(Wines&Vines) - The British wine market has long been known for its diversity, price consciousness and deep-seated appreciation for European wines. Proximity was often thought to make the heart grow fond and it has always been easy to hop the channel to shop for, duty-free, wines.

However the surprising political choice the bulk of British voters made five weeks ago to leave the European Union (EU) may affect both wine costs and preferences as the country moves forward. If the UK does ultimately depart from the EU, Brexit will be a lengthy process, pending a two-year period for approval of Article 50, so there will certainly be time for reflection over a glass of wine or two.

While the British wine market may stay steady in terms of trends, there may well also be a new opportunity for American-made wines to increase their market share across the pond. The US has long been seen as a political partner to Great Britain and the two countries have strong cultural ties.

If any real comparisons can be made about current political sentiment in both countries, given the political surprises that both Brexit and Donald Trump's run for president have presented, then it should be noted that he also makes wine in Virginia. No doubt the Trumps, along with dozens of other US wine producers, would love to sell more wine to their "British allies", regardless of who wins the US presidential election this fall.