“ Discerning staycationers, patriotic drinkers and a sunny September saved the English wine industry from a pandemic disaster.
The domestic tourism boom of the summer resulted in record numbers taking vineyard tours and booking tables at on-site restaurants.
More than 200 of the 500 British vineyards are open to the public and increasing visitor numbers also mean that sales from the vineyards rose sharply.
While restaurant and bar sales plummeted during lockdown, wine merchants and supermarkets are reporting huge interest in homegrown wines.
Waitrose says sales of English sparkling wine are up 33 per cent on last year, far ahead of an 11.7 per cent rise in overall wine sales. A spokeswoman added: “Our customers love the novelty of having locally produced great quality wines.”
September sun helps English wines prosper | News | The Times
The domestic tourism boom of the summer resulted in record numbers taking vineyard tours and booking tables at on-site restaurants.
More than 200 of the 500 British vineyards are open to the public and increasing visitor numbers also mean that sales from the vineyards rose sharply.
While restaurant and bar sales plummeted during lockdown, wine merchants and supermarkets are reporting huge interest in homegrown wines.
Waitrose says sales of English sparkling wine are up 33 per cent on last year, far ahead of an 11.7 per cent rise in overall wine sales. A spokeswoman added: “Our customers love the novelty of having locally produced great quality wines.”
September sun helps English wines prosper | News | The Times
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