The English Wine Industry - The Wine Guild of the United Kingdom

The Evolution of the UK Wine Industry

Only fifteen years ago it would have been difficult to describe a motley group of some hundreds of vineyards as an industry. Some were good, many were poor and most of the rest were 'hobby' growers. Then came the realization that classic champagne grapes would grow and ripen in this country. Furthermore, in places our 'terroir' was ideal.

In the last fifteen years an industry has evolved. There are major producers who make excellent quality white and sparkling wines using very high quality production methods. Now England and Wales frequently wins prestigious awards at international competitions competing with the best in the world.

Production Methods and Communication

Three organisations have provided background support for those interested in improving marketing production methods and communication.

Plumpton College (www.plumpton.ac.uk) near Lewes has been the foundation stone in matters educational. It has developed from humble beginnings to offering a degree course in viticulture. This would have been unthinkable in the 1980's.

The United Kingdom Vineyards Association (www.ukva.co.uk) has played a leading role in pulling together the disparate parts of the industry fostering and encouraging the many small producers whose knowledge of marketing was poor. It drove forward the proposition that amateurism and quality do not often go together and slowly quality has improved.

In the early days vineyards were planted with a wide variety of grapes, some of which prospered in our climate and some which failed miserably.

Much more information is now available and competent growers can choose between classic varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier as well as others proven to suit our climate. Much work remains to be done with red wine. Pinot Noir can be grown, but price and volume go together.

This growing expertise resulted in the evolution of the English Wine Producers (www.englishwineproducers.co.uk), a group of nearly twenty leading estates who really intend to make money. Thus we now have an industry.

Readers should browse the websites of these three organisations. They are a revelation. For those who remain to be convinced, please experiment. You will be amazed! Not every wine will please every palate, but there are some to suit most tastes. Look around, sample the products and give support and encouragement to the emergence of this fascinating industry.

Lord Montagu, our Chancellor, is himself a vineyard owner at Beaulieu. He has for many years been Chairman of the UKVA and, UKVA has been a major force. His hosting of the Annual Awards at the House of Lords gave great encouragement to all concerned but this event will move to a larger venue as the industry picks up momentum. Watch this space!