Sir John highlights Essex’s growing role in English wine production, naming Danbury Ridge, Missing Gate, New Hall, Crouch Valley and Crouch Ridge vineyards who produce high-quality British wines in his Maldon constituency and emphasising the importance of vineyard tours to their revenue. He asks the Government to support WineGB’s campaign for wine tourism relief, which would reduce excise duty on cellar-door sales. Sir John also presses the Government to support British wine producers through innovation, access to labour and new export markets.
Debate Highlights
John Whittingdale Conservative, Maldon:
What steps is the Government taking to support the wine production industry?
Stephen Morgan The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
The wine sector is a British success story and we want to grow it further. We are supporting innovation, ensuring that vineyards can access essential labour and helping British producers access new export markets through our global network of agrifood and drink attachés.
John Whittingdale Conservative, Maldon:
Is the Minister aware that Essex is now a centre of English wine production, with producers such as Danbury Ridge, Missing Gate, New Hall, Crouch Valley and Crouch Ridge all producing in my constituency? A number of them also offer vineyard tours, which are an important source of revenue. Will he support WineGB’s campaign for a wine tourism relief, to reduce the excise duty on cellar-door sales?
Stephen Morgan The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
I was waiting for the invitation to visit those vineyards. Supporting trade and exports is a priority for this Government, which is why DEFRA supports the UK wine industry to succeed both at home and abroad. On the campaign that the right hon. Gentleman mentioned, obviously, matters of duty relief are for the Treasury, but DEFRA recognises the growth potential of the wine tourism industry, including its contribution to rural jobs and rural communities.