What is the blue wine from the Isle of Wight? It looks almost too vivid to belong in a wine glass—and yet, it does.
If you have recently come across mentions of a blue wine from the Isle of Wight, you may have paused for a moment—wondering whether this is a clever piece of marketing or something genuinely rooted in winemaking.
In this case, it is very much real.
The wine attracting attention is called “Something Blue,” a sparkling cuvée produced at Adgestone Vineyard on the Isle of Wight. Its colour is unmistakable: a vivid, clear blue that looks almost too striking to belong in a wine glass—and yet, it does.
What makes it particularly interesting is that, beyond its appearance, it is produced using the traditional method, the same process associated with Champagne. In other words, this is not simply a novelty in a bottle, but a wine that follows recognised sparkling winemaking techniques.
Who makes it?
“Something Blue” is produced by Adgestone Vineyard, a long-established vineyard located on the eastern side of the Isle of Wight.
The vineyard itself dates back to 1968, making it one of the earliest commercial vineyards in England. Over the years, it has built a reputation not only for its wines but also as a destination—offering tastings, vineyard tours, and a distinctly local experience.
Unlike some historic estates that follow strictly traditional paths, Adgestone has shown a willingness to experiment. That spirit of experimentation is, arguably, what led to the creation of a wine that stands out quite so clearly—both visually and conceptually.
Is it really wine?
It is a fair question—and one worth answering carefully.
Yes, “Something Blue” is indeed wine. It is made from English-grown grapes and has an alcohol content of around 12.5%, placing it comfortably within the range of many sparkling wines.
More importantly, it is produced using the traditional bottle fermentation method:
- The second fermentation takes place in the bottle
- The bubbles develop naturally
- The wine can undergo ageing on the lees
From a structural point of view, it behaves exactly as a sparkling wine should. The colour may be unexpected, but the underlying process is familiar to anyone acquainted with classic sparkling production.
Why is it blue?
This is where the story becomes a little more intriguing—and, perhaps intentionally, a little less transparent.
According to the producer, the colour is derived from the skins of black grapes, achieved through a method that remains a closely guarded secret. The exact details are not publicly disclosed, which is not unusual in cases where a winery has developed a distinctive technique.
What is clear, however, is that the colour is not accidental. It is part of the wine’s identity, reportedly inspired by the blue waters surrounding the Isle of Wight.
It is worth noting that, while the appearance may raise questions, the producer’s own description consistently frames the wine as a genuine sparkling cuvée rather than a purely decorative product.
Why is it trending now?
Interestingly, this is not a brand-new release. The wine has existed for some time, but its visibility has recently increased.
Several factors appear to have contributed:
- Renewed interest in unusual or visually distinctive wines
- Continued tourism promotion around the Isle of Wight
- And, more recently, exposure linked to television coverage, including a connection to The Apprentice filming on the island
When a visually striking product meets a moment of broader attention, it tends to travel quickly—particularly in an age where appearance often sparks curiosity before substance is even considered.
How is it different from other blue wines?
The idea of blue wine is not entirely new, and earlier versions—particularly from Spain—have attracted both curiosity and controversy, especially around classification and labelling.
What distinguishes “Something Blue” is its positioning.
Unlike many other blue wines, it is:
- Sparkling, rather than still
- Produced using the traditional method
- Made from locally grown English grapes
- Presented as a cuvée, rather than a novelty beverage
This does not place it within a traditional category in the strictest sense, but it does suggest a closer alignment with established winemaking practices than one might initially assume.
Can you visit the vineyard or buy a bottle?
For those intrigued enough to experience it firsthand, the answer is yes.
Adgestone Vineyard is open to visitors and offers:
- Guided tastings
- Vineyard tours
- A chance to sample the wine in its place of origin
For those further afield, the wine is also available online, typically priced at around £42.45 per bottle.
It is often associated with celebrations—particularly weddings, where the name “Something Blue” lends itself rather neatly to tradition. That said, it also appeals to those simply curious to try something that steps slightly outside the expected.
Final thoughts
The blue wine from the Isle of Wight occupies an interesting space in the modern wine landscape.
It challenges expectations without entirely abandoning tradition. It invites curiosity, yet retains enough technical grounding to be taken seriously.
Perhaps most importantly, it offers a reminder that wine, while steeped in history, still has room for interpretation—and occasionally, for a touch of colour where one might least expect it.