A new study has said that the number of new wine producers in the UK grew sharply, with a total of 135 producers now operating in the UK.

Accountants UHY Hacker Young said that, in the year to March 31st, 46 new producers were registered in the UK, up from the 31 registered in the 2012/13 period.

The growth in popularity of small producers and niche products have helped boost the UK’s alcohol industry, with a rise also reported in micro-breweries and distilleries. The number of beer producers in particular has risen 188% in the past five years.

Roy Maugham, head of tax at UHY Hacker Young, said: "Consumer interest in boutique products continues to grow. Food products such as artisan cheeses and organically-reared meats, and drinks such as craft beer and artisan spirits, have been the focus of increased demand. Now, we're seeing the same thing in the UK's once-mocked wine industry. English wines have enjoyed a genuine renaissance over the last couple of years and are now being taken seriously on the international stage."