Westminster turned its attention to English wine on Wednesday (June 25) in honour of English Wine Week. 

Kent MP Katie Lam opened the debate by praising the fast-growing industry as one that “combines modern ambition with rural heritage”. She highlighted that, as of 2023, UK vineyards produced over 21 million bottles of wine, with domestic sales rising and exports reaching 45 countries. 

Lam called on the government to “start helping rather than hindering” the burgeoning industry, citing rising National Insurance, increases to the minimum wage and incoming EPR fees as threats to growth. 

She also advocated for cellar-door relief, a reduction in duty for wine sold directly to consumers, which she said would incentivise wine tourism and support the sector. 

Her sentiments were echoed by Bridgwater MP Ashley Fox, who called for English wineries to be included in duty relief schemes, as is already the case for small brewers and cider makers. 

West Dorset MP Edward Morello raised concerns about the current cap on small producer relief, suggesting it should be lifted from 8.5% abv to 14% to allow more English wineries access to the support. 

Chatham MP Tristan Osborne supported these calls and urged the minister to act on three key proposals: invest in export market promotion as proposed by WineGB; provide relief for wine tourism and offer support for energy and production costs. 

Daniel Zeichner, minister of state for the department of enviroment, food and rural affairs responded with the following: “The government are steadfast in their commitment to support rural economies. We are determined to ensure that the UK has a thriving and diverse economy that promotes local jobs, boosts growth and supports communities across the country.” 

Zeichner added that the government was working with stakeholders to improve English PDO schemes. He continued that the government was looking into wine tourism relief though noted the issue of increasing the 8.5% cap in small producer relief was a “treasury matter”.