UK. London Gatwick Airport is using English Wine Week (20-28 June) to showcase wines from English counties Sussex, Surrey and Kent across its retail and food & beverage offer.
The initiative underlines the growing importance of wine tourism to the south-east economy.
The Gatwick campaign includes tastings in airport bars, restaurants and World Duty Free stores featuring regional producers including Ridgeview, Gusbourne and Nyetimber.
The programme comes amid continued growth in English wine tourism, with visitor numbers and vineyard development accelerating across the south east of England.
According to industry figures, wine tourism in the UK has grown by more than +55% since 2022.
The growth is exemplified in Sussex, now home to more than 159 vineyards and over 20 wineries, representing a threefold increase since 2015. It produces more wine than any other UK county.
Tour operators are also reporting increased demand. Brighton-based Great British Wine Tours said bookings for its Vintage Bus Wine Tours have risen +10% year-on-year, with a further +15% increase forecast for 2026.
London Gatwick said year-round availability of regional wines remains a key part of its retail proposition.
Bolney and Denbies wines are now stocked in the airport’s Lagardère Travel Retail-operated Discover London stores, which opened in December.
The airport revealed it currently offers 190 regional products across its retail and food & beverage outlets.
London Gatwick Economic Partnerships Manager Richard Lennard said, “Wine tourism is one of the South East’s most exciting success stories and London Gatwick is proud to play a key role in connecting global visitors with our region’s world-class vineyards.
“Supporting local producers and promoting regional tourism is central to our commitment to the communities we serve.”
Bolney Wine Estate Managing Director Rob Hilton said, “Bolney Wine Estate is delighted to partner with London Gatwick, a collaboration that celebrates our shared commitment to regional tourism, local business growth and sustainability.
“As proud members of the Sussex community, we value Gatwick as a key gateway that connects guests, partners and customers from across the globe to our estate.” ✈
