WineGB launches new entrants guide to support UK’s next wave of wine producers

As Dry January is behind us, the UK wine trade body has turned its attention to the vineyard, unveiling a major new resource aimed at those looking to enter the sector.

WineGB has launched a newly revised New Entrants Guide, designed to help aspiring and early-stage producers navigate the realities of UK viticulture and wine production as the sector continues to expand.

The 104-page document, titled Making a success in UK viticulture and wine production, is available exclusively to WineGB members and forms part of the organisation’s wider Knowledge Hub. The 2026 edition has been thoroughly updated and is sponsored by NFU Mutual.

A practical guide for prospective producers

Dedicated to the memory of English wine pioneer Peter Hall, the guide is aimed at members embarking on their wine journey and includes a pre-investment business sense check alongside updated guidance on how to make wine.

It also places renewed emphasis on sustainable certifications, business planning, education and training, regulation, and routes to market, alongside core sections on viticulture and winemaking.

Although the guide itself is only accessible to Grower and Producer Members, WineGB noted that individuals can still join the organisation even if they are not yet growing or making wine, or if they simply want to be part of the UK wine community.

Produced in a digital-only format, the guide includes links to core data and statistics, key WineGB website pages and sources of external support.

‘Entering the sector with eyes open’

Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB, said the guide was intended to provide clarity at a time when costs across the industry continue to rise.

“The new Entrants Guide is an incredibly important and significant document for anyone thinking of starting a vineyard,” she said. “Making wine is an expensive business, becoming more so with increases in taxes, labour, equipment and bottling costs.

“We want to ensure that members enter the sector with their eyes open as it can be as hard as it is rewarding. A great deal of work has gone into this thoroughly revised and expanded edition, aimed at helping members to make their decision, and ultimately, give them the best chance of success.”

The New Entrants Guide is one of a number of resources available through WineGB’s Knowledge Hub, which houses an expanding library of industry information for members.

WineGB is the trade association for UK wine, representing around 500 grower and producer members and approximately 70% of UK vineyard hectarage. The organisation works with government, media and the trade, while providing guidance, training and marketing support to help its members grow their businesses.

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