For years, beer lovers have enjoyed their favorite brews in pint-sized bottles, while wine enthusiasts were often stuck with large bottles, leading to unnecessary waste. But there’s good news on the horizon, thanks to a recent announcement from the UK government that promises to shake up how we enjoy our wines.
Currently, rules prevent the sale of still wine in 200ml quantities and limit sparkling wine to 500ml amounts. However, a new regulation is on the horizon, intending to change this. Soon, you’ll be able to find still wine in convenient 200ml containers and sparkling wine in 500ml sizes across Britain.
In a post-Brexit development, the Department for Business and Trade reveals that Brits can soon expect ‘pint’-sized bottles of still and sparkling wine in supermarkets, pubs, clubs, and restaurants. This new 568ml size, alongside the existing 200ml and 500ml options, offers consumers more flexibility and choices, according to the official website.
Part of the Government’s smarter regulation program, this move aims to rejuvenate the UK’s wine sector. Collaboration with the industry has paved the way for businesses to sell prepacked still and sparkling wine in 500ml and 200ml sizes, along with the introduction of the new 568ml ‘pint’ quantity. Around 900 vineyards are expected to benefit from these reforms, boosting production and supporting British businesses that collectively produce approximately 12.2 million bottles of still or sparkling wine each year.
These changes are made possible by the new Brexit freedoms through the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023. Industry leaders, eager to reduce cumbersome regulations, have wholeheartedly supported these optional reforms.
Minister for Enterprise, Markets, and Small Business Kevin Hollinrake highlights the importance of innovation, freedom, and choice for both producers and consumers. Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB, welcomes the opportunity to standardize still and sparkling bottle sizes, raising a glass to greater choices for UK producers.
As the UK embraces these changes, wine enthusiasts can look forward to a more diverse and accessible selection, marking a new era where wine is available in sizes that suit every occasion.
