SUSSEX wine will become a protected status tipple like Champagne and Prosecco – thanks to Brexit.
Ministers today urge Brits to shun foreign booze and raise a glass of our own homegrown stuff instead.
Since leaving the bloc we’ve been able to throw off archaic EU systems – and can now decide which trademarks to put on our own unique foods and drinks.
Sussex wine will join other traditional British products like Cornish clotted cream and Jersey Royal potatoes, and get protected status to make sure imposters can’t nick it.
Still, sparkling and origin wines will only be allowed to be called ‘Sussex’ if they are grown in the region and meet a strict set of criteria.
Sales of English wines have soared by nearly a third last year to seven million bottles, according to WineGB which represents UK winemakers.
Britain could be in line for another bumper wine crop this year thanks to a predicted long, warm summer and autumn.
Sussex wine producers have already won a string of top awards for their delicious bevvies – racking up ‘Best Sparkling Wine’ in worldwide international competitions eight times, alongside a string of gold medals.
Food and Farming Minister, Victoria Prentis, told Trending In The News: “This registration, possible thanks to Brexit, demonstrates the ambition of Sussex wine producers to share their product at home and abroad.
“I can’t wait to raise a glass of Sussex in celebration as soon as possible.”
Mark Driver, co-founder of Rathfinny Wine Estate, added: “We can’t wait for the day when you can go into a bar in London, New York, Beijing, or Tokyo and will be asked – Would you like a glass of Champagne or a delicious glass of Sussex?”
