2025 in Review: 10 ways WineGB has helped members Make, Market & Tell the story of UK wine
It’s been a busy year, as WineGB seeks to support its 500 plus members to to MAKE wine, MARKET wine and TELL the story.
This year we completely reworked this website to make it more accessible, not only to those who grow and produce wine, but trade, press and consumers. We also underwent a brand refresh to better reflect our dynamic sector.
But that’s not all, here’s an overview of how we have progressed our Make, Market, Tell strategy in 2025.
MAKE
1. Information& Guidance
Our Knowledge Hub informs and educates with documents filtered into dedicated areas covering everything from Vineyard Compliance to Sustainable Working, our online seminars provide advice and guidance from industry experts and further information support is provided by our Knowledge Manager and member forum.
2.Toolkits & Benchmarking
Our new entrants guide provides essential guidance for those new to or thinking about joining the industry, while toolkits on subjects such as Hiring and Sustainable Packaging support existing growers and producers in their day-to-day business.
3. Support for Growers
We’ve supported growers through research projects on Frost Management and Robotic Picking, updated our free Carbon Calculator, made it easier to streamline the carbon footprint process, and our annual Green Book, lists approved plant protection products and a recommended spray guide.
Market
4.UK Wine Map
We have evolved the former alphabetical producer directory to an interactive UK Wine Map, which enables users to postcode search against key criteria to tailor winery or vineyard visits. It’s a beautiful and practical way to get people to visit local and make the most of UK wine tourism.
5. Campaigns
To further encourage people to seek out UK wines, we launched our #CreateNewTraditions campaign as part of English Wine Week 2025 and selected 14 trade ambassadors to help spread the word in bars, shops, supermarkets and restaurants.
“These are especially challenging economic and political times. Our team is committed to supporting every one of our members as we navigate the maturing of our sector.
While we’ve made significant progress, we recognise there is still much to be done. If we act together, we will emerge stronger. Here’s to a successful 2026. Onwards.”
Nicola Bates, WineGB CEO
6.repping UK wines at home & away
We delivered the biggest UK Trade and Media Tasting to date, showcasing 400-plus wines from over 80 producers (including 20 newcomers) to more than 500 guests at a new central London location.
Building on export growth of 35%, we also represented 50+ producers at events and venues including ProWein and Wine Paris, Helsinki and Copenhagen Embassies, and UK Mission to the EU in Brussels
7. Proving UK wine quality
This year’s WineGB Awards saw a record performance of still wines and the first ever 99 points awarded, while our second Golden 50 Wine List, in partnership with Vineyard Magazine, highlighted the top UK gold medal winners across international competitions this year.
Tell
8. Reports & Insights
Our annual Industry Report and Harvest Report, the next iterations of which will be published in the new year, provide insight into growth and production.
Our Sustainable Impact Report highlights how vineyards and wineries are adapting and responding to our changing climate with techniques that showcase sustainability best practice.
All our reports, survey results and other insightful data can be found on the Data Section of our website.
9. Government Lobbying
Through judiciously applied research and careful messaging, we advocate for members’ interests at national and international levels.
Our work involves lobbying for progression with three key things that will help the growth of the UK domestic wine sector: Wine Tourism Relief; improved grants for equipment, education, R&D and marketing; and protection of our terms to aid consumer choices.
You can access all the latest industry news, political updates, policy review, campaign material, and support to host politicians in the Politics & Government Affairs Section of the members’ area website.
10. Getting noticed
Through the media and our social media channels we have helped drive the conversation surrounding UK wine.
The media are talking about us daily – on average, three times a day – while media shares mentioning WineGB, English Wine and Welsh Wine are up 70% year-on-year and online coverage has jumped over 200%.
Our 25,000-strong audience across social media is engaged with what we are saying, particularly on Instagram, where we have seen a 100% content interaction rate this year.
There is plenty more to come in 2026.
Check out our Review of the Year Report for a snapshot.