Rising UK wine production increases focus on technical excellence
28 September 2026 | Gregory Dunn – Industry Development and Technical Manager, and Robert Pride – Senior Analytical Chemist and Wine Specialist
In 2024, Campden BRI opened its Wine Services laboratory in Guildford to provide the UK wine industry with access to world-class analytical and technical expertise. Two years on, the UK wine sector continues to grow rapidly, with expanding vineyard areas, increasing production volumes and a growing demand for specialist technical support.
As the UK wine industry moves from early growth into a more established phase, producers are placing greater emphasis on consistency, quality control and data-led decision-making. The focus is increasingly on understanding how technical choices made throughout the vineyard and winery influence wine style, stability and long-term quality.
The purpose of the Campden Wine Services laboratory is to provide practical, reliable support for UK wineries and vineyards. As production increases and winemaking becomes more sophisticated, access to accurate analysis and expert interpretation is becoming increasingly important.
In this blog, we reflect on the evolving needs of the UK wine sector (including changing technical expectations, more sophisticated winemaking, growth/scale, and the importance of repeatability), and the role of technical expertise in supporting a more integrated approach and continued growth.
Changing technical expectations
Over the past decade, the UK wine industry has undergone significant development. Advances in vineyard site selection, clone and rootstock choice, disease management, and sustainable vineyard and winery practices have all contributed to improved quality and greater consistency.
There is also a growing understanding of the characteristics that define traditional method English sparkling wine, alongside emerging production approaches, including increasing interest in Charmat-method wines.
At the same time, UK producers are continuing to broaden the range of styles being produced, including aromatic whites and fuller-bodied white, rosé and red wines. This evolution has been accompanied by innovation in packaging, sustainability and hospitality, as the industry continues to build its identity both domestically and internationally.
Over the past two years, the Campden Wine Services has completed more than 50,000 analytical tests on over 7,000 samples, supporting producers ranging from established wineries to those preparing their first commercial vintages.
The most important lesson we have learned is that producers need technical support that is fast, relevant and directly applicable to decisions being made in the winery.
We are increasingly being asked not only what the results show, but what those results mean in practice and how they can be used to improve wine quality and consistency.
A more sophisticated approach to winemaking
The questions being asked by producers are becoming increasingly technical. Wineries are seeking advice on how small adjustments in fermentation management, acidity control, stability and maturation can influence final wine style.
There is now greater awareness of issues including potassium and calcium instability, more informed approaches to sulphur and additive management, improved maintenance of winery and vineyard testing equipment, and a stronger understanding of wine faults and taints.
At the same time, UK winemakers are becoming increasingly confident in experimentation and innovation. Producers are using technical data to evaluate new approaches, refine wine styles and make more informed decisions across increasingly variable vintages.
Growth, scale and the importance of repeatability
Looking ahead, continued growth in UK wine production will bring new opportunities and challenges. As more vineyards move from early production into commercially significant volumes, the need for repeatability and robust quality systems will become increasingly important.
UK producers operate in a climate where growing conditions can vary significantly from year to year. This makes reliable analysis and expert interpretation essential at key stages of production, particularly as decisions made during fermentation and maturation have an increasing impact on final wine quality.
The industry is also becoming increasingly professionalised, with greater investment in technical capability, laboratory analysis and structured quality management systems. As expectations rise, producers are looking for more integrated access to testing, training and technical expertise.
Supporting a more integrated approach
This changing landscape has helped shape a new Campden BRI membership option for UK wineries and vineyards, designed to bring analytical services, technical support and training together in a more practical way.
UK wine producers membership
We're now offering a ‘UK wine producers membership’, designed specifically for UK wineries and vineyards to access high-quality support in a way that suits the pressures and realities of the industry.
The approach provides producers with access to the tools and expertise needed throughout the production cycle, while also connecting them with wider industry knowledge and research developments.
This includes collaboration with international organisations such as the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI), helping ensure UK producers remain connected with global advances in wine science and technology.
Defining the next phase of UK wine
The next stage of UK wine development will be defined by refinement as much as expansion.
As more vineyards reach maturity and more wines enter the market, consistency and technical excellence will become increasingly important alongside innovation.
The industry is moving from proving its potential to defining its identity. Producers will continue to explore new styles and approaches, but achieving long-term success will depend on matching ambition with strong technical foundations.
From grape to glass: Trusted science for exceptional wine quality
As UK wine continues to grow, robust analytical support and practical technical guidance will be essential in helping producers navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. As well as building our capabilities over the past two years, we are now applying them to help producers achieve greater consistency, quality and confidence.
Whether you need process verification, routine testing, shelf-life evaluation or regulatory compliance, we are here to provide clear, actionable insights you can trust. We offer individual tests, customised analysis packages, interpretative reporting and specialist training designed to support both routine and investigative wine quality programmes.
By working with us, you gain scientific excellence, practical insight and peace of mind – helping you deliver exceptional wine every time.
About Robert Pride
Robert Pride is Senior Analytical Chemist – Wines Specialist and manager of the Campden Wine Services laboratory.
Prior to joining Campden BRI, Robert was Area Manager – Laboratory for Pinnacle Drinks, a part of the Endeavour Drinks Group. Robert completed a Bachelor of Science – Forensic and Analytical chemistry at Flinders University before joining the Australian wine industry, where he has held technical positions for the last 12 years.
Robert has extensive experience managing ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories at Yalumba and Vinpac International and is also a Technical Assessor for Australia’s accreditation body, the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). Robert developed extensive knowledge of wine chemistry, microbiology, production, and packaging through his time with Yalumba and Pinnacle Drinks with a focus on continuous improvement, food safety and process driven analysis. Robert is also a former Chairperson and Statistics Secretary of the Interwinery Analysis Group (IWAG), a not-for-profit proficiency testing association and global support network with accreditation to ISO 17043 and over 200 worldwide members.
Robert has recently relocated to the UK where he hopes to help improve the growing wine industry.
How can we help?
Whether you need process verification, routine testing, shelf-life evaluation or regulatory compliance support, get in touch for clear, actionable insights you can trust.
UK wine producers membership
Designed specifically for UK wineries and vineyards to access high-quality support in a way that suits the pressures and realities of the industry.
