Sales of still wine produced in England and Wales have surged, experiencing a notable 10% increase in 2024, largely attributed to a record harvest the previous year. Across the UK, overall wine sales volumes rose by 3% in comparison to 2023, marking a respectable achievement despite recent economic challenges and regulatory shifts. Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB, acknowledged these hurdles, emphasizing the resilience of the sector.
The total volume of still wine sold amounted to 2.9 million bottles, significantly outpacing sparkling wine, which continued to match previous sales levels at 6.2 million bottles. This consistent performance for sparkling wines is particularly encouraging given that Champagne sales have declined during the same period.
The export market for UK wine has also shown promising growth, increasing by 35% year-on-year and now representing 9% of total sales. Despite the challenges of persistent wet weather affecting production and leading to crop losses, the overall production in 2024 reached nearly 10.7 million bottles. This production still ranks as the fourth highest in the past decade, thanks to increasing vineyard developments.
The UK currently boasts 99 grape varieties, and significant interest remains in Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay, Albariño, Merlot, and Riesling. The growth of vineyard area continues with the establishment of 25 new wineries and 74 vineyards last year, bringing the current totals to 238 wineries and 1,104 vineyards, covering a substantial 4,841 hectares—a dramatic increase of 510% since 2005.
Kent remains the leader in vineyard plantings, followed by West Sussex and then Essex, which has recently climbed in rank due to new vineyard developments. The industry anticipates a 21% rise in full-time employment over the next three years as it seeks to sustain this growth.
In conclusion, the English and Welsh wine industry exhibits a robust growth trajectory, characterized by expanding vineyard acreage, increasing production, and a growing variety of grape cultivation.