Wine GB ‘optimistic’ about 2026 harvest after heatwave summer

By Oliver Catchpole

Published: 07 August, 2026

Wine GB has said that it is “optimistic” about the size and quality of the UK harvest, in response to speculation about this year’s crop.

Producers across the country are currently reporting healthy vineyards, clean fruit and good levels of ripening, following what the trade association called “stable summer conditions”.

The statement comes after a record-breaking season for the UK, with reports from the Met Office saying that July 2026 was “an exceptional month for the UK’s climate statistics”.

Read more: Henry Sugden – 'Looking Back, Forging Ahead'

This year, England and Wales recorded its driest July on record, while southern England – where many producers are based – saw its driest month ever recorded.

The UK also experienced its sunniest July on record (with England and Wales experiencing their sunniest month ever).

Multiple heat records were also broken over the summer so far, contributing to drought conditions that have affected much of the country.

Some winemakers also saw unusual frosts this year – impacting a small number of sites – but growers have overall managed to maintain (or recover) the health of their crop through careful management.

Nicola Bates, CEO of Wine GB, explained: “Our producers have shown exceptional skill this season, one in which we saw frost, hailstorms and a heatwave within weeks of each other.

“Their vineyard management is currently delivering healthy, high-quality fruit and whilst it’s too early to definitively say the overall impact on this year's UK harvest, and what happens over the next few weeks will be crucial, the vineyards look strong and we’re optimistic.”

As the BBC recently reported, while vegetable farmers have suffered due to lack of rain, vines have been thriving in the dry heat, which has aided veraison and reduced disease pressure.

Scientists have attributed heat experienced this summer to global warming, with the Met Office reporting that “the climate of the 20th Century has now gone”.

While this has so far been a boon to the UK wine industry, uncertainty remains as the climate continues to shift.

Bates added that: “Seasonal conditions remain variable and producers continue to adapt, so building long-term resilience plans is essential for protecting our vineyards and to future proof English and Welsh wine.”

As ever, Wine GB is urging hospitality operators, retail outlets and the tourism industry to get behind the fast-growing English and Welsh wine category, pointing to its 2026 Wine GB Trade & Media Tasting (on 7 September) as an opportunity to build relationships with the sector.

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