Champagne houses may still dominate the sponsorship of sporting events –knowing that it is a great way to reach target audiences and build brand loyalty.  But increasingly English brands are taking poll position on the British sporting scene. Vineyard speaks to a selection of producers who are now part of the celebration, memory and conversation around their chosen sport.

Some of our most famous wineries have deep-rooted affiliations in a range of sporting pursuits.

Sue Daniels, Marks & Spencer’s in-house Winemaker and Senior Technologist, speaks to Vineyard about substantial uplift in sales of English wines, her excitement for the future, the importance of sustainability, wine tourism and quality.

 There is nothing nicer than a countryside walk coupled with a winery visit and a lovely lunch, writes Matthew Jukes.

After a year of lockdown restrictions, we are desperate to be set free. There appears to be pride in buying local products alongside an emerging appetite for supporting local businesses exploring the wonders and uncovering the treasures of our beautiful isle.  Wine tourism ticks so many of these boxes and Vineyard finds out how wineries can embrace the benefits of the wine tourist and achieve visitor experience excellence.  

The Domesday Book of 1086 lists Hencote, meaning a ‘high homestead’– but if the early inhabitants could have glimpsed the future, they would be astonished by the Hencote of 2021. Vineyard speaks to Mark and Andrew Stevens about the family’s mission to create an outstanding and unique luxury tourist destination, set in the stunning Shropshire countryside.

The Oxford Wine Company is an award-winning independent wine merchant that has evolved from relatively humble beginnings to boast a highly successful wine school, a team of expert advisors, a flourishing wine café and a chic piano bar.  Knowing that wine is more than the liquid in the bottle, Ted’s son Will has added wine tourism to the business portfolio. VIND is a unique website for exploring the world’s best vineyards in England and abroad, and Vineyard finds out more.

Our industry is powered by hard-working, visionary women with world-class taste – Matthew Jukes.

Becky Glover and Sara Thake, childhood friends, have always been big wine fans, and then they discovered English wine. Now these two young women are uncovering an untapped younger audience – and offering a light-hearted, fun introduction to some seriously good wines. Vineyard finds out why they are so excited to have set up their dream business – the specialist online retailer Elizabeth Rose.

The cornerstone of our vinous empire.