsbury 2009 at her Diamond Jubilee. In 2018, Ridgeview (now under a new generation of Roberts) was awarded International Winemaker of the Year, a first for English wine. At the winery in east Sussex, there’s a restaurant, wine shop, tours and tastings.

 

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8. Vagabond Winery

It would be remiss not to mention that some of the best English wines are currently being made in ‘urban wineries’. In London, Vagabond is based on the River Thames next to Battersea Power Station. It describes itself as an “artisanal, hands-on winery due to the small space that forces us to work slowly and meticulously”. Vagabond’s Solena NV Ortega is a high achieving wine – a skin contact white. There are Vagabond wine bars in various London locations.

 

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From how to dress for a Michelin star restaurant to what the stars mean, many diners have questions before their first Michelin meal. With several Michelin restaurants on our luxury tours, including luxury train travel, we want you to know what to expect at a Michelin star restaurant and that all essential Michelin star restaurant dress code. 

See how Exceptional Dining takes centre stage on every Luxury Gold journey.

What Is A Michelin Star Restaurant?

Yes, it’s that Michelin. The Michelin food guide originated in the early 1900s when the founders of the Michelin tire company wanted to encourage motorists to take road trips—and buy tires. So, they created a guide for those in search of good food on road trips. The guide started by offering a single star and expanded up to three stars. Discerning diners began to refer to the guide in the 1960s and 70s. It has since evolved into a guide that gives a restaurant its highest honor. As a prestigious recognition, fewer than 3,000 restaurants have received Michelin notoriety. 

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Enjoy seasonal produce and sensational views as you dine at Michelin-starred Le Monzù restaurant on the Italian Isle of Capri, on Ultimate Italy. 

Michelin Star Restaurant Criteria

To be considered for a Michelin star, a Michelin inspector uses the following criteria: 

1. Quality of products 
2. Mastery of flavor and cooking techniques
3. Personality of chef in the cuisine 
4. “Wow” factor and harmony of flavors 
5. Consistency of food between inspectors’ visits 

You may also be interested to read further: How Do Restaurants Get Awarded a Michelin Star?

What Do The Michelin Stars Mean?

The Michelin star awards are issued yearly. A restaurant can both have a star added and taken away from year to year. Unlike other restaurant recognitions, Michelin stars are awarded for the food only. Restaurant style and degree of formality are not considered. An overview of the meaning of the stars: 

One star: high quality cooking 

Two stars: excellent cooking with the personality and talent of the chef evident in the dishes 

Three stars: exceptional cuisine of chefs at the peak of their profession where cooking is elevated to an art form  

You may also enjoy reading: 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants Around The World

Preparing For Your Meal

Now that you know what you have to look forward to, there’s a lot you can do in advance to make the most of your dining experience. Be sure to inform the restaurant of any dietary requirements or intolerances in advance. Michelin-starred restaurants are accustomed to accommodating vegetarian, vegan and gluten–free as well as other specific dietary requirements. When traveling with Luxury Gold, your travel concierge is also a great point of contact to share any dietary restrictions with. Then, of course, its time to turn your attention to the Michelin star restaurant dress code. 

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Taste the best of English cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurant The Olive Tree in Bath, on our British Royale journey.

What To Wear To A Michelin Star Restaurant

Dining at a Michelin Star restaurant is not just about enjoying exquisite cuisine; it’s also an experience that often calls for refined dress. While there is no official Michelin star restaurant dress code, and specific attire required depends on the restaurant and location, dressing smartly is generally the best approach.

For men, a tailored suit or dress pants paired with a crisp button-down collared shirt is a safe choice. A blazer adds sophistication, and a tie may be required at some establishments, so it’s wise to check the restaurant’s guidelines in advance. This can also apply for jeans. Opt for polished dress shoes to complete the look, avoiding overly casual footwear.

Women have a broader range of options but should aim for elegant attire, such as a sophisticated dress or a chic blouse paired with tailored pants or a skirt. Accessories like statement jewelry can always enhance any outfit, and this is the perfect reason to go bold. Heels or stylish flats are suitable for footwear, ensuring comfort without sacrificing style.

Regardless of your choice, keep it at least smart casual and avoid items like shorts, flip-flops or gym wear. Ultimately, the goal is to feel confident and comfortable while respecting the fine dining atmosphere of a Michelin Star restaurant.

Other top tips for a Michelin star restaurant dress code are:  

• When in doubt, dress a little nicer. Dining in a Michelin star restaurant is a special opportunity, so why not elevate your time with a bit dressier attire? 
• Consider the restaurant. Learning a bit about the style and décor or the restaurant will help you to select an outfit that matches the formality of the setting. 
• One strategy is align your dress to the star rating. This simple formula translates to more business casual for 1-star restaurants, while a 2 or 3-star restaurant might call for dressier attire. 
• Don’t be shy about contacting the restaurant. It’s perfectly common and acceptable to contact the restaurant to ask what type of attire patrons wear. Some restaurants even post their attire on their website. Or, ask your friendly travel concierge.

If you love fine dining you will enjoy reading: These Are Our 15 Favorite Michelin Star Restaurants in Italy 

Courses And Pairings

Now that you’ve found the right look for you and the restaurant, it’s time to focus on the meal. Many Michelin star restaurants will present you with a tasting menu and the choice of a drink pairing. A trained sommelier will have matched the beverages with each course to enhance the flavors of the dishes. Because of the multi-course menu, both the dishes and pours of these pairings will be less than a full main course dish and glass of wine. 

