FORTIETH RULE

Discover a new history.

English Wine.

FORTIETH RULE is a tribute to the rich tradition of sharing wine. Our founder, Josh, studied Theology at St Bennet’s, a private hall at the University of Oxford run by Benedictine monks. There, the students would gather each evening for dinner and read from the Rule of St. Benedict. The one chapter they were never allowed to read? The Fortieth Rule, which outlined the monks’ wine consumption limits - a rule that, unsurprisingly, was often met with more laughter than reverence.

Our name reflects both the joy of sharing wine and the intellectual heritage that shapes our family’s story.

Learn more about our wines.

Featured
Hemina Pinot Noir Rosé
Hemina Pinot Noir Rosé
from £27.00

Hemina is the flagship Rosé of our 2024 collection. Both its fuchsia hue and its bottle are an homage to the wines of Tavel that inspired it.

Made from 100% Pinot Noir, all fruit was harvested on 16 October 2024. Blended from parcels of wine aged in both stainless steel and third-fill Burgundian oak barrels, this is a Rosé with poise and presence.

Strawberry, cherry, rhubarb and grapefruit with a hint of shortcrust pastry and a rising, refreshing acidity. Serve lightly chilled.

Gaudete Sunday
Gaudete Sunday
from £34.00

A unique blend of Bacchus and our oak-aged Rosé, crafted with minimal intervention - unfiltered and unfined. This expressive wine marries the rich, textured body of the oak-aged Rosé with the zesty brightness of Bacchus.
Bursting with vibrant notes of grapefruit, cherry, strawberry, mandarin and lime, complemented by a hint of cream and pastry.
An indulgent yet refreshing wine. Gaudete in Latin means rejoice and there is no other option in front of a glass of this pale pink delight.

Only 130 bottles have been produced.

O.S.B.
O.S.B.
from £23.00

Our original skin contact Bacchus is our inaugural wine from England’s signature grape. 
Fresh and zesty aromas of lychee, kiwi and elderflower complement Bacchus’s distinctive hedgerow character.
A prolonged cold maceration before fermentation imparts a rich, textured body balanced by refreshing acidity. Notes of honeysuckle, pak choi, and subtle spice to finish.
Picked on 11 October 2024. This wine has not gone through malolactic fermentation.

Only 252 bottles have been produced.

The Magnum Directory

Purchase one of our limited release Chardonnay blend magnums and your name will appear on our Magnum Directory. There are also a few other perks!

Sharing wine at a wedding
Magnum Directory Fortieth Rule Painting
Writing on bespoke wine

Bespoke

Looking for a custom wine for your organization or event? A personalized wine is a great way to celebrate any occasion or make a memorable impression (as proven at Josh's wedding!). We provide a fully customized service with no fixed process or minimum costs. We look forward to creating a unique English wine experience for you.

Wedding confetti photo