Raise a glass, wine lovers—there’s something truly worth celebrating in the UK! Not only has the country crossed a milestone with more than 1,000 vineyards, but it’s also officially one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the world.
According to the latest figures from WineGB, the UK now boasts a whopping 1,030 vineyards, marking a 9.2% rise in just one year. And with wine sales popping by 10% in England and Wales compared to 2022, it’s clear that British wine is having its moment in the sun—literally.
But that’s not all. In 2023, a staggering 87 new vineyards joined the ranks, while the number of wineries climbed from 209 to 221. The total area under vine now stands at 4,209 hectares, a jaw-dropping 123% growth in just ten years, and UK vineyards are flourishing like never before.
2023 didn’t just bring more vineyards—it brought more wine. A bumper crop delivered a staggering 161,960 hectolitres of wine, equating to 21.6 million bottles. That’s a massive 77% increase from 2022. While the UK’s unpredictable climate can create vintage variability, production is steadily rising, with the five-year average now at 12.4 million bottles—up from 10.7 million.
These numbers are even more impressive when you consider the global trend of declining wine consumption. While the world is sipping less, the UK is pouring more, with sales of English and Welsh wine continuing to grow sustainably. Over the past five years, sales have consistently risen, hitting 8.8 million bottles in 2023—a 10% jump from the previous year.
And the real showstopper? Sparkling wine. Sales of the UK’s fizz have skyrocketed by 187%, from 2.2 million bottles in 2018 to a sparkling 6.2 million in 2023. Still wine is no slouch either, with sales up 117%, from 1.2 million to 2.6 million bottles over the same period.
As English and Welsh vineyards continue to grow, there’s no doubt that the UK’s wine industry is on the rise. In fact, it’s now the fastest-growing agricultural sector in the country, with no signs of slowing down. So, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply someone who enjoys a glass of homegrown wine, it’s time to toast to the UK’s thriving vineyards. And if you’re in the business of growing grapes, now is the time to invest in your vineyard’s future. For comprehensive advice on all things vineyard-related and competitive pricing on agricultural fleets, the team at Vineyard Protect has you covered.
Visit www.vineyardprotect.co.uk for more information.
