Taste of England at Henny’s Wine Bar
To kick off English Wine Week (21–29 June 2025), we spent a lovely evening at Henny’s Wine Bar for their “Taste of England” event—and what a treat it was! With glasses in hand and classic British bites on the table, we explored some of the finest wines England has to offer, guided by the knowledgeable Jacob.
The evening began with bubbles, of course. First up: the Sov’ran Classic Cuvée from Worthing in West Sussex. A refreshing blend of Seyval Blanc, Reichensteiner, Chardonnay, and Madeleine Angevine, this sparkling wine is made using the Charmat method (like Prosecco). It was zesty and uplifting, with notes of green apple, pear, and elderflower. A real crowd-pleaser to get our palates going. Next, we moved on to the Classic Cuvée Culver from Langham in Dorset. This is a Pinot Noir dominant blend made in the traditional champenoise style. This one was rich and elegant, with hints of red apple and strawberries and a subtle, nutty finish.
Then came the still wines, starting with a Cradle Valley Pinot Gris from Rathfinny Estate in the South Downs. This wine was all about soft orchard fruits—pear, peach, apricot—with a crisp, saline finish. Light, delicate, and a perfect summertime sip. The rosé, a Pinot Noir Rosé from Sharpham Estate in Devon, was another highlight. A gorgeous salmon-pink hue, it tasted of redcurrant, raspberry, and red apple. Made with hand-picked grapes and gently pressed for three hours to achieve the desired colouration, it was dry, fruity, and elegant.
To finish, we had a Pinot Noir Clonal Blend from Beare Green Winery in Pulborough, Sussex. Aged partly in Burgundian oak and partly in stainless steel, this light-bodied red had a wonderful balance of spice and vibrant red fruit.
The wines were paired with pork pies, scotch eggs, and cheddar from local favourite Chadwick’s Butchers, making it a proper British celebration from start to finish.
Founded by Niall in 2017 and named after his grandfather, Henry (“Henny”), the bar is all about wine with soul—organic, biodynamic, and sustainably produced bottles that truly reflect their origins. The weekly-changing menu, curated by Jacob, keeps things fresh and exciting.
Henny’s was founded by Niall Penlington in 2017 and is named for his grandfather, Henry (Henny) who appreciated a good glass of wine and the occasional whiskey. This wine bar is all about wine with soul—organic, biodynamic, and sustainably produced bottles that truly reflect their origins. The weekly-changing menu, curated by Jacob, keeps things fresh and exciting.
Henny’s is a small, intimate wine bar with stone walls, wooden furniture and greenery. At the back is a mustard coloured booth seating, perfect for larger groups. During the day, it offers a place to work serving coffee and tea.
All five English wines from our tasting will be available on Henny’s menu throughout June in celebration of English Wine Week. English Wine Week is all about great wine, good company, and celebrating the bottles being made right here on home turf. So if you want to discover something new, head to Henny’s.
Address: 195C Balham High Rd, London, SW12 9BE
Website: https://www.hennyswine.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hennys_wine
Written by Caitlin Neal