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On our Harmony of Central Europe luxury tour, enjoy Hungarian/French fusion Michelin-starred dining in Budapest at Borkonyha Winekitchen

The Service

Be prepared for attentive service. You should expect your waitstaff to often be close by, enhancing your experience.  Your waiter will fill your glass, replace your napkin should you step away, and probably clean the crumbs from the table at the end of the meal. 

How long do Michelin Star Meals Take?

A meal at a Michelin restaurant is an experience to remember. And part of that experience is taking your time and savoring each course. Most meals last at least two hours, and often three to four hours. Rest assured that the chef has your experience in mind and has thoughtfully paced the courses and wine pairings for your benefit. In short, settle in and relax into a decadent, memorable evening. 

Where will Michelin dining take you? Browse our collection of luxury small group journeys, many of which include Michelin starred dining.

Whoever you’re flying with, Business Class or Economy, chicken or fish, airplane food is somewhat of an acquired taste. Either way, those in flight meals are the punctuation marks of long-haul flights and there’s no denying that the little flourishes on your tray can make or break your experience. Here’s our rundown of the 8 best airlines for food, in reverse order.

8. Delta

Over the last few years, Delta has been upping the ante to become one of the best airlines for food. The focus is on local farmers and artisans, with a twist on Southern tradition. Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q’s has designed some dishes for passengers flying out of Atlanta, USA: the short rib open-faced sandwich with sweet pickles and a side of cheddar and broccoli is not to be missed. Top it off with banana pudding for a true down-home affair. As far as luxury airplane food goes, the Biscoff and chocolate chip cookies are legendary – they come warm in a brown paper bag, making them the ultimate snack in the clouds for economy and first class passengers alike.

Credit: Mashama Bailey for Delta

7. Hawaiian Airlines

Fly from Los Angeles to Honolulu and you’ll get brunch, lunch and a late-night snack. Look out for international offerings like the coconut and lemongrass braised chicken with eggplant and Israeli couscous or the warm yuzu pound cake (by Honolulu-born executive chef Michelle Karr-Ueoka). But the island offerings are a thrill, too: there’s a Kalua pork hash on the menu, plus beers from Maui Brewing Company and custom cocktails from On the Rocks, including the celebratory Tropical Landing (gin with violet, guava, coconut and citrus).

We think you’ll like: 10 Best Airlines For Business Class

6. Singapore Airlines

A consistent favorite among frequent flyers, Singapore Airlines has an admirable number of options for all passengers. Premium economy dishes include garlic-roasted prawns with smoked aioli and patatas bravas, beef Bourguignon and Chor Mee (minced pork noodles). The airline has an air sommelier program, in which cabin crew can apply to become wine experts, which means they can offer passengers guidance on wine pairings.

Credit: Singapore Airlines

5. Korean Air

The bibimbap is one legendary in flight meal (and the same one is served in economy, business and first classes, just with different utensils); it’s a platter of beef, steamed rice, cucumber, mushrooms, beansprouts, spinach and pickled radish, ready to be tossed together with a tube of gochujang and a sachet of sesame oil (the pros ask for extra gochujang). On the side: pickled cucumber and seaweed soup. The snack service includes hot rice balls and cup ramen, brought to your seat with the hot water already added, and the seasoning sachet on the side.

Read next: Michelin-Star Dining at 30,000 Feet? This Airline is Making it Possible

4. All Nippon (ANA)

ANA works with various chefs to get their menus just right. Toru Okuda – a Michelin star master of kaiseki (multi-course meals) – takes care of Japanese food, while Ryuta Iizuka (who studied under Joel Robuchon) advises on French. Expect them to go all out if you’re in first or business class: Wagyu beef sirloin stew with a side of fragrant shiitake, maitake, and abalone mushrooms, sautéed in Échiré butter, for instance. But there are treats in store for the economy classes too: the likes of red rockfish teriyaki and oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl) will see passengers through, with proper miso and pickles.

 

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3. Emirates

Emirates is consistently at the top of the lists of best airlines for food, thanks to its ever-evolving menus, attention to detail and unlimited Dom Perignon for first class flyers. Every passenger gets a multi-course meal and there’s lots of choice and flexibility. Trays are jam-packed with dishes like paneer makhani, vegetable paella, sweetcorn salad and Russian salad plus alluring desserts like apple caramel mousse or chocolate truffle cake. The wines (all from Bordeaux) are excellent. In first class, there’s a movie snack menu which features boxes of popcorn and cheeseburger sliders.

Save for later: Airplane Etiquette: Your Ultimate Guide

2. Etihad

This UAE-based airline is driven by farm-to-table freshness, which means salad greens harvested hours before you eat them – a true revolution as far as airline meals are concerned. Business and first class food can be eaten whenever you’re hungry, and includes steak sandwiches and eggs prepared to order, plus elaborate brunches like shakshuka and ricotta pancakes. First class mains include a seafood assiette (scallop, salmon, lobster), chicken margooga, five spiced duck breast and paneer kofta. There is oh-so-much choice.

 

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1. Turkish Airlines

Aficionados of Turkish Airlines’ long-haul flights always order the sour cherry juice, and some claim it helps them to sleep. If it works for you, you can press a button on your screen to let cabin crew know you’d like to be woken for dinner. Beyond the juice, it’s all about the Turkish appetizers, grilled fish, Adana kebabs and sesame pittas. First and business class passengers enjoy the ultimate inflight amenity: flying chefs, who work alongside cabin crew. On flights of over eight hours, those passengers can opt to enjoy chef-cooked meals by candlelight.