Popularity of wine continues to grow, research shows

The YouGov data, published by Wine Drinkers UK (WDUK), shows wine beats beer (25%) and spirits (25%) into second and third place, respectively.

Wine’s popularity has increased under lockdown with the latest data for off-trade showing wine sales were up 10% year-on-year in 2020 and off-trade sparkling wine sales increased by 5%.

The poll shows 24% of those questioned say their spend on take-home wine has increased since the first lockdown last March, with 5% saying it has increased by nearly a third. Those living in London (30%) and the West Midlands (29%) say their spend has increased the most.

The YouGov survey of more than 1,800 respondents across the UK who drink alcohol, shows 43% of women choose wine as their favourite drink, compared to 21% of men. The over-35s are clear that wine is their drink of choice, compared to the under-35s who generally prefer beer or spirits.

People living in the South West (39%) and East of England (34%) are the most likely to prefer wine in England, putting paid to the stereotypes that those in London (32%) and the South East (29%) are more likely to prefer wine over beer and spirits.

The research reveals crisp, dry whites, such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, are most popular, with 41% choosing them as their favourite. Full-bodied reds, such as Malbec and Shiraz, came in second place (39%), with the ever-popular Prosecco taking third (30%).

However, there is a divide across the nation in terms of preferences. While a crisp, dry white is universally popular, those in Scotland (46%) and the North West (48%) are more likely to choose it over everything else, while those in the South West (50%) and London (44%) are more likely to opt for a full-bodied red.

Drinks writer, presenter and WDUK supporter, Helena Nicklin, said: “Britain is without doubt a nation of wine lovers. It is our favourite alcoholic drink and its popularity continues to grow. Wine is enjoyed by ordinary people across the country, the old stereotype of it being a drink only for the well-off middle class is a thing of the past.”

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