Browse all articles in this category
Two of the UK's biggest wine and spirits distributors, Matthew Clark and Bibendum, have officially merged to create Matthew Clark Bibendum (MCB). The merger, announced by parent company C&C Group, brings together two major players in the industry and is expected to reshape how wine reaches bars, restaurants, and shops across the country.
Meet an award-winning island vineyard that's turning heads with its innovative blue wine and distinctive visitor experience complete with peacocks roaming the grounds. The owners have created something quite special that's garnered industry recognition while offering tourists and wine lovers a memorable destination. It's a great example of how UK vineyard owners are getting creative with production methods and hospitality to stand out in today's wine market.
The UK's English and Welsh wine regions have just gained a major digital hub. UK Vineyard Guide launched on 1 May as a comprehensive online platform bringing together over 1,100 vineyards in one place, complete with regional maps, visitor information, tastings details and an AI-powered discovery tool to help plan visits. With vineyard visits hitting 1.5 million in 2024 and predictions of 20% growth over the next five years, the platform arrives as demand for accessible wine tourism information reaches new heights.
WineGB is calling on independent wine retailers across the UK to join forces for English Wine Week, the organisation's annual promotional campaign. The initiative encourages retailers to stock and champion English wines during the campaign period, helping to boost visibility for home-grown producers among consumers. It's a good example of how the industry is working together to strengthen the domestic wine market through coordinated retail support.
A UK university has launched its own vineyard that's doing double duty as both a working winery and an educational space for students. The project combines hands-on learning with actual wine production, giving students practical experience in viticulture and winemaking. It's a clever example of how British wine education is becoming more experiential and grounded in real production.
A new survey from Drinks United reveals that the UK drinks industry, including wine businesses, has serious gaps in how it handles workplace discrimination, harassment, and employee reporting. The research highlights concerning shortcomings in employee treatment and suggests many companies need to do better at creating safe, inclusive workplaces. It's a reminder that the wine trade is being held to account on its workplace culture.
Wine Cellar Door has been acquired by 5forests, bringing together marketing agency services, research capabilities, and consumer discovery tools under one platform. The deal also opens doors for Wine Cellar Door to expand into four new markets, strengthening its position in helping wine businesses connect with customers across the entire buying journey.
Four friends have taken the reins at a Kent vineyard in what they're calling the perfect opportunity to build their dream wine business. The story highlights how younger entrepreneurs are increasingly investing in and taking over established vineyards across England's growing wine regions. It's an encouraging sign of confidence in the UK wine industry and shows there's genuine enthusiasm for developing quality wine production in the country.
Woodchurch Wine Estate in Kent has welcomed new ownership, with four friends and local wine enthusiasts taking over the multi-award-winning sparkling and still wine producer. The new team brings diverse professional backgrounds and plans to expand the estate's offerings with regular food pairings, new events, and community partnerships. They're committed to building on Woodchurch's reputation for quality wines whilst making English wine more accessible to visitors and wine club members.
England's wine industry is facing a tricky situation. While production has been growing thanks to favourable climate conditions and increased investment, there's a question mark over whether the market can actually absorb all this new wine. It's a classic case of success creating its own problems for producers trying to figure out where they'll actually sell their bottles.
Chapel Down, one of England's leading wine producers, has launched a new 'Taste of England' competition designed to celebrate up-and-coming English chefs. It's a clever move that combines the wine and culinary worlds, helping to raise the profile of English wine amongst the next generation of food professionals who'll shape dining trends across the UK.
A UK vineyard is making headlines for its innovative approach to winemaking that breaks from conventional methods. The BBC has taken a closer look at what makes their process distinctive and why it's catching industry attention. It's a great reminder that British wine producers continue to experiment and push boundaries in how they craft their wines.
Balfour Winery has opened The Winemaker's Pub in the charming village of Goudhurst, bringing vineyard hospitality directly to locals and visitors. This new venture bridges the gap between winery and community by combining English wine with traditional British cooking in a village pub setting, making quality English wine more accessible and integrated into everyday hospitality.
West Sussex vineyards are joining forces to boost tourism following the success of East Sussex's Rother Wine Triangle model. Chichester's wine cluster, which includes Ashling Park, Tinwood, Stopham, Roebuck and Digby, will adopt the proven blueprint of mapped routes, coordinated marketing and visitor signage. Wine tourism already accounts for roughly a quarter of vineyard income nationwide, and the structured cluster approach is expected to increase visitor numbers and cross-venue spending while strengthening the region's wine reputation.
WineGB, the trade association representing English wine producers, has appointed a new Head of Communications & Marketing. This move strengthens the organisation's ability to promote the UK wine industry and amplify the sector's voice in an increasingly competitive market. It reflects growing confidence in English wine's potential and the industry's commitment to building its profile both domestically and internationally.
The UK wine trade has lost a major figure with the death of Alan Mayne on 23rd January at the age of 85. Throughout his six-decade career, Mayne became one of the most respected and influential professionals in the high-end wine sector, shaping how fine wine is distributed and appreciated in Britain. He was known for his mentorship of younger professionals and his colourful personality within the trade.
Humble Grape has launched a new Women in Wine campaign, marking another step forward for diversity in the UK wine industry. The initiative highlights the retailer's commitment to supporting and promoting women across wine retail and hospitality roles. This reflects broader industry efforts to create more inclusive workplaces and career pathways for women in wine.
A Dorset vineyard has been crowned maker of the world's best sparkling wine, marking another feather in the cap for England's flourishing wine industry. The award highlights the growing quality and recognition of UK sparkling wines on the international stage, building on the region's reputation for producing world-class bottles that can compete with traditional champagne producers.
A new survey by Drinks United, backed by major UK industry organisations including the WSTA and WSET, has uncovered widespread safety concerns across the drinks trade. The findings reveal serious issues around safety, discrimination and inclusion that are affecting workers throughout the sector. It's a reminder that workplace culture matters just as much as what's in the bottle.
A Dedham vineyard in Essex has new owners who are committed to producing high-quality wines. The takeover reflects growing investment and confidence in English wine production, with the owners prioritising quality standards for their operation. It's another sign that the UK's vineyard sector continues to attract serious producers and investors.