Women are turning to posh beers now as well

BRITISH women are turning from wine to posh beer, claims winemaker Chapel Down.

Frazer Thompson, chief executive of the Kent winery, said increased interest in craft beers, specialist flavours and sophisticated brewing has led to a beer revolution as more women opt for the once-deemed male-only beverage.

Sales of its beer and cider business, Curious Drinks, rocketed to £1.5m in the six months to June 30, up 55pc from last year’s £0.97m.

Overall sales rose by 26pc to £4.1m and wine sales increased by 14pc to £2.6m.

Gross profit for wine was up 18pc at £1m, and beer and cider profit was £473,000, a 55pc increase from £305,000. Chapel Down, which makes its beer with Champagne yeast, said its unique approach has been popular with women.

Thompson said: ‘We’re finding a lot of women who perhaps don’t normally drink beer will be more attracted to Curious Brew because it’s made by a winemaker.

‘It’s the people who care about ingredients that are more minded to drink our beer. I generally think women are more likely to care about these things than men.’

He added: ‘Men care more about price and other things.’