Vine Growing History in the UK

The growing of grapes and winemaking in the British Isles began in earnest in Roman times 1st – 3rd century AD

The rise of Christianity and the foundation of monastic sites took local wine production through the Dark Ages until 1066.

The Norman Conquest and a period of good climate increased the number of vineyards until the Black Death in the 14th Century

The Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th Century and import of wine from Aquitaine and other European areas stifled British viticulture until the 17th Century

Landed gentry experimented with vineyards and wine production in the 18th Century

Dessert grapes and greenhouse fruit became popular in the 19th Century but no significant outdoor production until the second half of the 20th Century

Commercial vineyards returned to England after the Second World War leading to a major expansion in the 1960's backed by modern hybrid grapes and growing systems New larger vineyards were planted in the 1970's using modern farming methods and New World winemaking to produce a distinctive style of white wines.

The two and a half decades from 1980 to 2005 has seen a population of vineyards in excess of 350 throughout England and Wales espousing EC regulations and a Quality Wine Scheme and the introduction of good sparkling wines and production of red grapes.

© Brian Edwards