Undulating landscapes with elegantly ordered vines as far as the eye can see is a sight enjoyed by wine lovers around the world... but some of the very best produce is to be found on UK shores – and it’s only getting better.
English Wine Week – this year taking place 21st to 29th June – is the perfect opportunity to explore the fine tipples that England has to offer; and rest assured, there’s plenty out there to delight all palates. For our pick of the best wines to check out this year, click here, and read on to find out why WineGB CEO, Nicola Bates, believes that the best is yet to come for our vibrant wine industry.
The future is bright
As an industry body that exists to support winemakers across the UK, including everything from production advice to regulation and spreading the message of Great British winemakers, WineGB is at the forefront of this exciting sector.
“Every year, more and more vineyards are being established, and their wine is really hitting the mark,” says Nicola. “In 2018, sales of English wine were £3.3 million, but that figure jumped up to £8.8 million in just five years – testament to the incredible quality of what our wineries are producing.”
A grand day out
The awareness of the wonderful work done by English vineyards is increasing year-on-year, and no wonder; with many offering on-site experiences – from tastings to tours and everything in between – wine lovers are getting the British bug, and lapping up the stunning landscapes, beautiful drinks and passionate personalities that are rife within the English wine sector. To get inspired, check out the latest issue of Great British Food to discover the six vineyards we recommend in 2025.
You probably don’t need to travel far to experience the magic of a winemaker in person, but once you’ve sampled a taste of the best your region has to offer, consider travelling further afield; staycations are the perfect opportunity to experience nature’s bounty and discover a new favourite bottle.
If and when you find yourself at a winery, invest time in chatting to the team there. Passion courses through their veins, and they are the very best ambassadors and educators when it comes to British wines. “It takes a special kind of person to decide to cultivate a vineyard and create wine here,” says Nicola, “with our climate as it currently stands it’s a real challenge, with the difficulties faced by winemakers changing region to region, so they are real pioneers.”
Sustainable sips
These rock and roll farmers – experimenting and evolving whilst adapting centuries-old techniques to suit their particular terroir – have taken a step beyond conventional farming, often adopting sustainable practices in order to safeguard the health of their land (and quality of their wines) for years to come.
Plus, for those of you who opt to shop sustainably wherever possible, WineGB has created a certification that helps you purchase wine with a clear conscient: Sustainable Wines of Great Britain. “This is an easy way for shoppers to identify that the wine they’re buying is from a vineyard or winery that is seeking to reduce its carbon emissions,” says Nicola – simply click here to discover the wines offering delicious flavour and exceptional quality alongside a passion for supporting their local ecosystems.
Level-up your wine chiller this summer
‘Creating New Traditions’ is WineGB's mission, and the great news is that by purchasing high quality English wine this English Wine Week and beyond from the ever-growing selection available in supermarkets or independents, you can support the future of our domestic wine sector – empowering the innovators and adventurers creating fantastic wines on British land.
There’s a huge array of delicious options on offer, reds, whites, rosés... but sparkling wines made using traditional methods are particularly worth sampling – and great value compared to Champagne. Plus, they offer the opportunity to toast a special occasion whilst supporting domestic winemakers.
If you’re after an award-winning bottle to make an occasion even more special, the shortlist of WineGB’s Awards 2025 is being announced soon!
