5 reasons not to miss the 2026 WineGB Conference
Taking place at 10 Union Street in London on 16th July 2026, this year’s WineGB Conference is centred around the theme of RESILIENCE in the wine industry.
1. Hear from headline speakers Terry Jones & Alan Mahon
Former Director General of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), Terry Jones is Founder of Chainbridge Associates, a strategic advisory practice which aims to bridge the gap between politics and agri-food,
Alan Mahon is founder of Brewgooder – the impact brand of the beer industry, and the only B Corp and Fairtrade certified company. Since 2016 Alan and the Brewgooder team have been making beers that empower communities at home and abroad through the work of the Brewgooder Foundation, their dedicated non-profit which has impacted over 140,000 people.
2. Listen to industry experts on the topic of resilience
The theme of this year’s conference is resilience, a focus that reflects both the challenges and the remarkable progress of our industry.
A second plenary panel discussion will focus on financial resilience, an increasingly vital factor in the long-term success of wineries and vineyards.
This expert panel and Q&A, led by Head of Partnerships, Neil Walker, will explore key areas such as sales, trade relationships, and business planning with practical, real-world insights to help attendees make informed decisions, strengthen stability, and position their businesses for sustainable growth in a changing market
3. Attend breakout discussions on Export, Sustainability, Viticulture and Winemaking
Export – unlocking global markets
Discover why now is the moment to take English and Welsh wine to the world. Hattingley Valley’s Sales and Marketing Director, Chris Unger, will spotlight the global demand already building for premium UK wines, share real‑world producer successes, and walk attendees through the practical export tools, market insights and support programmes.
Sustainability
Bringing together specialists from Knight Frank, Farm Carbon Toolkit, Sustainable Wine Solutions and more, these two panel discussions will examine practical approaches to improving resilience and identifying opportunities for long-term sustainable growth across vineyard operations, packaging, and business strategy.
The future of resilient viticulture
Two expert-led discussion panels with specialists in vine nutrition, agronomy, fertilisation, soil health, and practical vineyard management will examine the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges facing UK growers both above and below ground.
The future of winemaking resilience
Panel discussions focused on remediation strategies for both still and sparkling wine production will be led by winemakers from the WineGB Technical Winemaking Working Group.
4. Find out about Wine Tourism Relief & Back British Vineyards campaign
Listen to new WineGB chairman Charlie Holland advance our Wine Tourism Relief campaign and launch the call to action to Back British Vineyards.
The UK vineyard and winery sector is a growth sector with remarkable acceleration in the past six years, however, we’re seeing a slowdown in sales, which are being further impacted by a contracting hospitality sector and suppressed economy.
English and Welsh wine tourism is one of the newest, most exciting hospitality offerings in the UK, with over 1.5 million visitors enjoying celebrations, tours, tastings, meals and weekend escapes.
We need intervention to help build business resilience. Learn how this campaign will help garner widespread support to further engage with government, industry partners, and members to strengthen the case for relief measures.
5. Taste the 2026 WineGB medal winning wines
For the first time ever, the WineGB Conference and Awards Ceremony come together in one unmissable day, transitioning from a programme of insight and knowledge into an evening of celebration.
For 30 minutes before the ceremony, ticket holders get exclusive access to medal-winning tasting tables before the Best in Class trophies are announced, along with the winners of this year’s new categories for Best Cellar Door, Best Innovative Label and our Photography Competition.