UK wine producers on the increase as drinkers go ‘local’

DEMAND for “boutique” wine has fuelled a boom in British vineyards, with the number of producers reaching a record high last year, according to new research.

The number of wine producers in the UK reached 397 in 2016, up 13 per cent from 352 in 2016, say accountancy group UHY Hacker Young.

The group said the same demand for “boutique” drinks that has driven the growth of craft breweries and independent distilleries had also boosted the fortunes of wine producers, as drinkers turn away from international brands in favour of local products.

James Simmonds of UHY Hacker Young said the trend was for niche, “local” products to outperform the growth of global brands. This has led to more consumers swapping French or New World wine for English wine. “It is more of a talking point to order a Welsh wine than French, but it is not just novelty value, critics are giving English and Welsh wine higher and higher ratings,” he added

Leading Kent wine producer Chapel Down is now an official supplier of Downing Street.