UK winery numbers surge by more than a third in just five years

The number of wineries in the UK rose to 231 in 2024, according to Strutt & Parker’s UK Viticulture Report – an increase of more than a third in just five years.

The expansion reflects the significant growth in production capacity to keep at pace with the rapid rise in vines planted over the past decade, as well as a number of record harvests – including £22 million bottles in 2023.

The report highlights that winery development has been one of the most consistent areas of investment, with £8 million directed into processing facilities in 2024, close to the five-year average.

Alongside this, vineyard expansion has continued steadily, with 9,300 acres under vine and a further 1,000 acres due to come into production in the coming years.

Although overall capital investment has dipped to £40 million in 2024 – compared with the five-year average of £65 million – this is likely to reflect a period of consolidation after record levels of activity.

Nick Watson, Head of Viticulture for Strutt & Parker, comments:

“The expansion of wineries is a clear indicator of the UK wine industry’s future. The past decade has largely been about planting – putting thousands of new acres under vines – but what we are seeing now is producers turning their attention to the infrastructure needed to handle that growth. 

“This is not simply about keeping pace with rising yields; it is about building resilience, consistency, and the ability to compete at scale. It marks a shift into a new phase for the industry – one that is essential if it is to move forward successfully. It is ensuring the quality of the wine produced can be matched by the capacity to bring it to market and meet the expectation of its consumer base.” 

The UK remains one of the world’s largest wine-consuming nations, importing over £1 billion of sparkling wine each year. Yet domestic production currently only accounts for 0.5% of national demand.

This imbalance highlights the commercial opportunity for UK producers if they can continue to expand capacity and compete at scale.

Nick Watson adds:

“We know that the UK can produce world-class wines – that’s proven. The challenge is now not agronomic, but commercial. There is an opportunity to grow our domestic market share if we can develop the right marketing and sales strategies. A coordinated national campaign – with shared investment and increased collaboration – could help shift English wine from a niche into a recognised category to ensure sustained commercial success.

“As the industry matures, there is also a need for an increased focus on professional business planning, in terms of managing cash flow and planning for seasonal variability. Climate change is proving to be both the UK wine industry’s greatest advantage and its greatest test. In terms of the quality of our wines, climate change means our best years probably like ahead of us. But at the same time we are seeing much greater volatility during the growing season.”

Strutt & Parker’s vineyard team advise across vineyard acquisition, development and management.

Click here to get in touch with the team.