Wine standards

The Agency aims to ensure that EU wine regulations are enforced in the UK. It also maintains the UK Vineyards Register.

Our enforcement responsibilities apply to all premises and traders within the production and marketing chain, including wholesalers, warehouses and vineyards. Retail premises come under the control of (External) Local Authorities Trading Standards , as do licensing law requirements from 2005 (further details about licensing may be found on the (External) Department for Culture, Media and Sport website).

The UK Vineyards Register records the area covered by vineyards and the annual harvest and production returns from growers and producers.

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
to work closely with other regulatory bodies

Contact us

Please contact John Boodle for further information:

Food Standards Agency
Wine Standards Branch
Enforcement Support Division
125 Kingsway
London
WC2B 6NH

Email: John.Boodle@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 0207 276 8351
Fax: 0207 276 8463

Find out more

A guide to wine law

This page gives you background to the regulations applicable in the UK, a brief guidance on the key aspects of the law and guidance on the other laws relating to the wine trade.