(Decanter) - There is nearly 25% more land under vine in 2019, according to newly released figures that coincide with English Wine Week and fresh accolades for UK wines at the Decanter World Wine Awards. 

Around three million vines have been planted in England and Wales this year, nearly double the amount planted in 2018 and up from one million in 2017, according to trade body WineGB.

That means the UK now has an estimated 3,500 hectares of vineyards, up by 24% versus a year ago, said WineGB. A spokesperson said most most of the new plantings were believed to be the classic ‘Champagne’ trio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, plus Bacchus, although precise figures were not yet available.