Vineyard owners in England and Wales are hoping to capitalise on a growing demand for home produced wines. Back in 1990, the UK produced 1.9 million bottles of wine, according to figures from the Food Standards Agency.

Ten years later that number hadn`t risen at all, but over the next decade the industry began to expand. Over four million bottles were produced in 2010 and it's predicted that number could double by 2020.

There are now around 500 vineyards in England and Wales, producing wines which are improving in quality, and gaining international recognition.

Speaking at a launch event for English Wine Week, the Head Winemaker at Ridgeview wine estate, Simon Roberts, told Sky News why he thinks English and Welsh wines are getting more popular.

`I really do think it`s the quality,` he said. `We`re winning international awards... For the percentage of wines we produce, we`re the most-awarded wine producing country in the world. `Which... considering we make five million bottles - set to increase to 10 million bottles in the next five years - is a huge statement.`

Image courtsey and full article can be found at source News.sky.com