Clarkson hails English wine as 'just better' at The Farmer’s Dog

Jeremy Clarkson has unveiled the latest English wine listings at his Oxfordshire pub on Instagram, declaring them better than their French counterparts.

Jeremy Clarkson is no stranger to making a bold statement. As highlighted in a recent db article, over the years he has disrupted expectations by championing farm diversification, challenging red tape, and letting his raw, unfiltered personality drive both conversation and commerce.

Whether battling planning regulations with what became known as “Clarkson’s Clause” or reshaping public perceptions of rural business, his provocations come with purpose.

All-British line-up unveiled at The Farmers Dog

His most recent take to social media shows him discussing the expanded wine offering at The Farmers Dog, his pub near his Oxfordshire farm, showcasing a fresh selection of English wines.

In a video shared on Instagram, Clarkson presented five bottles lined up on the bar – all from English producers, including Heretics, Balfour, and Sugrue South Downs.

“We’ve got a new selection of wines at The Farmer’s Dog, all British, every single one of them British, and I’m not making this up, they’re fantastic,” he said.

While tasting a glass of Heretics pale rosé, Clarkson added: “This is my favourite… I’m sorry, Brad Pitt and all the other people in France making rosé, this is better. It’s just better.” After taking another sip, he quipped: “That could make me very drunk.”

Heretics pale rosé is a barrel-fermented Pinot Noir from Missing Gate Vineyard, bottled in Heretics’ black glass to protect against light damage.

Balfour takes centre stage

Balfour Winery has also made a strong showing at The Farmer’s Dog, with five of its wines chosen for the pub’s new list — almost 40% of the total selection of 13 bottles. The list was curated by Master of Wine Simon Larkin, who highlighted quality as the only criterion, praising the breadth and consistency of Balfour’s portfolio.

The Kent-based producer, founded by Richard and Leslie Balfour-Lynn, has seen visitor numbers to its estate rise more than 20% this summer, alongside an 11% year-on-year sales increase in the first half of 2025. The winery has built a reputation for both sparkling and still wines, and its presence at Clarkson’s pub adds further visibility at a time of growing consumer demand for provenance.

An all British line-up

The Farmer’s Dog, which opened on 23 August last year after Clarkson bought it for under £1 million, is known for sourcing exclusively British produce. The pub does not serve Coca Cola or coffee, as neither can be produced domestically.

Alongside the new arrivals, the wine list features Lisa’s Le Pop Fizz, Chapel Down’s Château Dorking and Château Tenterden, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir Rosé from Crouch Valley, Château Newent from Three Choirs, Oxford Regatta by Brightwell Vineyards, and Redmoors Pinot Noir from Davenport Vineyards.

Clarkson’s backing has already drawn close to one million views in just four days, giving fresh visibility to England’s expanding wine sector, with still and sparkling styles increasingly appearing on pub and restaurant lists nationwide.

Championing local wine culture

Clarkson’s enthusiasm mirrors earlier observations by The Independent – which noted that, with The Farmer’s Dog, Clarkson has not only included English wines on a list, but goes lengths to actively support them.

The pub’s all-English wine list signals a shift: still British wines are no longer niche or novelty – they can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with continental favorites, and at appealing prices too.

What this means for English wine

Clarkson’s high-profile endorsement carries weight. It puts a spotlight on the quality and diversity of English wine – from pale rosés and sparkling varieties to still reds and whites – and could inspire more pubs and restaurants to embrace UK-grown wines.