Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow attended an event in Westminster recently to support the British wine industry.

The recent event was hosted by Flick Drummond MP (Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on wine) in partnership with WineGB – the industry body that represents and supports the sustainable growth of the Great British wine sector.

Viticulture is the UK’s fastest growing agricultural sector. It employs around 2,300, with a predicted 50% growth by 2025. A further 8,300 are employed in seasonal/part time work.

Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow said:

“Many people are surprised to learn that in real terms we have 934 vineyards and 209 wineries in England and Wales – many of them producing award-winning wine. English sparkling wines are now considered outstanding internationally and in Somerset alone we have 31 vineyards with around 68 hectares under vine, that are employing people and investing in our county.”

Chief executive of WineGB Nicola Bates added:

“The sector is at a critical point in its journey. Partnership working with government can be impactful for growers and producers. As the fastest growing agricultural industry, with highly skilled jobs in the vineyards, wineries and cellar doors, we are levelling up the countryside. We look forward to shaping the regulatory and economic conditions that will enable our wines to thrive and to encourage more sales through tourism, retail, local hospitality and export.”