WineGB has released its latest Industry Report with updated figures on hectarage, production, sales and employment. Despite the economic and political conditions, the sector has grown sales and production.
The Industry Report 2025 reveals that vineyard numbers have increased by 74 to hit 1,104 with 25 newly registered wineries bringing the total to 238. The area under vine has also grown from 4,209 hectares to 4,841ha, representing a growth rate of 510% since 2005.
Kent continues to be the most planted county, accounting for almost double the area of the next vine-dense county of West Sussex. Recent plantings have lifted Essex to third, leapfrogging both East Sussex and Hampshire. Dorset has also climbed to seventh, behind Surrey, with Gloucestershire, Devon and Suffolk making up the top 10.
In terms of grape varieties, the top six remain unchanged. Pinot Gris has risen to become the seventh most planted variety followed by Reichensteiner, Rondo and Pinot Blanc. Chardonnay has increased its dominance, now constituting 33% of plantings (up from 31%), with Pinot Noir also increasing its share to 30%.
With challenging conditions experienced across much of northern Europe, 2024 saw a reduction in total production. According to the Food Standards Agency Wine Team, there were over 10.6 million bottles produced last year, higher than originally estimated due to more up-to-date active hectarage figures being used.
While the average yield was the lowest since 2016 (21.3hl/ha), the increase in overall vineyard area means that 2024 achieved the fourth highest production volume overall. The split between sparkling and still wine production (69% vs. 31%) was more in line with the long-term average. There was also a higher proportion of still rosé wine made in 2024, rising to 25% compared with 20% in 2023.
Commenting on the latest data release, WineGB CEO Nicola Bates says: “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. A slew of national and international accolades for GB wines this year – including the first ever 99 points at the WineGB Awards – continues to demonstrate the quality of our wines in a global setting. It is time that the Government puts the necessary support into the most on-trend wine region so we can take advantage and really build the category – or we risk missing our chance.”
