Growing English wine industry
Latest reports show that English wine production is up 42% on 2013 harvests. Two thirds of this is the production of sparkling wine with estimates that 4m bottles have been made this year. The last two years have seen excellent growing conditions for the grape and climate change has meant English growing conditions are now similar to those in France. But also the UK vineyard area has doubled in 7 years and now stands at 2000 hectares. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the most popular grape varieties grown here in the UK. Plantings of these have increased by over 230% in the last eight years. UK retailers are getting on board too with Marks and Spencer and Waitrose adding to their English range of wines sold. And what we're producing is pretty good too, with many sparkling wines winning gold medals internationally. So a toast to English wine - well done chaps!
