Leading British winemaker Chapel Down is shaking things up with the launch of its new ‘Taste of England’ competition, a call-out to the next wave of chefs redefining what modern English cuisine looks like today. Aimed at ambitious culinary talent ready to make their mark, the competition offers a standout platform to gain national recognition while showcasing a fresh take on English food—rooted in seasonality, provenance and creativity. Applications are now open.
As England’s leading wine producer, Chapel Down is inviting chefs from across the country to submit a three-course menu paired with its sparkling wines. The brief asks menus to celebrate homegrown produce, reflect a strong sense of place and bring a clear, contemporary perspective to the plate.
The competition sits at the heart of a wider, food-led summer 2026 campaign designed to connect with a new generation of millennial consumers and further cement Chapel Down’s role in the UK’s food and drink scene. Activity will span partnerships with major food festivals including Pub in the Park, Sound Bites Festival and Big Feastival, as well as high-profile events such as Royal Ascot, the Top 50 Gastropub Awards and collaborations with leading restaurants nationwide.
Entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts and journalists, with three winners announced at a dedicated event at the Chapel Down winery estate this June.
The three winning chefs will have their menus brought to life through a series of high-profile consumer events across the summer, including chef takeovers at The Swan, the winery’s two AA Rosette restaurant. In addition, winners will receive a £3,000 cash prize and feature in a national PR and marketing campaign, with further opportunities to cook at key events throughout the season.
“At Chapel Down, we have always believed that great wine and great food are intrinsically linked through a shared sense of place,” said Liam Newton, Chapel Down’s Chief Marketing Officer. “English cuisine is undergoing a real shift, with a new generation of chefs championing seasonal produce and redefining what modern English cooking looks like. ‘Taste of England’ is about giving those chefs a platform, while also showcasing the versatility of English sparkling wine as a natural partner to contemporary British dishes.”
To enter, chefs can download and complete the Taste of England entry form from this link and submit it to chapeldown@thesaucecollective.com before 10:00pm on 27th April 2026.