Shropshire Star

Fascinating facts about UK wines

*There are approximately 500 vineyards in England and Wales covering some 4,500 acres, according to the English Wine Producers trade body

Published

*Over the past decade, there has been a 135 per cent increase in the number of acres planted with grapevines in England and Wales

*Last year UK vineyards produced 5.06 million bottles of wine

*Over the next 12 months UK wine producers are expected to grow a record one million vines, increasing production by two million more bottles of wine annually

*English wines, which are made from freshly pressed grapes, are not to be confused with British wines, a term used for drinks made from imported grape juice or concentrate

*Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the most produced grapes in the UK, both accounting for 22 per cent of production. The next most common is Bacchus, which accounts for eight per cent.