English wine plans summer of celebration

English winemakers are planning a summer celebrating wines from the UK.

The English Wine Producers (EWP) has confirmed two key events for this year that should help the industry and trade capitalise on the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and London Olympics.

With the annual EWP trade and press tasting taking place on 3 May and English Wine Week (Saturday 2 – Sunday 10 June) beginning on the Jubilee bank holiday weekend, it is hoped that the trade will seize the opportunity to promote the country’s wines.

“The UK will be in a mood for celebration in June,” commented Julia Trustram Eve, marketing director of EWP. “What better way to mark the Diamond Jubilee than with a focus on English wines. The festivities will last well in to the summer and, of course, the London Olympics.
“If you don’t list an English wine, here’s a perfect opportunity capture the mood of the moment – why not link up with a local vineyard or existing suppliers?”

Increasing numbers of English wines are being listed and sold in the UK and EWP reported that at the present rate, by 2015 volumes will have increased to five million bottles.

Sainsbury’s recently announced the addition of an English sparkling wine to its Taste the Difference range, Ridgeview is to produce a sparkler for Waitrose’s own range and the industry has been buoyed by a good harvest in 2011.

the drinks business has already tipped English wine to make an impact this year as one if its top 10 trends of 2012.