Developing a Uniquely British Wine Scene

The English wine industry is carving out its own space in the global wine scene.

Despite the challenge of less sunshine than other wine producing regions, it has not stopped the industry from growing steadily over the past decade and developing its own distinct identity.

The De Lacy Executive Recruitment team recently spoke with Solomon (Solly) Monyamane, Winemaker, at Artelium, about his thoughts regarding the rise – and challenges – of the English wine making industry.

Learn more about English wine making from Monyamane in the video below.

When we asked Solly how the English Wine Industry vary from other countries he has worked in, he responded quite cheekily, but honestly, “Lack of sunshine is a big thing.”

But then he clarified, England has “everything working in our favour. It's just a case of perfecting and harnessing our skills” to continue to grow excitement in the industry.

While acknowledging that expenses are higher in England, he still believes the industry is in attractive shape.

When pressed about how well the vines do in the winter, Solly said “The winter is not the problem - it is about people having to go outside to go help them grow. It is very cold, and very rainy. So, it can be challenging for us – people - to go outside, but we have to, and we do.”

He continued that the summers may pose more of a challenge. “The summer is where you have long spells of wet and rainy weather, and you have to protect your vineyards from disease pressure. But if we get good summers, then there is no problem."

He says the English sparkling wine scene does surprisingly well, and that still wines are on the rise.

Solly says that England is unique in its mix of tradition and innovation. In terms of wine styles, England is moving away from imitation and developing wines that reflect its own character, and local wine is now being appreciated for its originality.

While winemakers in England use equipment and techniques similar to those in countries like Australia or Chile, the timing of processes such as leaf removal, for example, varies due to climate differences. This adaptability shows how England modifies global practices to suit its local conditions.

Another key difference is the scale of production. Most English vineyards are smaller than those in other counties, but these are often run by individuals or families. He says this close-knit ecosystem allows for knowledge sharing and collaboration.

As a young and growing industry, English winemaking is filled with excitement and opportunity. With its unique challenges and supportive ecosystem, it continues to define its place on the global wine map.