Sparkling English wine risks losing its fizz, says top vineyard

A leading British winemaker is warning that the industry faces a nasty hangover on the back of a big increase in the number of English vineyards making sparkling wine. Frazer Thompson, chief executive of Chapel Down Group, said that competition was becoming “intensive” and he predicted that this would inevitably lead to industry consolidation within the next three or four years. He said the Kent-based group will be in a strong position to participate.