We are responsible for ensuring European Union wine regulations are enforced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We maintain the UK Vineyards Register.
Our enforcement activities, which are intended to safeguard the quality, authenticity and correct labelling of wine products, apply to all premises and traders within the production and distribution chain, including bottling plants, bonded warehouse, importers, wholesalers and vineyards. We also maintain the UK Vineyards Register which records the area covered by vineyards and the annual harvest and production returns from growers and producers.
Enforcement of the wine regulations at retail premises comes under the control of Local Authorities (mainly Trading Standards Departments). Local Authorities also administer the Liquor Licensing requirements (Personal and Premises Licences).
Our objectives
to encourage growers and traders to comply with laws on wine by offering advice and education
to carry out a programme of inspections, using risk analysis to deliver a targeted and cost-effective and service
to identify breaches of the law and gather evidence for legal action in serious cases
Guidance for importers, wholesalers and winemakers on wine labelling. This includes labelling wine produced in the UK, European Union (EU) and non-EU countries (also known as 'third countries'), allergen labelling and the display of bottler's details.
This page gives you some background to the regulations applicable in the UK, brief guidance to the key aspects of the law and guidance on the other laws relating to the wine trade.