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WineGB releases roadmap to successful 2025

From bigger trade tastings to export growth and sustainability campaigns, WineGB outlines its plans to drive the success of English and Welsh wine this year. 

WineGB has announced an ambitious agenda for 2025. From expanded trade tastings and domestic campaigns to increased lobbying and export activity, the organisation aims to support producers and strengthen market positioning in the year ahead.

Trade events and outreach

A cornerstone of WineGB’s 2025 strategy is improving trade access to wines from Great Britain. The flagship WineGB National Trade and Press Tasting will move to a larger venue on 8 September, accommodating more attendees after a record-breaking 2024 event featuring 80 producers and over 350 wines.

Additionally, two new “Touch-Down Tastings” in June and November will focus on key industry themes, offering further opportunities for trade professionals to explore a curated selection of GB wines. Other highlights include the annual WineGB Awards in June and the return of the “Golden 50” list, a showcase of top-performing English and Welsh wines recognised by domestic and international competitions.

To maintain communication with trade partners, WineGB will continue its monthly newsletter introduced in 2024.

Boosting domestic awareness

Domestic campaigns remain a key focus. English Wine Week (21–29 June) will feature a consumer competition for an English wine experience and a trade campaign encouraging sales growth. Welsh Wine Week, from 30 May to 8 June, will celebrate events and promotions across Wales.

WineGB will also support various regional events throughout the summer, including Kent’s Wine Garden of England Summer Celebration (8 June), Hampshire’s Fizz Fest (29 June), and Surrey Hills’ Summer Spectacular. A refreshed Tourism Report, due in March, will highlight the growing appeal of wine tourism in Britain.

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Lobbying for industry growth

Following a busy 2024 that included launching its ‘Manifesto for Growth’, WineGB plans to intensify lobbying efforts in 2025. A Cellar Door Campaign will launch in June to advocate for tax relief, aiming to level the playing field with beer and cider producers.

Ahead of the Autumn Budget in October, WineGB will push for industry-specific measures, culminating in a Parliamentary Reception in November to highlight key challenges and priorities.

Expanding export markets

Building on growth in export sales—rising from 4% in 2021 to 8% in 2024—WineGB will increase its international presence. The trade body will debut at Wine Paris in February, followed by a return to ProWein in March. Targeted export activity is planned for the USA, Nordics, and Japan later in the year.

Additional initiatives

Other initiatives include the launch of the 2025 WineGB Photography Competition, the return of the Pruning Competition in March, and the 30 Days of Sustainable Action campaign in October, culminating in the release of the Sustainability Impact Report. WineGB will also support the Vineyard & Winery Show in November.

Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB, stated: “In 2025 we are building on a productive year and will continue to cultivate the success of English and Welsh wine. With a renewed focus on communicating with the trade, as well as growing our markets both domestically and overseas, we have a busy calendar of events in place to help our producers achieve their goals.”

WineGB’s comprehensive roadmap reflects the growing momentum behind English and Welsh wines, with a balance of domestic and international strategies designed to support producers and engage consumers.

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