As a new year begins, many of us take the opportunity to reset habits, revisit interests and try something new. For wine lovers, it's the perfect moment to explore fresh additions to the wine rack. Whether you're looking to elevate your home dinners, impress guests, or simply enjoy more thoughtful drinking, setting wine resolutions can be a great way to discover new favourites.
At Chapel Down, our wines are crafted in Kent using grapes grown across the South East of England. We produce both Traditional Method sparkling wines and expressive still wines, offering something for every taste and occasion. So why not make 2026 the year you expand your horizons, support English winemaking, or stock your cellar with quality and variety. The Chapel Down collection is an excellent place to begin.
Here are some resolutions to inspire your wine journey this year, complete with recommendations from our current range.
Resolution One: Choose Sparkling Wine More Often
We believe that sparkling wine doesn't have to be reserved for special occasions. With its crisp and fresh taste, it pairs well with a wide range of dishes and moments. Make 2026 the year you enjoy sparkling wine as a regular treat, not just a festive flourish.
Chapel Down Brut is a great starting point. Made using the Traditional Method, it offers balance and finesse that rivals the best sparkling wines from around the world. It's a versatile pour for everything from weekend brunches to midweek celebrations.
For a rosé alternative, Chapel Down Rosé offers a different expression of English sparkling, with its pale pink colour and fine bubbles. It's especially welcome in spring and summer, but equally quaffable year-round.
Resolution Two: Explore English Still Wines
While English sparkling wines have received international attention for some time, still wines from Kent and the South East are gaining serious recognition too. They offer freshness, clarity and an expression of local terroir that's hard to match.
If you've not yet explored English still wines, Chapel Down Bacchus is an excellent place to start. It's a grape variety that thrives in our cool climate, resulting in a crisp, aromatic white wine that works well as an aperitif or with light dishes.
Flint Dry 2024 is another excellent option. As a blend, it brings together several grape varieties to create a refreshing, balanced wine. It's a reliable choice for weekday dinners and casual entertaining.
Resolution Three: Try Something Premium
If your 2026 wine goals include discovering exceptional bottles for special occasions, Chapel Down's Kit's Coty range is worth exploring. These premium wines come from a single vineyard on the North Downs of Kent, where chalk soils and gentle slopes create ideal conditions for ripening grapes.
Kit's Coty Chardonnay 2023 is a still white wine that showcases what English winemaking can achieve. It offers complexity and elegance and can be enjoyed now or aged further. It's a statement choice for dinner parties, gifting or simply indulging in something remarkable - an example of a beautiful sense of place in your glass.
For sparkling fans, there are also gift boxes pairing vintage bottles such as Grand Reserve and Kit's Coty Blanc de Blancs. These special releases are ideal for milestone celebrations and offer a showcase of craftsmanship and detail.
Resolution Four: Curate Mixed Cases at Home
Another way to keep your wine experience varied throughout the year is by choosing mixed cases. Curated selections give you the chance to discover new favourites, compare styles, and have the right wine ready for any occasion.
The Award Winners Case brings together some of the most acclaimed wines in the Chapel Down portfolio. It's a strong introduction to both still and sparkling options, and a useful way to build confidence in choosing English wine.
The Premium Stills Mixed Case is a great choice for still wine lovers. Covering a range of styles, it includes wines to pair with everyday meals, more formal occasions and relaxed evenings.
Sparkling Best Sellers is another popular option, perfect for entertaining and sharing. With a focus on bubbles, it's designed for celebrations but suits any moment that calls for a touch of elegance.
Resolution Five: Personalise the Experience
Wine is not only about flavour, but also about the memories it creates. Whether you're buying for yourself or sharing with others, a personalised bottle can turn a good moment into something unforgettable.
In 2026, resolve to make your wine choices more personal. Chapel Down offers Personalised Brut and Rosé bottles, each in a gift box with space for a custom message or name. These make excellent gifts for birthdays, weddings and anniversaries, but can also be a treat for yourself. A bottle marked with the date of a special dinner or celebration makes a lasting memento.
Looking Ahead in 2026
The new year is a chance to reset and rediscover what you enjoy. For wine lovers, that could mean tasting more widely, supporting local producers, or simply enjoying each glass more mindfully.
With an ever-evolving range of still and sparkling wines, Chapel Down offers something for every kind of resolution. Whether you're expanding your collection, preparing to entertain, or simply looking to enjoy excellent English wine more often, our bottles are a brilliant place to begin.
Start the year as you mean to go on: with quality, intention and a glass of something made in England. Your 2026 wine journey starts here.
