THANKS to some talented winemakers and the increasing quality and number of English vineyards, we have plenty to celebrate in the run-up to English Wine Week (May 23 to 31).

Sparkling wines made from the three classic champagne grape varieties - chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier - continue to be our strongest suit, with most of the vines planted across the south of England.

And judging by the significant increase in sales, and by supermarkets extending their English wine range, we have all clearly acquired a thirst for home-grown bubbles.

Certainly, Waitrose has recently reported a 177% increase in English wine sales with overall sales in 2014 up 95% on 2013, and they offer the widest range from any supermarket.

Awarded Specialist Merchant of the Year for England 2014, their online range includes Bolney Estate Briar Rose Sparkling, Sussex (£24.99, www.waitrosecellar.com). A delicate pale peach rose from one of our leading wine estates, it has light biscuity notes with a hint of strawberry shortbread that leads to a crisp palate with tangy raspberry notes.

Possibly the closest cousin to a champagne house, Nyetimber are the most established sparkling wine producer and their Nyetimber Classic Cuvee 2009, West Sussex (£31.99, www.waitrosecellar.com) has elegant, rich, toasty notes with a broad, fruity palate and a delicious tropical note on the lengthy finish.

Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, Ridgeview offer consistently good bubbly and plan to double their production in the next five years to help expand their export market. Try their Ridgeview Cuvee Merret Bloomsbury Brut, 2012, Sussex (£24.95, www.virginwines.co.uk) which has nutty, bready notes with subtle white fruits and a minerally palate with a refreshing finish.

Another winery that’s expanding its vineyards and production to meet growing demand, Gusbourne have a real corker with their Gusbourne Brut Reserve 2010, Kent (£27.95, www.31dover.com). Ranked as one the best and a Decanter World Wine Awards silver medal winner, it has a nose of baked apple and brioche with vibrant orchard fruits and an appealing yeasty note.

Marks and Spencer have bolstered their English wine range with the addition of six new sparklers, including Hush Heath Sparkling Classic Cuvee NV (Balfour 1503), Kent (£22, Marks & Spencer). Another prestigious winery (and home to the award-winning Balfour Brut Rose), it has red apple aromas with rounded orchard fruits and well balanced citrus acidity.

One to rival the larger producers, Coates & Seely Brut Reserve NV, Hampshire (£27.95, www.bbr.com) is distinguished by attractive rose gold highlights with apple and elderflower aromas which lead to light, fruity flavours of apples and pear drops with a touch of lemon zest. Extremely pleasant and a good reminder this year promises to be another great year for English wine.

For more info visit www.englishwineproducers.co.uk