Export market
The United Kingdom is one of the world’s largest wine import markets, and one of the most traditional. Every region and almost every appellation is already there. Here is how we approach it with our estates.
The market
The United Kingdom imports almost all the wine it drinks: the equivalent of around 1.7 billion bottles a year. In 2025 imports fell to 1.2 billion litres, but France remained the leading supplier by value, with €1.384 billion.
Since Brexit, the United Kingdom is a third country. Market access mostly goes through an importer, whose role remains central.
It is also a heavily taxed market. Since 2023 excise duty has been linked to alcohol strength, and a further 4.55% increase is planned for February 2027, about 14 pence more per bottle at 13% ABV.
Market analysis
The United Kingdom imports about 99% of the wine it drinks, the equivalent of 1.7 billion bottles a year. In 2025 it remained the second market for French wine and spirits exporters, with €1.6 billion in sales.
Volumes are falling, however: 1.2 billion litres imported in 2025, 6% less than in 2024. According to the WSTA, wine sales volumes have dropped 8% since 2023, under the pressure of taxation and purchasing power.
Supermarkets have historically controlled most off-trade sales. But independent wine shops are gaining ground: a Liberty Wines study of more than 100 independents found their sales up 25%, outperforming supermarkets and the on-trade.
In between, the country has many wine merchants who import, sell to consumers and supply the on-trade, as well as agents who represent estates with wholesalers. For an independent estate, these are the natural partners.
Since August 2023, excise duty depends on alcohol strength: a 14% wine pays more than a 12% wine. A further 4.55% increase is planned for 1 February 2027, about 14 pence more per bottle at 13% ABV.
A VI-1 certificate is no longer required to import wine into Great Britain. However, since 1 January 2024, wine imported into England must show the name and address of a UK-based business: this is usually handled by the importer.
Arrive with a clear reason to be listed instead of someone else: better value for money, a sharper positioning, higher quality or more modern packaging.
Factor alcohol strength into your pricing, and focus first on wine merchants, importers supplying the on-trade and agents working with independent wine shops.
Our field experience
There is a traditional saying that entering the UK market means you have replaced someone. The market is so historic that every region and appellation is already there. Especially in a wine-industry downturn, a new listing usually takes the place of another.
You can replace an estate on price, but also with a better positioning, higher quality or more modern packaging. It is the whole proposition that makes the difference.
Because the market is very large and heavily taxed, it can suit larger estates able to follow the volumes. Independent estates nevertheless have their full place there.
Importer examples
A few British importers that distribute French wines, selected from our database on the basis of their public information.
Fine wine merchant and importer
French wines: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône, Loire, Alsace, Champagne
Other origins: Italy, Spain, South Africa, Australia, United States
Channels: Private clients, restaurants, wholesale, wine shops
A London merchant sourcing directly from producers, with a dedicated on-trade team (wine lists, training, producer events).
Fine wine importer-distributor
French wines: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne
Other origins: Italy (Piedmont, Tuscany)
Channels: Distribution
Specialised in fine wines and Champagne.
Importer-wholesaler and independent retailer
French wines: Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhône, Provence
Other origins: Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Spain
Channels: Shops, mail order, on-trade
A family business based in Sussex since 1960.
Fine wine merchant and importer
French wines: Burgundy, Champagne, Bordeaux
Other origins: Spain, Italy, Germany
Channels: Private clients, restaurants, broking
Established since 1780, working directly with estates and châteaux, with exclusives such as Champagne Delamotte.
Wine shop and importer
French wines: Organic and biodynamic low-intervention French wines
Other origins: France only
Channels: Independent wine shops, bars, restaurants, retail
Imports low-intervention French wines for independent shops and London restaurants.
Family importer-wholesaler
French wines: Champagne and other French regions
Other origins: Italy, Spain, Australia
Channels: Restaurants, hotels and bars in Greater London, wine shops, regional wholesalers
Imports a selection of estates directly, across several price levels.
Importer and on-trade supplier
French wines: Artisan French estates
Other origins: Italy, Spain, Croatia, Portugal, Germany
Channels: Restaurants, bars
Importing and exclusively representing artisan estates since 2000, delivering from a bonded warehouse.
Natural wine importer-wholesaler
French wines: Natural and organic wines from small French estates
Other origins: Italy
Channels: Shops, restaurants, resellers, e-commerce
Imports natural and organic wines from small independent producers, with shops in London and a wholesale business.
Agent and importer
French wines: French family estates
Other origins: Germany, Portugal
Channels: Independent wine shops, wholesalers
Has represented family estates with British wine shops and wholesalers since 2005.
Importer of artisan estates
French wines: Burgundy, Loire, Rhône, Languedoc
Other origins: Spain, Italy
Channels: London restaurants, wine shops, e-commerce
Founded in 2020, importing independent growers working organically, biodynamically or with low intervention.
Profiles based on public information (company websites, trade directories). These importers are listed as examples: they are not necessarily ExportVins partners, and their contact details are deliberately not published.
Finding out which ones are truly right for your wines, and getting them to agree to taste, is exactly what the Performance Export Mission does.
By offering a proposition able to replace an existing listing: on price, but also on positioning, quality or packaging. The market is very traditional and already well supplied.
In the vast majority of cases, yes. The United Kingdom has been a third country since Brexit and the importer remains the main route to market.
No. Its size and taxation can favour larger estates, but independent estates have their full place there.
Excise duty has been linked to alcohol strength since 2023, and a 4.55% increase is planned for February 2027. It weighs on the final price and therefore on your wine’s positioning.
Market data sources
A 30-minute call to check whether the Performance Export Mission is right for your estate.
