WineGB joins Exporting Horizons to champion the international potential of English and Welsh wine
International trade represents one of the biggest opportunities for the future growth of the English and Welsh wine industry. As the quality, reputation and global recognition of our wines continue to grow, developing international markets is becoming increasingly important for producers looking to build sustainable, commercially successful businesses.
That is why WineGB is pleased to be part of Exporting Horizons, the flagship opening event of International Trade Week 2026, taking place on 9 November at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester.
Bringing together business leaders, successful exporters, trade experts and government representatives, Exporting Horizons provides an important opportunity to explore the opportunities and challenges facing UK businesses looking to expand internationally.
For WineGB, it is also an opportunity to ensure that English and Welsh wine is firmly part of the conversation.
A category with international ambition
English and Welsh wine has undergone a remarkable transformation. Investment in vineyards, winemaking expertise and technology has helped establish the UK as one of the world’s most exciting emerging cool-climate wine regions.
Our traditional and non-traditional method sparkling wines, along with the diversity of our still wines have already attracted significant international attention and are opening up new opportunities with overseas buyers, importers and distributors.
The export figures demonstrate the momentum behind this ambition. Exports accounted for 9% of sales in 2024, representing a 35% increase on the previous year. While there is considerable progress to celebrate, there is also significant potential for further growth.
Why international trade matters
Exporting is about much more than selling additional bottles. It is a strategic opportunity to strengthen the long-term resilience and commercial sustainability of the entire industry.
1. Creating new revenue opportunities
Access to international markets allows producers to diversify their customer base, reduce reliance on domestic sales and reach consumers who are increasingly interested in discovering premium wines from emerging regions.
For smaller producers in particular, establishing the right export relationships can create valuable opportunities for growth.
2. Building the global reputation of UK wine
Every international tasting, trade exhibition, restaurant listing and positive review helps establish English and Welsh wine as a recognised category.
Building this reputation collectively is essential. The more international buyers, sommeliers, journalists and consumers experience our wines, the stronger the foundations become for the whole industry.
3. Supporting investment and industry growth
International demand can help underpin investment in vineyards, wineries, production capacity, skills and innovation.
As the industry develops and production grows, accessing new markets will become increasingly important in creating a sustainable future for producers.
4. Strengthening the UK’s wider food and drink offer
English and Welsh wine is an important part of the UK’s premium food and drink proposition. Its international success supports the wider ambition to showcase British products, attract investment and strengthen the UK’s reputation as a producer of high-quality, distinctive products.
Working together to unlock international opportunities
Exporting Horizons brings together businesses at different stages of their international trade journey, from those exploring their first overseas opportunity to established exporters looking to accelerate their growth.
The programme’s focus on identifying new markets, reaching international customers and navigating the practicalities of trade reflects many of the opportunities and challenges facing wine producers.
For English and Welsh wine businesses, these conversations are particularly important. Exporting requires specialist knowledge, from understanding individual market requirements and consumer preferences to navigating labelling regulations, logistics, distribution and commercial partnerships.
This is where collaboration and government support can make a real difference.
WineGB works closely with government departments, international trade networks and UK embassies to support category-wide export promotion. Through international tastings, trade exhibitions, market intelligence and targeted promotional activity, we help producers build connections and introduce English and Welsh wines to new audiences.
Partnership with the UK Government and its international trade network is vital in helping an emerging wine region compete on the global stage. A coordinated approach to market development, promotion and practical export support can help turn international interest into tangible commercial opportunities.
This underlines the importance of continuing to invest in international promotion and building the relationships that will help English and Welsh wine realise its global potential.
Looking ahead: making English wine a global success story
The international market is increasingly open to new wine regions, distinctive styles and compelling stories of provenance. English and Welsh wine has all the ingredients to capitalise on this opportunity.
Our cool-climate conditions, growing reputation for quality, commitment to innovation and expanding producer base give us a distinctive position in the global wine market.
However, international recognition does not happen overnight. It requires sustained investment, collaboration, consistent quality and a long-term commitment to building relationships with buyers and consumers around the world.
Events such as Exporting Horizons are valuable because they bring businesses, government and trade experts together to turn ambition into action.
At WineGB, we believe that international trade must be a central pillar of the industry’s future growth. By working collaboratively, championing our wines overseas and making the most of the support available, we can build on the progress already made and create new opportunities for producers across England and Wales.