According to WineGB’s Industry Report 2025, the number of vineyards in England and Wales rose by 74 in 2024, bringing the total number to 1,104.
At the same time, 25 newly registered wineries increased the total to 238. Meanwhile, the area under vine grew from 4,209 hectares to 4,841 ha, illustrating a growth rate of 510% since 2005.
Kent remains the most planted county, followed by West Sussex and Essex, the latter of which has overtaken both East Sussex and Hampshire.
The top six types of grapes planted remain largely unchanged; however, Pinot Gris has risen to the seventh most planted variety, followed by Reichensteiner, Rondo and Pinot Blanc.
Chardonnay continues to increase its dominance, now making up 33% of all plantings, previously 31%. Pinot Noir has likewise increased to 30%.
The UK now has plantings of 99 different grape varieties, including the likes of Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay, Albariño, Merlot and Riesling.
Over the past two years, a range of new plantings have been introduced, including Grenache, Nebbiolo, Marsanne, Savagnin, Tempranillo and Viognier, while varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Pinotage and Syrah continue to be planted.
In terms of volume, 2024 was a challenging year for English wine, with a reduction in total production per vineyard. The average yield was the lowest since 2016.
At the same time, however, the increase in vineyard area meant that the overall production figures in 2024 were the fourth highest.
Within this, the split between sparkling and still wine was 69% to 31%, with an increased proportion of still rosé.
Turning to sales, volumes increased by 3% in 2024, with the sales of still wines increasing by 10%.
On the latest data, WineGB CEO, Nicola Bates, said: “Our industry shows resilience and remains in a growth phase with planting and employment continuing to show an upward trend. A 3% growth in sales is a notable achievement given the current economic climate, recent regulatory changes, and the fact that our producers continue to face considerable economic barriers not seen in mature markets.”
To aid the English and Welsh wine industry, the association continued its call for the introduction of wine tourism relief, the improvement of grants and the protection of the British wine terms.
