Forest of Dean vineyard named one of the best wineries in the world

Newent's Three Choirs Vineyards has been named one of the best 50 wineries in the world for 2025 by renowned global media brand, Forbes.

Achieving some of the highest scores across a range of benchmarks, the award-winning Forest of Dean winery is one of just four UK producers included in Forbes' top 50.

The prestigious list – new for 2025 – ranks the very best wineries in the world, 'from the emerald Douro slopes to Mendoza’s sweeping plains', creating 'a global atlas' of the world's most iconic wine makers alongside game-changing up-and-comers.

It's compiled and scored by experts from online retailer Virgin Wines – part of Richard Branson's Virgin Group – measuring wineries against criteria including heritage and longevity, mentorship of future winemakers, sustainability certifications, social responsibility, innovation in viticulture, transparency through ESG reporting and even packaging choices.

One of England's oldest wineries, Three Choirs – which produces 250,000 bottles each year – ranked number 42 on the list.

The vineyard began as an experiment in the early 70s when local wine retailer Alan McKechnie planted just half an acre of vines on the south-facing slopes in Newent, to see if they'd grow.

More than 50 years later, the vineyard boasts 75 acres of vines, growing grape varieties like Pinot Noir, Bacchus, Siegerrebe, Seyval Blanc and Phoenix. 

Over the years, a state-of-the-art winery and visitor attraction was added, followed by eight hotel rooms with panoramic views over the vineyard and three oak and cedar lodges, nestled amongst the vines.

Martin Fowke, who has been the winemaker at the vineyard since 1989, celebrates his 36th vintage in 2025.

Head of buying at Virgin Wines, Sophie Lord, said of the final shortlist: 'The final line-up showcases those that achieved the highest scores across a range of benchmarks, including historical significance, innovation, consumer engagement, sustainability and social responsibility. 

'Sustainability and social responsibility carried particular weight – values that have become increasingly vital to the global wine industry and central to our judging process.'

The three other English wineries to make the list are Gusbourne in Kent which ranked 29th, Nyetimber in West Sussex which came 33rd and Wiston Estate in the South Downs, ranked number 50.

Sophie added of the English wine industry: 'The English wine sector has experienced rapid growth in recent years and its presence on this list reflects how producers are now challenging long-established traditions and securing a place on the global stage.'