Vineyard cuts alcohol in most popular range to dodge higher duty

Wine makers are cutting alcohol levels in their vintages in a bid to offset a Government tax hike that will put up prices. It comes as the UK Government imposes, from August 1, duty strictly based on alcohol strength, which will add 44p to a bottle of wine at 12.5 per cent ABV. Wine makers are cutting alcohol levels in their vintages in a bid to offset a Government tax hike that will put up prices Now producers are looking to cut the amount of alcohol in their wine – down from 12.5 to 11 per cent – to reduce the duty charged and to ensure their products remain affordable. The UK Government imposes, from August 1, duty strictly based on alcohol strength, which will add 44p to a bottle of wine at 12.5 per cent ABV Britain's wine industry says the reformulations are a direct result of government policy, rather than any attempt at profiteering. Producers are looking to cut the amount of alcohol in their wine – down from 12.5 to 11 per cent – to reduce the duty charged and to ensure their products remain affordable He said his company had expertise in making wines with reduced alcohol levels without harming the taste.