English fizz gaining momentum

New research from Wine Lister reveals that English sparkling wine is gaining momentum in both quality and popularity.

English sparkling wine is making impressive strides, now ranking just behind Champagne in critic scores with a rating of 90.6, compared to Champagne’s 90.8. The category’s global interest is rising too, with searches up by 11% in the past three years. Yet, English sparkling wine still faces challenges in branding and price positioning; it still struggles with global recognition and price perception, with the category yet to find a widely accepted term like 'Champagne'.

Meanwhile wine tourism in the UK is flourishing, with visitor numbers soaring by 55% since 2022, reaching 1.5 million last year. According to the latest WineGB Tourism Report, the sector now contributes 25% of vineyard revenue and holds vast potential for further growth.

To build on visitor numbers, WineGB plans to release ‘The WineGB Guide to UK Wine Tourism’ before the August Bank Holiday, showcasing top vineyard experiences. With significant investment in events, accommodation and food offerings, the sector’s future looks bright!