William Hargreaves from Savills discusses why vineyards are changing the rural landscape. When you think of a top quality wine you might naturally gravitate towards French Champagne, an Italian soave, or a Spanish Rioja. However, excellent tipples are also being produced much closer to home, with several English wines – including those from Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk – recognised at this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards.
The UK wine industry is thriving. According to WineGB, in 2023 the industry achieved a record-breaking grape harvest – an average yield of 9.6 tonnes per hectare, translating to approximately 21 million bottles of wine.
The increasingly temperate climate, combined with advancements in suitable grape varieties and winemaking techniques, has paved the way for the UK to become a serious player in the global wine industry. William Hargreaves, who leads the rural agency team for Savills in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire (Image: RMG Photography) Vineyards and wineries serve a multifaceted function – contributing to rural economies, tourism and community interaction, alongside providing a platform for education, promoting sustainable practices and fostering a sense of community. WineGB said that in 2023, an impressive 1.
5 million visits were recorded to vineyards in the UK. This was a notable 55% increase from the previous year and offers an exceptional chance for diversification and expansion. By providing a range of experiences such as wine tastings, guided.