WineGB’s English Wine Week takes place from Saturday 15 June to Sunday 23 June with a call to support wine tourism and visit a vineyard.

Coming after Welsh Wine Week, English Wine Week gives the UK on- and off-trade, English vineyards, and the wine-loving public the ideal opportunity to come together and support the sector.

Here are three highlights from WineGB and three easy ways that consumers can take part in the week’s festivities.

WineGB’s three highlights

1. 17 June: WineGB Tourism Report launch

With 1.5 million visits to UK vineyards each year and a quarter of income derived from wine tourism, English Wine Week is the perfect time to build on our success. In our Tourism Report, you can read about the latest statistics, how we are asking the Government to support this growing part of our industry, and our tourism triumphs, from winery slides and Easter egg hunts to historical connections and sustainable cellar doors.

2. 20 June: WineGB Awards medals and results

The medal-winning wines at this year’s WineGB Awards will be unveiled, presented in a searchable online catalogue.

Now in its eighth year, the WineGB Awards is the most comprehensive competition for GB wine. It is judged by a panel of nine expert tasters including Masters of Wine and top sommeliers, buyers, retailers, and writers, chaired by Susie Barrie MW, Oz Clarke OBE, and Peter Richards MW.

Judging is moving west this year to the stunning Sandridge Barton in Devon and will take place from 3 to 6 June.

3. English Wine Week events

WineGB is the hub and go-to place to find out what’s happening during English Wine Week. Visit our What’s On section and find a list of events here.

Flagship regional events are also taking place during English Wine Week. Vineyards in Hampshire, Surrey, and Thames & Chilterns are coming together for large wine festivals:

The Vineyards of the Surrey Hills Summer Spectacular, 15-16 June

Each of the five member vineyards – Albury Organic Vineyard, Chilworth Manor Vineyard, Denbies Wine Estate, Greyfriars Vineyard, and High Clandon Estate Vineyard – will be holding unique events and tastings. Find out more here.

TCVA English Wine Week Celebration, 16 June, Henley-on-Thames

Members of the Thames & Chilterns Vineyards Association, including Daws Hill Vineyard, Fairmile Vineyard, Hundred Hills, JoJo’s Vineyard, Oaken Grove Vineyard, Stanlake Park, and Wyfold Vineyard are coming together to celebrate English Wine Week. Working with local deli Pavilion Foods and South Oxfordshire District Council, the vineyards will host tastings in Henley town square from 11am until 4pm. Tickets will be available from 20 May from Pavilion Foods.

Vineyards of Hampshire Fizz Fest, 23 June, The Grange

Marking its 10th anniversary, the Vineyards of Hampshire Fizz Fest has moved its annual summer celebration forwards to coincide with English Wine Week. Enjoy wine from Black Chalk, Danebury Vineyards, Exton Park, The Grange, Hambledon Vineyards, Hattingley Valley, Louis Pommery England, and Raimes. More information here.

Three ways the public can take part

1. Visit a vineyard

After walking through the vines, sit back with a glass of wine, a platter of charcuterie, and relax knowing that your visits matter. Nearly 300 (296) vineyards and wineries in England are involved in wine tourism, whether through tours and tastings, hospitality, or on-site accommodation.

View our Producer Directory, find a vineyard near you, and pop in!

2. Attend an event

There are a wide variety of events put on by wine retailers, restaurants, producer groups, and vineyards themselves.

Visit the English Wine Week event page, where you will find a list of what is happening and where. If you’re holding an event, tell us about it filling in our online form.

3. Buy a bottle

Whether you’re an English wine expert or a newbie trying your first sip, English Wine Week is your chance to stock up.

Scour the shelves, eye up the offers, or browse online – the choice is up to you. Our data shows that the UK on- and off-trade remain the key markets for larger producers (over 80,000 bottles), while cellar door sales are most significant for micro and small producers, making up to 12,000 bottles a year. So, wherever you do it, buy a bottle!

Nicola Bates, CEO of Wines of Great Britain, the trade association for English and Welsh wine, says: “English Wine Week is the perfect opportunity to support the UK’s fastest growing agricultural sector. What better way to spend your holidays and weekends with a stay or trip to your local vineyard, celebrating at a wine festival, and then taking home a couple of bottles to share your experience with friends. Your palate will thank you and your support will make a difference.”

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.

English Wine Week is an annual marketing campaign first launched in 2006 that is run by WineGB.