Wine GB unveils 2021 award winners

Wine GB has unveiled the the winners of this year’s awards for which there was a record number of entries and first-time entrants from all over England and Wales.

English wines continue to go from strength to strength

Sales of English and Welsh wines increased by around 30% in 2020 over the previous year, according to the latest industry figures released by Wine GB. 

Bolney co-founder Rodney Pratt passes away

Rodney Pratt, co-founder of Bolney Wine Estate, has passed away.

English Wine Week anticipation ramps up with Hattingley limited run

Hattingley Valley has announced the release of two new small batch wines in celebration of English Wine Week (EWW) – just one of many celebrations and promotional activities which are due to begin this Saturday.

Wine GB announces new chairman

Sam Linter, MD and head winemaker at Bolney Wine Estate, is to become Wine GB chairman replacing Simon Robinson. 

Waitrose unveils mixed English wine case

Waitrose has launched a new mixed wine case comprising a selection of homegrown wines.

Wine industry receives ‘positive support’ from Prentis

The English and Welsh wine industry gained "positive support" from the agriculture minister, Victoria Prentis, in a meeting between Wine GB and DEFRA officials, the industry’s body has said. 

The life aquatic for English wine

Langham claims first with English Col Fondo

Langham Wine Estate has announced it will release kegs of a Col Fondo wine later this month, a move the winery claims to be a first for a UK producer. 

Gutter & Stars releases debut wine

Cambridge winery Gutter & Stars is gearing up to launch its debut vintage on 3 May 2021, eight months after opening its doors at Chesterton Mill, in the north of the city.

Q&A: Charlie Holland, Gusbourne

From the ‘baptism of fire’ of his first, unexpected vintage in Australia, to heading up one of England’s top wine estates, Charlie Holland, head winemaker and CEO at Gusbourne, fills Andrew Catchpole in on the story so far.

Balfour launches craft beer duo

Balfour Winery at Hush Heath Estate in Kent is launching two new craft beers – Jake’s Lager and Jake’s IPA, which will be distributed in the UK by Matthew Clark.  

Gladwin to retire as Wine GB deputy chair

Wine GB deputy chairman Peter Gladwin is to retire from the board at the next Annual General Meeting, currently planned for 27 May 2021. 

Black Chalk and Wine GB recreate social media push

Jacob Leadley, CEO and winemaker of Black Chalk, and Wine GB have announced plans for this year’s Easter weekend initiative to support the English wine industry.  

Wine GB gears up for first wine tourism conference

Wine GB is gearing up to stage its wine tourism conference next week, the first event from the trade body to focus solely on this part of the UK wine industry. 

Sharpham to double output as part of expansion plans

Sharpham Wine has announced plans to increase its output from 60,000 bottles to 120,000 per year.

Chapel Down to place Curious Drinks into administration

Chapel Down is to dispose of its Curious Drinks business to a NewCo, established by private equity firm Risk Capital Partners (RCP).

Wine GB turns spotlight on wine tourism and retail

Wine GB has released its 2021 calendar of activities, revealing a strong focus on wine tourism and the retail sector.

Balfour partners with Bibendum and Matthew Clark

Bibendum, Matthew Clark, and Walker & Wodehouse has signed a deal as the exclusive distributors for English wine producer Balfour Wines. 

Balfour and Majestic launch English wine follow-up

Majestic Wine and Balfour Wines at Hush Heath Estate are following up the debut of their English wine partnership, with a sophomore release of limited edition labels.