WineGB has expressed optimism about both the size and quality of this year's UK grape harvest, with producers reporting healthy vineyards and encouraging fruit development despite a season marked by frost, hailstorms and heatwaves.
The trade body, which represents UK wine producers, said growers across England and Wales are seeing clean fruit and positive ripening following stable summer conditions.
While an unusual frost affected a small proportion of vineyards and crops earlier in the season, producers have used vineyard management techniques and technical expertise to support recovery and maintain fruit quality, according to WineGB.
Nicola Bates, chief executive of WineGB, said the industry had demonstrated resilience in the face of challenging weather conditions.
“Our producers have shown exceptional skill this season, one in which we saw frost, hailstorms and a heatwave within weeks of each other,” Bates said.
“Their vineyard management is currently delivering healthy, high-quality fruit and whilst it's too early to definitively say the overall impact on this year's UK harvest, and what happens over the next few weeks will be crucial, the vineyards look strong and we're optimistic.”
She added that the industry's ability to adapt to increasingly variable weather would remain critical.
“That said, seasonal conditions remain variable and producers continue to adapt, so building long-term resilience plans is essential for protecting our vineyards and to future-proof English and Welsh wine.”
WineGB is urging retailers, wholesalers and hospitality operators to continue backing English and Welsh wines as the category continues to grow.
The organisation will showcase the sector at its 2026 WineGB Trade & Media Tasting on 7 September at Old Billingsgate in London, where producers from every major UK wine region will present their wines to buyers, retailers, sommeliers, importers and hospitality professionals.
WineGB said the event aims to help the trade discover new wines, refresh product ranges and build relationships with producers as demand for English and Welsh wines continues to increase.