What did the grape say when it was crushed? Nothing, it just let out a little wine. Alright, I read your mind. Enough of the bad puns. Let’s talk about something more exciting, English Wine Week 2018!
26th May until 3rd of June marks a very special time for wine in the UK. It’s a fantastic opportunity for retailers, tradesmen and wholesalers to get involved and share their products with the public to earn some recognition, profits and excellent publicity.
As for you and I, it’s a time to appreciate British wine today and take a step back from all these fancy gins and ales and recognise how far its come from the very first wine industry back in 1086, and, of course, to try all the tasters!
In the UK there are around 6,200 acres under vine, with approximately 700 vineyards all producing our fruity booze each year. In 2016 4.15 million bottles of wine were produced and put on our supermarket shelves for consumption whether it be white, rose or red!
According to wsta, wine and spirit representatives, the UK has become a nation of wine drinkers, with wine now being the overall drink for 60% of adults.
Over half of UK adults, including the majority in each age group and across all regions of the UK, now choose wine over other alcoholic drinks, amounting to over 30 million regular wine consumers across the country.
The UK wine industry, which includes a growing number of vineyards, is one of the most influential and diverse in the world. It is worth £17.3 billion in economic activity and supports nearly 270,000 jobs and contributes £8.6 billion to the public finances annually!
Competition Time
While you’re here, why not enter Snizl’s latest competition to win some cool Wine Accessories in this bundle we’re giving away!
Competition Time – WIN A Wine Accessories Bundle
In honour of English Wine Week, we are giving away this stylish quirky Wine Accessories bundle in our latest competition.
Bundle includes:
European style floating steel link chain wine rack
With the principle of balance, to create an optical illusion
Winged Corkscrew
Password Lock Stopper For Wine
Brand new and high quality
Protect your favourite tipple with this solid bottle lock
Great for preventing children, teenagers or flatmates drinking your booze
Lock in your three-digit combination and keep your bottle’s contents safe and secure (keys free)
A robust and beautifully-engineered drinking accessory
Please Note: Wine Not Included.
Competition End Date: 24/08/18
Where did it come from?
It’s believed vines were introduced into Britain from the Romans, whether or not the wine was made in the UK before then is unknown. The Romans almost worshipped wine, you can see vines in their sculptures and statues engraved as headpieces and in place of clothing sometimes.
There are countless numbers of discovered Roman wine coupes and drinking classes with intricate designs on indicating the love of wine. However, The Viking invasion in the late eighth century destroyed many monasteries and with that once again vine growing and winemaking skills were lost.
In the 10th century though, vineyards were attached to monasteries and re-established through the Christian religion.
Following his visit, vines were ordered and in 1875 three acres were planted at the castle. Over the next 35 years, the original site was expanded and a further two sites were planted and in the end, totalled over 11 acres. After Marquess died in 1900 the vineyard was taken over by his 19-year-old son who was equally willing to continue the production of wine in the UK, making it the last successful vintage vineyard up until just after the First World War, when the modern wine industry was born.
Wine today
Today in the UK you can buy wines from all over the world at local and independent wineries, sourcing their own wine and selling from other brands. Below, we have listed 10 vineyards and places where you can buy some of the best traditionally made wine. The selection is huge, from crisp and fruity, to dry and bubbly – have a browse and find your own love for wine.
Lovells Vineyard
Started in 2008 this vineyard in the village of Welland in Malvern was started as a hobby however it continued to expand and they now produce over 15,000 bottles of wine a year. They produce clean, crisp and fruity wines – typical of the English style – dry whites, subtle pinks and fizz.
Sealwood Cottage Vineyard
Sealwood Cottage Vineyard was established by John & Elizabeth Goodall in 2008. They have over 4000 vines comprised of 5 variants of grape hybrids. They have a great online shop that has amazing wine boxes that make great gifts as well as gift vouchers and amazing wine.
Gauntleys Of Nottingham
Founded in 1880 by Thomas Fox Gaunlety this shop has kept its reputation as a leading wine seller. The grand shop is packed full of fine wines that line the shelves. They are open Monday to Saturday and have a great online store.
Castle Brook Vineyard
Castle Brook Vineyard produces award-winning English sparkling wine from Herefordshire’s Wye Valley.
Astley Vineyard
Established in 1971, Astley Vineyard is one of the oldest vineyards in the UK. Having recently changed hands, exciting times are ahead for the vineyard and its new owners, the Haywood family. They make and sell high-quality wines and also host tours and tasting sessions.
Weavers Independent Wine & Spirit Merchants
Established in 1844, Weavers is one of Nottingham’s oldest independent businesses. They have a wide range of wines from white to red to rose as well as many more. They also sell different whiskies, spirits and liqueurs. With service that is second to none such as wine tasting events, they are truely great.
Walton Brook Vineyard
Walton Brook vineyard was originally planted in 2008 on a sunny South-facing slope consisting of clay with flint on limestone at Horseleys Farm, Burton on the Wolds. They have now grown into a great vineyard with a great selection of wines including Bacchus, Rose and Seyval Wines.
Rothley Wine Ltd
A fantastic wine company that has a vineyard situated on the bank of Rothley Brook. When fully planted the vineyard has over 1000 vines with it producing great wine which can be found on their website.
Hanwell Wine Estate
Hanwell Wine Estates have years of experience in making great wines that are amazing. It’s not just all about wine though they also have many events happening across the year such as their open days and craft fair. Hanwell Wine Estate is the destination in Nottinghamshire for you to enjoy the great outdoors and delight in handcrafted English Sparkling Wine.
Chevelswarde Vineyard
Established in 1973 Chevelswarde Organic Wine are passionate about creating only the finest, local, organic wines. They have a vineyard in South Leicestershire that grows four varieties of organically grown grapes. The love, attention and care that they put into the making of their wines can be tasted in every single bottle of their red, white and rose organic wines.