The Southeast Feature

English wine? Indeed, the English wine industry, ridiculed for years, is beginning to be taken more seriously. English vineyards, mostly in Surrey, Sussex, and Kent, have seen boom years, boosted by the changing climate. Chalky soils in the region are similar to those in the Champagne region of France, and with the success of English sparkling wines, vineyards like Biddenden (near Sissinghurst), Chapel Down (next to Rye), and Carr Taylor (Hastings) have attracted the attention of French wine houses. Many vineyards turn out decent whites, often using frost-resistant German grape varieties; some have even produced good wines based on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. So go ahead: ask for local wines as you're dining in the region.