Expanding Sales of Still Wines in England and Wales Outstrip Sparkling counterparts
UK Wine Industry Shows Resilience and Robust Growth in 2023-2024
The UK wine industry has demonstrated resilience and growth in the past year, with sales volumes increasing by 3% compared to 2023. This growth was primarily driven by a 10% increase in still wine sales, which outpaced the steady sales of sparkling wine.
The industry's growth occurred despite economic challenges and regulatory changes such as increased alcohol duty and National Insurance contributions. Key factors contributing to this growth include higher production volumes, expansion of vineyard area, increasing export activity, and market resilience.
In 2023, the UK produced approximately 21.6 million bottles of wine, a record vintage. However, subsequent crop losses due to wet weather and vineyard diseases led to a lower production of just shy of 10.7 million bottles in 2024. Despite this, the overall yield was still the fourth highest of the last decade.
The expansion of vineyard area played a significant role in the growth of the industry. The total vineyard area grew to 4,841 hectares in 2025, a 510% growth since 2005. Essex is now the third-largest county in terms of land under vine, ahead of East Sussex and Hampshire. The majority of vineyard plantings are still in Kent, followed by West Sussex, but Essex is seeing significant growth.
The number of vineyards in the UK increased by 74 last year, bringing the total to 1,104. The number of wineries also increased by 25, bringing the total to 238.
UK wine exports rose sharply by 35% year on year, now accounting for about 9% of total sales. The majority of the wine sold on the export market was still wine, totalling 2.9 million bottles, a 10% increase from the previous year. The UK now has 99 different grape varieties, including Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay, Albariño, Merlot, and Riesling.
The six most-planted grapes remain unchanged from last year, with Champagne varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier leading the way. Trends suggest a shift toward still wines, especially fine white wines like Chardonnay.
Looking ahead, industry leaders call for government support to sustain growth and capitalize on the UK's position as a "most on-trend wine region." They emphasize the need for continued planting, employment growth, and investment to overcome economic barriers and expand market reach.
In summary, the UK wine industry in 2023-2024 showed robust growth in production and sales, diversification into still wines, expanding vineyard acreage, and increased exports. With supportive policies and continued investment, the industry has promising future prospects.
[1] WineGB Industry Survey 2025 [2] The Guardian, "UK wine industry shows resilience and growth," 2025 [3] The Telegraph, "UK wine sales up 3% in 2024," 2025 [4] BBC News, "Essex becomes third-largest county for vineyards," 2025
Some investors consider wine, such as champagne, as a viable long-term investment, given the UK wine industry's growth and resilience witnessed in sports and other sectors in 2023-2024. The upward trend in still wine sales and increasing export activity suggests potential for lucrative returns.
The growth in the number of vineyards and wineries across the UK, particularly in Essex, further highlights the expanding market for wine both domestically and internationally, including a diverse range of grape varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
