News in brief: UK wine producers are anticipating a fruitful grape harvest this year due to a mixed summer weather pattern, hoping for a warm August to boost yields. The UK’s growing wine industry, which has experienced increased popularity, especially in sparkling wines, has seen vine growing areas expand along with production.
English wine producers are hoping this year’s mixed summer weather could lead to a bumper harvest of crop of grapes to help the growing industry.
The country recorded one of its wettest Julys since 2015, according to reports. It was also the cloudiest since 2012, but temperatures were average. Farmers opine that a warmer August would be a percussor to spectacular yields.
English wines have witnessed a growth in popularity in the last few years and vine growing areas has grown by 74%, while the number of bottles produced has gone from five million to more than 12 million.
Sales of sparkling wines from the UK has boosted the growth in popularity of English wines. In contrast with still wine, it has significant levels of carbon dioxide in it, making it fizzy. Although the phrase commonly refers to champagne, European Union countries legally reserve that term for products exclusively produced in the Champagne region of France.
Another factor that has led to the increasing sales of sparkling wine is increased professionalism in the industry. Vineyard owners believe that there is a strong chance for a really good harvest.
The United Kingdom is a major consumer of wine, although a minor grower and producer. Wine production in the UK has historically been perceived as less than ideal due to the cold climate. However, warmer summers and grapes adapted to these conditions have played a role in increasing investment and sale of wines.
The industry produced 12 million bottles in 2022, representing a 130% increase on the 5.3 million bottles produced in 2017. Sparkling wine accounts for 68% of this production.
Viticulture is now the fastest growing agricultural sector in the UK, employing 2,300 people on a full-time basis, while a further 8,300 people are employed in part-time or seasonal work.
