Sales of English wine continue to gain momentum as shoppers increasingly seek locally produced wines, with sparkling and rosé varieties driving growth, according to new retail data from Waitrose.
The supermarket reported a 10 per cent year-on-year increase in English wine sales over the past 12 months, led by a 15 per cent rise in English sparkling wine and a 14 per cent increase in English rosé.
Among the strongest-performing brands were Nyetimber, Chapel Down, Ridgeview and Gusbourne, with several products posting double- and triple-digit sales growth.
Emma Penman, English wine buyer at Waitrose, said demand is being driven by consumers' desire to support British producers alongside the improving quality of English wines.
“Locality has become a major driving force for our shoppers, with people increasingly looking to buy English wines,” she said, adding that stores located close to vineyards often record significantly higher sales of locally produced wines.
“A brilliant example is Camel Valley Cornwall Brut: our Truro store is just 25 miles away from the vines, and it sells 2.4 times more than our second best selling branch. Our customers are passionate about supporting home-grown businesses, and because English fizz can offer fantastic quality and value for money compared to other traditional method sparkling wines, it's a win-win.”
The positive sales trend comes as domestic wine production continues to expand.
New data from the Food Standards Agency showed UK wine production reached more than 124,000 hectolitres in 2025, equivalent to over 16.5 million bottles, making it one of the strongest years on record. Output was up 55 per cent on 2024, reflecting favourable growing conditions and continued structural growth in the English and Welsh wine sector. Industry body WineGB has also described the 2025 harvest as an exceptional year.
Alexandra Mawson, sparkling wine buyer at Waitrose, said English sparkling wine is increasingly competing with premium international offerings.
“England is producing such premium, super-quality sparkling wine right now - the best of which absolutely rival Champagne and often offer better value,” she said.
“Interestingly, southern England now enjoys the ideal climate that Champagne had back in the 1970s and 80s. Our slightly cooler British weather means the grapes stay on the vine longer and ripen slowly, which lets them develop these deep, complex fruit flavours while keeping that vibrant, crisp acidity you need for great quality fizz.”
The UK now boasts more than 1,000 vineyards and over 200 wineries, with vineyard acreage more than doubling over the last decade.