Despite the unforeseen transport challenges of the tube strike, WineGB has pulled off its most successful National Trade & Press Tasting to date (Monday 8th September 2025).
With over 80 producers and 500 trade and press visitors in attendance, the new and improved tasting showcased the incredible quality and diverse range of wines now produced within the British Isles.
Set out over two floors within the elegant setting of 8 Northumberland Avenue in central London, the day featured a full programme of events including a Riedel masterclass, focused seminars and several key award announcements.
One of the highlights of the tasting was the launch of the inaugural WineGB Trade Ambassador scheme, designed to spotlight the exceptional work being done across the on and off trade to champion English and Welsh wines.
WineGB shortlisted 20 candidates from over 70 applications, with the final 14 Ambassadors chosen by members of WineGB’s Sales and Marketing Working Group. The selected group represents a vibrant cross-section of the industry – from independent wine bars and Michelin-starred restaurants to national retailers – all united by their passion and commitment to English and Welsh wines.
“Sunset over the Vineyard – Bantham Vineyard” by Manon Fosburgh was crowned the winner of the 2025 WineGB Photography Competition.
Adrian Crookendale from Saffron Grange Vineyard was awarded the Vintners’ UK Wine Apprenticeship.
Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB comments: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of this year’s tasting, the calibre of visitors, and the storytelling through the masterclass and seminar programme. It ensured that there was much to celebrate at our community event of the year and renews our confidence in what we can achieve working together as a sector This Trade Tasting put our Create New Traditions – Drink English and Welsh Wines campaign front and centre, and we have certainly made a new tradition of this years showcase. .
Wine writer Jamie Goode commented: “While it’s not the easiest time to be selling wine, there was a lot of buzz and positivity at the tasting. I tasted some amazing wines, and with what looks like a really good 2025 vintage on the way, I’ve got bright hopes for the future of GB wine.”
Ian Harris MBE from the Vintners’ Company commented: “The industry is clearly in good shape, and everyone was optimistic in spite of the challenges we are all facing. Also well done to everyone who ignored the Tube strike, it was good to see so many key industry figures there.”
Ex-Michelin Star chef Roger Jones said: “It was impressive to see so many people in attendance, especially independent restaurants and retailers which is where we need to encourage GB Wine sales. It certainly opened up my repertoire of GB Wines and to be introduced to so many new names”
Exhibitor Laura Robinson from Burn Valley Vineyard added: “The trade fair is a great opportunity to showcase our wines to a wider audience and our peers. We had great feedback about the wines and thought there was a good mix of industry somms, buyers and MWs interested in discovering East Anglian Wines.”
Helena Martin, MD of Schenk Family UK commented: “It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout — a true testament to the resilience and dedication of the UK wine community. The tasting was a brilliant celebration of British winemaking, highlighting an impressive range of styles from bold new producers to the well-established names we all know and admire. A huge congratulations to everyone involved — an event that perfectly captured the diversity and evolution of Wines of Great Britain.”
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Note to editors:
Notes to Editors
Wines of Great Britain (WineGB) is the national association for the English and Welsh wine industry. It represents, leads, and supports the sustainable growth of the Great British wine sector. With over 500 members, it works to cultivate success across the industry. Its work supports its three key areas of activity: to ensure strong production and a skilled workforce, to increase sales and safeguard quality, and to enhance the reputation of English and Welsh wine.
WineGB Trade Ambassadors
Launched during English Wine Week earlier this year, this trade competition centred on finding 10 English Wine Ambassadors from among the on- and off-trade.
The initiative aims to:
- Celebrate professionals who actively promote the category,
- Build a network of like-minded ambassadors to share ideas and insights,
- Amplify the story of UK wines through trusted voices in the trade.
Ambassador profiles will be available on WineGB’s newly launched website and their stories will be shared as part of ongoing campaigns and collaborations.
List of WineGB Trade Ambassadors:
Aline Lopez – Restaurante Sat Bains
Andrew Hill – George Hill Ltd Loughborough
Charles Carron Brown – Aulis London
Dale McIntyre – Majestic Leith Walk (Edinburgh)
Radu Iosif – Tern Restaurant by Johnny Stanford
Jack Thorpe – Fortnum and Mason
James Wright – Majestic Birmingham
Katherine Diment – Trinity London
Richard Brown – Little and Large Pub Company
Rory O’Conor – Dandy, Brighton
Vanessa Pearson – Ocado
Victoria Bubb - Elizabeth Rose Wines and Berry Bros & Rudd
Victoria Aldwinckle – Kent Wine School and Local Wine School
William Wilson – 10 Greek Street, London
WineGB Photography Competition
For this year’s WineGB Photography Competition 2025, entries were invited for 10 submission categories, to illustrate the journey from vine to bottle and capture the wide variety of work that happens in UK vineyards and wineries throughout the year. Each category winner will receive a showcase on social media featuring their winning photo, plus an interview with the person and producer behind the lens. They will also receive a social media pack so they can advertise their inclusion in the competition. The overall winner will also receive a social media showcase, plus a case of medal-winning wine from the WineGB Awards. The winning photo will be used on all WineGB branded note cards for the year.
The Vintners’ UK Wine Apprentice Award
This incredible opportunity enables an aspiring winemaker in a UK winery to learn more about winemaking. The winner will have the opportunity to undertake the Principles of Wine Growing and the Principles of Winemaking courses at Plumpton College in Sussex over a two-year period. They will also be given the opportunity to study for a WSET qualification at an appropriate level. The award, funded by The Vintners’ Company, has a total value of £3,000 and the education available to the winner can be flexible and tailored to the needs of the individual.