English wine enjoys steady growth

Published: 23 July, 2008

England and Wales have produced a bumper volume of wine, Food Standards Agency (FSA) figures show.

3,369,000m bottles will be produced from the 2006 harvest, the third highest volume since production records began.

The number of hectares under vine has increased from 793ha in 2005 to 923ha, according to the 2006 production figures, compiled by the Wine Standards arm of the FSA.

The number of vineyards also increased from 350 to 362. Since 2004, vineyard acreage has been steadily increasing by approximately a third.

Julia Trustram Eve, marketing manager of English Wine Producers, said: "Demand for English wines has been definitely increasing as more consumers become aware of English wines and the variety and styles they offer, and this is backed up by sales, rising year on year.

"The trade is increasingly supportive with English Wine Week this year. We have seen more of both the on- and off-trade participate than ever before."

English Wine Week takes place from 26 May-3 June. Events will take place across the country, including a Devon v New Zealand competition and a tasting led by wine expert Charles Metcalfe.

Go to www.englishwineweek.co.uk for more information.

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