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Welcome to the United Kingdom Vineyards Association website

Opening a bottle of wineThe United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA) is the organisation to which grape growers and winemakers belong in order to:

  • share information
  • have a voice in Westminster and Brussels
  • develop and promote their industry

The UKVA is the only organisation recognised by the government and the wider community as representing the English and Welsh wine industry.



The UKVA:

News Highlights from UKVA

June 2010

We are delighted to announce the results from this year's English and Welsh Wine of the Year Competition. The competition received the highest number of entries for many years and the judges tasted some excellent wines.

Take a look at the results of the English and Welsh Wine of the Year Competition 2010.


April 2010

UKVA Guide to the New EU Wine Regime 2009

On 1 August 2009 the old EU Wine Legislation was repealed and replaced by a new regime and the UKVA has launched a Guide for winemakers and vineyard owners in the UK. Find out more about the Guide.

Report of the Scoping Study of UK Training Needs is Published

Last Autumn the UKVA commissioned a wide-ranging study of the training needs of UK winemakers and grapegrowers.  Take a look at our Report.



March 2010

UKVA Sustainability Symposium

Following the Sustainability Symposium, UKVA has produced a Sustainability Strategy Statement and a Feedback Summary. The presentations and handouts from the Sustainability Symposium are also available on the site.

  • Is the Representative Industry Body (RIB) for the UK Wine Schemes
  • Has direct access to and contact with all official bodies connected to our industry such as Defra, the Food Standards Agency (Wine Standards Branch), Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMR&C), and the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.
  • Works closely with the English Wine Producers (EWP) the marketing organisation for the major UK wine producers, helping to raise the public understanding of our industry.
  • Organises the English and Welsh Wine of the Year Competition – the national competition for UK produced wines from fresh grapes. The awards are presented at a prestigious ceremony currently held at the House of Lords in July. (See Events)
  • Organises a bi-annual Symposium where international speakers are invited to speak on topics covering both cutting edge technical and marketing issues. ( See Events)
  • The Annual General Conference, hosted by key organisations with a viticultural focus, is the place for members to voice their opinions. Also features Informative and hands-on workshops.
  • Develops and reviews the range of pesticides legally allowed for UK vineyards. Applies and pays for SOLAs (Specific Off Label Approvals) on behalf of its members, whilst encouraging chemical companies to include grapevines as part of their On Label Approvals.

Publishes:

  • The Grape Press, the only magazine which deals with technical issues affecting UK vineyards and wineries. It includes a Commercial Directory listing of winemakers, consultants and other service providers.
  • The Pesticides booklet, updated each Spring, brings together information on all approved sprays and best practice, ensuring that members spray effectively and legally. (See publications page)

The Regions:

  • The UKVA is made up of six Regional Associations and a grouping of the larger producers in the UK. For more information on the regions and joining see the membership page.

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