British wine production is set to skyrocket by the year 2100 because of the changing climate
The cost of importing wine is set to hit Britain hard due to the weak pound, but what if the UK could make its own?
Well, by the year 2100, Britain could be a leading wine producing region, a new study suggests.
The changing climate will transform areas of the UK including Essex, the east of England and Edinburgh into optimal areas to set up a winery.
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The study, commissioned by Laithwaite's Wine, the UK's leading wine delivery service, said popular varieties of grapes like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay could be primed to grow in areas like Peckham and Milton Keynes.
Central and east England would have a leg up in Sauvignon Blanc production, while Edinburgh and Elgin could lead in Pinot Grigio.
Average temperature and rainfall conditions for certain grape varieties were measured against predicted changes in the UK's climate over the next 85 years to map changes to Britain's ability to produce wine.
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The study was conducted by Professor Mark Maslin and Lucien Georgeson from University College London.
Maslin said:
“Climate is critical to successful grape cultivation. This study could signal how we think long-term about British wine production and redraw the future wine map of the world.”
Davy Zyw of Laithwaite’s Wine said experts have dismissed the idea of British wine, but wineries in the south east have already set out to change perceptions by perfecting English sparkling wine.
"Now thanks to a changing climate, as well as passion and expertise, we could see wine buyers from all over the world coming to taste the latest UK vintages in a few generations.”