What the 2023 duty reform means for English wine pricing
Duty by strength, the easement and where that leaves your prices.
On 1 August 2023, duty on wine moved from a flat rate per hectolitre to a rate per litre of pure alcohol, so stronger wines pay more. For 18 months, wines of 11.5% to 14.5% were all taxed as if they were 12.5%; that easement ended on 31 January 2025.
Lighter and sparkling wines generally came out ahead. Fuller still wines pay more than they did, and the gap grows with every half percent of strength.
Wine duty rates
| ABV | From 1 Feb 2026 | From 1 Feb 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0% to 1.2% | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| 1.3% to 3.4% | £9.96 | £10.41 |
| 3.5% to 8.4% | £26.61 | £27.82 |
| 8.5% to 22.0% | £30.62 | £32.01 |
| Over 22.0% | £33.99 | £35.54 |
Per litre of pure alcohol. The 1 Feb 2027 rates were announced at the Budget on 28 October 2026, a rise of 4.5%.
Rates correct from 1 February 2026, checked against GOV.UK on 28 October 2026.
Work it out for your own wines
Duty at any strength and size, shelf prices for every channel, and how duty has changed since 2023.
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