The 2026 WineGB Awards have been announced, showcasing the increasing diversity of the British wine scene. 

According to the association, English and Welsh wines continue to set an international benchmark. However, a wider range of styles and grape varieties are also gaining recognition. 

Judges noted an increase in wines made from Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Gamay, alongside disease-resistant varieties such as Divico, Cabernet Jura and Cabaret Cortis. 

While Chardonnay remains the most-awarded grape variety, the competition featured wines made from 24 different varieties. 

Elsewhere, WineGB said that still wine continues to grow in both volume and quality. 

In the 2026 competition, still wines accounted for more than half of all award-winning entries, with 52% of those submitted receiving a gold, silver or bronze medal. 

For the second consecutive year, more still wines than sparkling wines were entered, with still wines representing 56% of all entries. 

Among the most highly awarded still wine categories were Bacchus, Gamay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. 

Reflecting the growing geographical diversity of the sector, WineGB also reported that wine quality in the South West is rapidly catching up with that of the South East. 

Within this, Hampshire and Dorset each won seven gold medals, surpassed only by Kent and Sussex. 

Co-chair of the awards, Peter Richards MW, commented: “If I was going to pick up on one thing that is really palpable and obvious from this year’s judging, it’s that the diversity of the wines on show is just growing exponentially. That’s really exciting because that talks to producers being ambitious.” 

Co-chair Susie Barrie MW, added: “What’s always so exciting is how innovative the English wine scene can be because there are very few rules and regulations that you might have in traditional wine producing regions.”