Cost of wine could rise by an average of 38p per bottle

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Price of a bottle of wine could increase by an average of 38p: almost half (43%) of female drinkers prefer wine to beer (Credit: Getty/Image Source)

Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s proposed changes to alcohol duty could see the cost of a bottle of wine rise by an average of 38p, according to Wine Drinkers UK.

As per the proposal, tax duties on wine over 11.5% ABV would rise, meaning around 80% of all still wines enjoyed in the UK would be more expensive.

These figures come after the sector was warned last week the price of a pint in a pub could rise by 50p across the UK due to ballooning inflation on top of the increasing cost-of-living.

Limiting customer choice 

Broadcaster and Wine Drinkers UK supporter Helena Nicklin said: “Wine is the UK’s most popular alcoholic drink but the Chancellor’s proposed changes to the alcohol duty regime will drive up the price of wine and potentially limit consumer choice.”

Wine Drinkers UK, a collection of leading wine lovers, makers, and sellers, revealed 32% of all Brits prefer wine with 43% of female drinkers having listed wine as their favourite alcoholic drink compared to 7% who listed beer, while 44% of male drinkers said beer was their favourite tipple with only 7% having listed wine.

The collection also revealed since 2010 wine drinkers have paid £5.9bn more duty than beer drinkers, with women (58%) almost twice as likely to choose wine than men (31%), according to a poll of 2,191 people conducted by YouGov on behalf of Wine Drinkers UK.

Struggling to cope 

While the consultation period for the Governments Alcohol Duty Review closed yesterday (Sunday 30th January), but Wine Drinkers UK have called for the review to rectify the tax on wine, which has seen faster and higher tax increases than other alcoholic beverages over the last few years, through the launch of its Cut Back Wine Tax campaign.

Nicklin said: “This is a double whammy for women who are more likely to choose to wind down with a glass of wine than a pint of beer. It is especially unfair at a time when so many ordinary people are struggling to cope with the cost of living.”