National Wine Careers Week Returns to Lewes to Boost UK Wine Industry Talent

The United Kingdom, a key player in European agri-food exports and the third largest market for Italian wine, is facing new challenges and opportunities in its wine sector. According to Istat data analyzed by WineNews, Italian wine exports to the UK from January to November 2025 dropped by 4.2% in value to €770.1 million and by 2.4% in volume to 240.7 million liters compared to the same period in 2024. Despite this decline, the UK remains a significant market and an increasingly important wine producer, especially known for its sparkling wines that are gaining popularity among critics and consumers.

The British wine industry has shown notable growth in recent years. WineGB, the national association for the English and Welsh wine industry, reports that the sector has generated about £8.9 billion in gross value added and created 412,000 jobs. The industry currently employs around 3,300 full-time positions and 13,000 seasonal workers, with workforce growth expected to rise by another 21% in the coming years. The expansion is also visible in tourism, with more visitors drawn to vineyards across the country, and in the vineyard area itself, which has increased threefold over the past decade.

Climate change is playing a role as well. Warmer summers are allowing vineyards to thrive at higher latitudes, which could give UK producers a competitive edge. However, the sector faces ongoing difficulties such as declining consumption, shifting consumer preferences, and increased excise duties imposed by the government. These tax hikes have caused concern among producers and importers.

In response to these challenges and to address a growing need for specialized professionals across all areas of the wine business—from viticulture and winemaking to import/export, quality control, investment, logistics, marketing, and hospitality—the National Wine Careers Week will return to Lewes from May 9 to 16. Founded by Plumpton College and producer Nyetimber with support from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and WineGB, this event aims to showcase career opportunities within one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries.

Despite its growth, a career in wine remains underappreciated in the UK. Many people are unaware of the range of roles available or how to start a career in this field. The National Wine Careers Week seeks to address this gap by improving visibility for wine-related professions, sharing personal stories from industry ambassadors, and offering practical pathways into the sector.

Throughout the week, activities will take place both online and in person. The program includes events focused on career development and training opportunities promoted by industry leaders. A network of sector ambassadors will participate by sharing their experiences and highlighting the diversity of opportunities available within the British wine industry.

As the UK’s wine sector continues to expand despite economic pressures and changing regulations, initiatives like National Wine Careers Week are seen as essential for attracting new talent and ensuring continued growth across production, marketing, tourism, and beyond.