English vineyards have achieved record-breaking sales this summer, with demand for sparkling wine and rosé among younger drinkers pushing volumes beyond the traditional Christmas peak. The favorable weather conditions contributed to a bumper grape harvest, bolstering sales across the sector.
Data from Ocado Retail indicates a 19 percent year-on-year increase in sales for English sparkling wine and rosé. The final week of June marked the online retailer's strongest week for wine sales, with a 115 percent increase, surpassing the previous record set during the Christmas period. This surge reflects a broader trend of a gradual shift in consumer preferences towards wines produced in cooler climates.
Chapel Down, a winery based in Kent, reported selling over one million bottles of its sparkling wine last year. The brand remains a popular choice on Ocado, with sales growing by 64 percent year-on-year. Other notable English wineries contributing to this trend include Ridgeview in Sussex and Folc in Canterbury, which specializes in rosé and sparkling rosé.
Research by Ocado highlights that consumers aged 18 to 34 are increasingly interested in English wines, with 55 percent of this demographic expressing a desire to explore them further. More than half of individuals aged 25 to 34 also believe the quality of English wine has improved to rival that of traditional wine-producing nations like Italy and France.
Vanessa Pearson, BWS Trading Manager and Wine GB Ambassador, stated that English wine is evolving from a niche product to a more mainstream choice. "We're seeing customers become increasingly confident exploring the category, whether that's discovering a new sparkling wine for a celebration or choosing an English rosé to enjoy with friends over the summer," Pearson commented. She also noted the exceptional quality and innovation from English producers.
In response to heightened consumer interest, Ocado expanded its selection of English wines by 19 percent over the past year, introducing new products from brands such as Greyfriars, Henners, and Flint.
Rosé emerged as a particularly strong performer over the summer, with sales up 25 percent in the last 12 weeks compared to the same period in the previous year. The Hugo Spritz, an elderflower-based cocktail, has gained popularity as a summer alternative to the Aperol Spritz. Additionally, drinkers are showing increased interest in chilled red wines, and there has been a revival in the popularity of white and rosé port, with sales increasing by 21 percent year-on-year.