Balfour Winery is celebrating a major success with five of its wines chosen for the brand-new English wine list at The Farmer’s Dog, Jeremy Clarkson’s Oxfordshire pub. The selection gives Balfour almost 40% of the total 13 bottles featured, cementing its position as one of the UK’s leading producers.
The list was curated by Master of Wine Simon Larkin, who carried out a nationwide review of English wines with quality as the sole criterion. Balfour’s inclusion reflects both the breadth and consistency of its portfolio, from iconic sparkling wines to exciting still releases.
Clarkson’s pub, which made headlines for banning ketchup and other non-British staples before later sourcing a fully UK-made alternative, has quickly become a tourist hotspot. It’s not uncommon to see queues of visitors outside, eager to sample a menu that champions 100% British produce — now including an English wine list that showcases the best of the category.
Balfour itself has also seen a surge in consumer interest. Visitor numbers to its Kent estate are up more than 20% this summer, as more people seek out authentic food and drink experiences rooted in provenance. This, combined with a strong performance in the first half of 2025 where sales rose 11% year-on-year, marks a standout period for the winery.
As part of this growth, the company has recently appointed Jordan Painter as Sales Director, following senior roles at Enotria and Bibendum. Speaking on the new listings, he said:
“We are delighted to have five wines on the list — especially in such strong company. The Farmer’s Dog is a venue that celebrates British produce in every way, which makes it a natural fit for us. We’re excited to build on this partnership and showcase English wine to such a wide audience. We firmly believe in making English wine accessible to all, whether you’re buying a bottle for a celebration, or enjoying a glass in a pub. It’s really important to the Balfour story and we can’t wait to see what visitors to The Farmer’s Dog make of our wines.”
Leslie Balfour-Lynn, co-founder and owner of Balfour Winery, added: “Interest in English wine is at an all-time high, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of that growth. Under Fergus Elias, our Director of Wine, the quality and consistency of our range has never been stronger. To see it recognised at such a high-profile venue is another exciting step forward for both Balfour and the wider category.”
Simon Larkin MW commented: “Putting together this list was a fascinating and enjoyable exercise. It revealed just how far English wine has come and clearly the quality continues to grow. I am delighted for all the estates that feature on The Farmer’s Dog list — their listings are truly well earned. As to Balfour, the quality on show in different categories and at different price points impressed me hugely. Kudos to Fergus and the team. Keep up the good work!”
