English Wine Week
English Wine Week is a vibrant celebration of the burgeoning English wine industry. It's an opportunity for wine enthusiasts to explore the diversity and quality of wines produced across the country.
Drive vineyard visits, wine purchases, and experiential events by positioning English Wine Week as a premium, locally-rooted celebration of quality domestic wines and agritourism.
- Behind-the-scenes vineyard tour content showcasing English winemaking craftsmanship
- Wine & food pairing guides featuring local cheeses and English wines
- Festival highlights and live tasting event coverage
- User-generated content from home wine-tasting parties with English wine selections
Campaign ideas8
- Launch a 'Create New Traditions' campaign with hashtag encouraging consumers to switch from imported wines to English sparkling—tie into national pride and quality positioning.
- Partner with a high-end hotel/travel brand (like The PIG Hotels) to offer exclusive English Wine Weekend packages combining vineyard tours, winery dinners, and tasting experiences.
- Run a daily deal carousel on Instagram Stories: feature a different English wine at 15-20% off each day of the week (e.g., '#7DaysOfRidgeview')—drive urgency and repeat visits.
- Activate 'Fish Friday' as a paired food moment: promote English sparkling wine with fish & chips at pubs, fish retailers, and restaurants; create an Instagram-friendly photo moment.
- Host 'Meet the Maker' live sessions on Instagram with winemakers answering questions—builds direct connection with consumers and creates FOMO for non-followers.
- Organize multi-vineyard tour partnerships with transport (bus, bike, train experiences) to lower friction for first-time vineyard visitors and create shareable experiences.
- Create in-store promotions with wine retailers: curated English wine flight tastings, branded point-of-sale materials, case discounts (like 5-15% off bundled cases).
- Launch a sweepstakes/giveaway for a VIP vineyard experience weekend—leverage partners for wine, accommodation, dining to increase perceived value and reach.
Social angles6
- #CreateNewTraditions: 'After 2,000 years of importing wine, we decided to make our own.' — challenge wine drinkers to swap Prosecco for English sparkling this week.
- #EnglishWineWeek selfies at vineyard events—UGC campaign encouraging attendees to share tasting-room moments, wine pairings, and vineyard views with location tags.
- Behind-the-scenes winemaker stories: feature harvest clips, bottling processes, vineyard tours on Reels and Stories—humanize the craft and build brand love.
- Pairing content for Instagram Feed: English wine + iconic British moments (tea, fish & chips, garden parties, countryside picnics)—position as a lifestyle staple.
- Influencer takeovers: wine influencers/sommeliers spend a day at a vineyard documenting tastings, tours, and team interactions—reach their followers authentically.
- #TheBigEnglishWineGoodFriday-style collaborative hashtag: encourage all vineyards, retailers, and restaurants to co-promote using one branded tag for algorithmic boost and shared reach.
Ad copy starters6
“"After 2,000 years of importing wine, we made our own. Discover English sparkling this week—award-winning quality, lower alcohol, pure freshness. #CreateNewTraditions"”
“"15% off a different English sparkling every day of English Wine Week. Day 1: Sussex Reserve. Which will be your favorite? Tap to explore."”
“"Trade Champagne for Chardonnay. This Fish Friday, pair crisp English sparkling with fish & chips. Available now at [retailer/restaurant]. Book your table."”
“"Win the ultimate English Wine Weekend: 2 nights at The PIG, vineyard tours, wine pairings & a hamper. Enter now. No purchase necessary."”
“"Meet the makers. Watch winemakers share their stories live on Instagram Friday at 5:30pm. Swipe up to join the tasting."”
“"Over 1,000 English vineyards. One week to discover them all. Open tasting rooms, special events & exclusive releases this June 21-29."”
Tips4
- DO emphasize local supply and British pride—position English wine as a quality alternative to imported wines (not a consolation prize). Highlight world-class credentials and blind tasting wins.
- DON'T use overly technical wine language in social media—use lifestyle and emotion; pair wine with memorable moments (picnics, celebrations, gatherings) to make it approachable for newcomers.
- DO coordinate across the whole category (vineyards, retailers, restaurants, hotels)—the bigger the collective footprint, the more media coverage and social reach; use unified hashtags.
- DO respect alcohol advertising regulations (CAP Code in UK)—avoid targeting under-18s, don't show excessive consumption, include age-gating on paid social, keep responsible drinking messaging subtle but present.
English Wine Week started as a way to celebrate and promote the growing English wine industry. The event dates back to at least 2007 when it was initiated by WineGB, the national association for the English and Welsh wine industry. This celebration highlights the increasing quality and diversity of English wines, from sparkling to still varieties.
The idea behind English Wine Week is to raise awareness about the wines produced in England. It encourages people to visit local vineyards, participate in tastings, and discover the range of wines available. The week also aims to support local winemakers by increasing the visibility and appreciation of their products.
English Wine Week not only boosts local tourism but also fosters a sense of community among wine enthusiasts.
Offering various events and activities provides a platform for vineyards to showcase their wines and for visitors to enjoy and learn about English wine culture. This annual event has grown in popularity, reflecting the expanding recognition of English wines on a global scale.
Sip and Tour the Vineyards
Explore a nearby vineyard! Stroll among the vines, learn about grape growing, and taste wines right where they’re made. Many vineyards offer guided tours that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process. It’s a perfect way to connect with the local wine scene and maybe even find a new favorite bottle.
Host a Wine Tasting Party
Invite friends over for an English wine-tasting party. Gather a variety of English wines, and let everyone sample and discuss their favorites. To make it more fun, include blind tastings and guess the wine’s region or grape variety. Pair the wines with local cheeses and snacks to elevate the experience.
Attend a Wine and Food Pairing Event
Look for local restaurants or wine bars hosting wine and food pairing events. Enjoy a curated menu that highlights how English wines complement different dishes. These events often feature expert sommeliers who can guide you through the pairings and enhance your appreciation of the wines.
Visit a Wine Festival
Check out local wine festivals happening during English Wine Week. These festivals are lively, full of music, food, and, of course, plenty of wine. They provide a fantastic opportunity to sample a wide range of English wines in a fun, social setting. Don’t forget to bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Join an Online Wine Tasting
If you need help getting out, join an online wine-tasting event. Many vineyards and wine clubs offer virtual tastings where you can learn about and enjoy wines from the comfort of your home. These sessions often include a wine shipment and a live guided tasting, making it easy and fun to participate.