UK Wine Production Set to Hit 16 Million Bottles in 2025 After Record-Breaking Harvest

The United Kingdom’s wine industry is reporting one of its most successful harvests to date, with early figures indicating that production in 2025 could reach as high as 16 million bottles. This follows an unusually dry and warm summer, which experts say contributed to both the early timing of the harvest and the exceptional ripeness of the grapes. The trade body WineGB has described this year’s vintage as “outstanding,” noting that the conditions allowed for a level of fruit quality rarely seen in the region.

Vineyards across England and Wales began picking grapes as early as late August, with most starting by mid-September—about three weeks ahead of last year’s schedule. The majority completed their harvests in the first week of October. This early start gave growers more flexibility, allowing them to choose optimal picking times rather than rushing to avoid bad weather or disease. As a result, winemakers report that fruit health and consistency were maintained at high levels throughout the season.

Preliminary data from WineGB’s annual harvest survey shows that grape ripeness reached record levels this year, while overall yields matched the national average for the past decade despite some regional differences. The estimated crop size of 15 to 16 million bottles would make it the second largest on record for the UK. Still wine producers are particularly optimistic, with many suggesting that 2025 could be a benchmark year for varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The favorable growing season comes at a time when English and Welsh wines are gaining traction both domestically and internationally. Over the past five years, domestic market share has more than doubled from 4% to 9%. Export volumes have also surged, rising by 35% in the past year alone. UK wines have continued to earn recognition abroad, with an increasing number of awards highlighting their quality.

Nicola Bates, chief executive of WineGB, said that there had been quiet anticipation within the sector about this year’s potential. She noted that early analysis supports this optimism and that the results provide a welcome boost after a challenging period marked by economic and political uncertainty. Bates emphasized growing interest in English and Welsh wines and credited both fruit quality and winemaking expertise for the positive outlook.

Stephen Skelton MW, who authored this year’s harvest report, highlighted that 2025 stands out especially for still wines. He said that top producers working with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from well-suited sites could deliver world-class results. Skelton also predicted strong performance for sparkling wines, which may reach consumers sooner than those from cooler years due to faster grape development.

WineGB’s initial assessment is based on voluntary data collected from vineyards across the country. The Food Standards Agency’s Wine Standards team will publish full figures in March 2026. According to WineGB, increased participation in quality monitoring is providing a clearer picture of fruit condition beyond just grape variety.

With production volume, fruit quality, and export demand all aligning, industry leaders believe that the 2025 vintage could be a turning point for English and Welsh wines on the global stage. Many in the sector see this year as evidence that Britain’s wine industry is maturing rapidly and is ready to compete internationally with established wine-producing regions.