The English wine industry: a region of growing significance
The South of England provides an ideal terroir for the production of high-quality sparkling wine. The region shares the same chalk soil composition as champagne and benefits from a cool climate and an extended growing season. These conditions contribute to the production of wines with pronounced freshness, balance, and purity of fruit.
The English wine industry has experienced significant growth in recent years and is now the fastest-growing agricultural sector in the UK.
As of 2023, the United Kingdom has over 1,000 vineyards. This expansion reflects a significant upward trajectory, with the total area under vine now covering more than 10,000 acres (a 123% growth over the past decade). Over two thirds of these vineyards are planted with the classic champagne grape varieties, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and 75% of the country’s total wine production is sparkling.
Sales of English wine continue to buck wider market trends, increasing by 10% in 2023 to a total of 8.8 million bottles. Sparkling wine sales, in particular, have seen exceptional growth, rising by 187% since 2018 to 6.2 million bottles, while still wine sales have increased by 117% to 2.6 million bottles over the same period.
This growth can be attributed to a combination of climatic, economic, and consumer-driven factors. Rising temperatures have improved grape growing conditions in the UK, leading to greater yields and enhanced quality. Producers have capitalised on this opportunity by expanding vineyard plantings, further solidifying the industry's position. At the same time, consumer preferences have shifted towards locally produced wines, fuelled by sustainability considerations and a strong appetite for supporting British brands. Tourism has also played a significant role, with visits to UK vineyards and wineries rising, driving direct-to-consumer sales and strengthening brand loyalty. Chapel Down now welcomes approximately 60,000 visitors a year for winery tours and tastings at its brand home and retail experience in Tenterden, Kent.
English sparkling wine is increasingly recognised on the global stage, earning prestigious international awards.
Beyond domestic growth, English sparkling wine is increasingly recognised on the global stage, earning prestigious international awards. This was exemplified in 2024 when Chapel Down Rosé was awarded the ‘Best in Show’ trophy at the Decanter World Wine Awards, one of only 50 wines to receive this distinction from more than 18,000 global entries. It is the first English sparkling rosé to ever achieve this accolade. Chapel Down was also crowned Wine GB’s ‘Supreme Champion’ with Kit’s Coty Coeur de Cuvee 2016. Its wines have also gained the support of leading British chefs and sommeliers, and English sparkling wine is now served in the UK’s finest restaurants, bars and hotels.
Chapel Down: the market leader in English wine
Chapel Down is England’s leading and largest wine producer, with more than 1,000 acres under vine across the South East of England. The majority of its vineyards are located on the chalky, south-facing slopes of the North Downs, with its Kit’s Coty vineyard being widely considered one of the finest vineyards in the country.
This distinction is due to its exceptional terroir, which closely mirrors the conditions of the champagne region in France. The vineyard benefits from free-draining chalk soils that provide excellent water retention while encouraging deep root growth, leading to concentrated flavour development in the grapes. The south-facing aspect ensures maximum exposure to sunlight, promoting optimal ripening and the development of complex aromatics. Combined with the region’s uniquely long growing season and cool climate, which preserve acidity and freshness, Kit’s Coty produces wines of remarkable purity, finesse, and structure.
Chapel Down continues to build its status as the leading brand of the English wine industry, supported by its high-profile partnerships as the ‘Official English Sparkling Wine’ of England Cricket, Royal Ascot and Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park, amongst others.
Distribution and international expansion
Chapel Down’s wines are available in leading UK retailers, including Harrods, Majestic, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s, where the company held a 34% market share in sales of English sparkling wine in 2024. The wines are also listed in more than 2,400 premium hospitality venues, including The Langham and The Pig Hotels.
The company continues to strengthen its direct-to-consumer business through e-commerce and its brand home in Tenterden, while expanding its international presence. Chapel Down’s wines are now stocked in 35 UK travel hubs, including London Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, and Eurotunnel, and exported to many international markets, including the United States and Scandinavia.
In 2023, Chapel Down became listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange, providing investors with an opportunity to support the UK’s growing wine industry. With over 10,000 shareholders, the company offers an investor benefits package, including a 33% discount on full-priced wine purchases, complimentary guided tours at the Chapel Down winery and priority access to new vintages for shareholders with holdings of 2,000 shares or more.
As demand for English sparkling wine continues to increase, Chapel Down remains at the forefront, driving quality, innovation, and brand recognition within this developing category.
Susie Goldsmith
Head of PR, Sponsorship & Events, Chapel Down
For further information, visit chapeldown.com
All views expressed are those of the author and should not be considered a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any products or securities.
