Nearly 90% of UK wine drinkers considering themselves 'wine buffs'

By Erin Smith

Published: 08 August, 2016

According to a recent survey of 1,586 Brits, conducted by UK research and consulting firm Ginger Research, 88% of respondents said they considered themselves a wine buff or a wine lover.

The research was undertaken on behalf of The Co-op.

Ben Cahill a wine buyer for Co-op said: "The survey has produced some really interesting insights into how we've become more interested in wine as a nation. We're certainly seeing this in store as shoppers take more time to choose their wine purchases, with price not always being the top factor. Instead where the wine comes from, quality, grape varieties and label design are just as important."

The report also showed nearly a third (30%) of Brits try to impress friends with their wine knowledge, with 7 out of 10 of those polled saying they are more interested in the subject now than they were 10 years ago.

It may be this mentality coupled with a need to impress others, which is helping to contribute to the rise in premium wine sales across the UK. The average Brit now spends £19 per week on wine and is willing to pay £11 for a decent bottle, according to the research.

Impressing others and social validation seems to be a driving factor in getting wine drinkers to buy up. Almost half (41%) of those surveyed said they spend more on a bottle of wine they take to their friends house in a bid to impress them with their wine knowledge. Further over a quarter (28%) say they have bought an expensive bottle of wine to impress other guests at a dinner party. Another quarter of those surveyed confess they research the wine they are serving to friends in a bid to impress.

"Our love for good food has made wine pairing a crucial element of dinner party planning - especially if you want to impress, so it's unsurprising Brits are embracing the concept of quality wines," said Cahill.

A third (33%) of those polled see the French as making the best wine.

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