§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the English winemaking industry. [137280]
§ Mr. BradshawThere are currently 333 active vineyards in England and Wales, 317 of which are based in England, and 114 wineries. Three quarters of the total area under vine is based in the south of England, where the climate is more suitable for growing grapes. A further 15 per cent. is in the East Anglian region and the rest is spread across other English regions and Wales.
1246WEnglish wine production is variable depending on the climate. Over the period 1999–2001, the average production in the UK was 14,434 hectolitres. Total wine production for the UK in 2002 was 9,384 hectolitres which was lower than average. Wine production in England alone for 2002 was 9,334 hectolitres. This year's harvest is expected to be considerably higher than the previous year and of good quality. The domestic industry currently meets around 0.2 per cent. of what is a large, and sophisticated UK market. In recent years, the English wine industry has been remarkably innovative, having made particular progress with the development and production of sparkling wines, some of which have been internationally recognised.