Record Grape Harvest Fuels Surge in UK Wine Production

The UK wine industry is celebrating a banner year, with English and Welsh winemakers reporting a sharp rise in production in 2025. The hot, dry summer and an increase in vineyard planting across the region resulted in the third-largest UK grape harvest on record, leading to a significant boost in wine output.

According to figures from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the equivalent of 16.5 million bottles of wine were produced across the UK last year – or 124,377 hectolitres. This represents a major uptick from previous years, as vineyards in England and Wales have continued to expand and benefit from favorable growing conditions.

The surge in production is being attributed to a combination of factors, including the hot, dry summer that provided ideal weather for grape cultivation. Increased investment and planting of new vineyards across the regions have also contributed to the bumper harvest, as more land has been dedicated to wine grape production.

"The exceptional 2025 vintage is a true testament to the resilience and innovation of our wine industry," said a spokesperson for the UK Wine and Spirit Trade Association. "Winemakers have been working hard to expand their operations and adapt to changing climate conditions, and it's incredibly gratifying to see those efforts pay off with such a remarkable harvest."

While the majority of UK wine production remains centered in the traditional strongholds of southern England, the industry has seen significant growth in other areas as well. Welsh winemakers, in particular, have seen a surge in both production and acclaim in recent years, with several award-winning labels emerging from the principality.

"This is a tremendously exciting time for the UK wine sector," the WSTA spokesperson added. "We're seeing new regions and producers come to the forefront, diversifying the range of styles and varietals available to consumers. The future of English and Welsh wine has never looked brighter."