What Does WineGB Do Nicola Bates on Advocacy, Policy and the Future of English Wine

This show was published Friday, June 26, 2026

Overview

WineGB. 500 members. One CEO. Nicola Bates joins Chris to talk lobbying, duty reform, hybrid grapes and why English wine needs government support to keep growing.

Nicola Bates is CEO of WineGB, the trade body representing English and Welsh wine producers. She came to the role from a government affairs background and has spent her time there reshaping how WineGB engages with policymakers, members and the public.

In this episode Chris and Nicola cover what WineGB actually does day to day, the Better Wine Reforms and why bulk wine transformation is a real threat to English sparkling, the case for wine tourism tax relief, and why hybrid grape varieties could quietly transform what gets planted across the UK. In a nutshell, in Nicola's own words, WineGB helps members to make wine, market wine and tell the story.

And Chris admits on air that he would never buy an English red without trying it first. Nicola's response is worth sticking around for.

Hosted by Chris Scott. Guest: Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB.

Subscribe

Using XML subscription or through Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you normally listen to podcasts.

Sponsorship

The UK Wine Show is sponsored by ThirtyFifty. Our team of wine tasters are busy entertaining and educating UK consumers to help them get the most out of wine.

Support us on Patreon

If you are a regular listener, do consider supporting the UK Wine Show on Patreon. You can pledge a monthly payment, equivalent to a cup of coffee or very small glass of wine!

Become a Patron!

Music

The music used for the UK Wine Show is Griffes de Jingle 1 by Marcel de la Jartèle and Silence by Etoile Noire.