Laithwaites’ Grape Britain campaign reveals UK wine capitals
9th December 2024
Wine merchant Laithwaites has recently concluded its Grape Britain campaign, revealing wine preferences of people living across the UK.
Wine preferences vary across Britain, with each region showing a distinct preference for grape varieties, from bold reds to crisp whites.
As a part of the Laithwaites’ campaign, signature wines have been assigned to a region based on how much of a particular variety is consumed per head in that location compared to any other area.
This way, London won the UK capital of Melon de Bourgogne title, Manchester has been named the capital of Albariño, while Edinburgh is from now on called the kingdom of Tempranillo.
Find the full list of UK wine capitals here.
UK’s top 10 favourite grape varieties
Laithwaites’ Grape Britain campaign has revealed that Shiraz has replaced Primitivo as the UK’s favourite red grape variety.
Shiraz has jumped from seventh place in 2020 to third place in 2023, reflecting Britain’s growing preference for bold red wines.
Both Chardonnay (previously ninth) and Monastrell (previously 10th) have dropped out of the top 10 in 2023, making way for new varieties, the wine merchant said.
The study has also revealed that Brits are becoming more adventurous with wine.
“British wine drinkers are exploring new tastes, moving away from traditional choices and embracing bolder or lesser-known varieties,” a spokesperson for Laithwaites said.
More adventurous choices, such as Touriga Nacional and Garnacha, have replaced classic favourites like Chardonnay and Monastrell.
The campaign has also shown that rosé wine sales skyrocketed by over 3,000% in just three years.
Read more vine news.
