Scotland’s wine industry is beginning to bloom, with a growing number of vineyards and wineries registering with Food Standards Scotland (FSS). In 2025 alone, five vineyards have joined the register — and more are expected to follow.
To support this growth, FSS has expanded its Wine Standards team, offering expert guidance to growers, producers, and traders to help them meet legal requirements and uphold quality standards.
“This is just the beginning of what could be a remarkable journey for Scotland as a wine-producing nation,” says John Currie, Wine Inspector at FSS. “With climate change and the development of grape varieties suited to cooler climates, it’s no surprise that new vineyards are emerging across the country.”
One such success story comes from the Scottish Borders, where grower Lorna Jackson has made strides producing the country’s first sparkling wine.
“We planted vines in 2016 on a disused tattie field as part of a farm diversification project and experimented with three grape varieties,” says Jackson.
“After attending viticulture courses, we had enough grapes to try making sparkling wine ourselves. It is a long process with multiple stages – we even treaded the grapes by foot in the traditional way.
“It’s been a steep learning curve, but the response to our Borders Bubbly has been incredible. People are genuinely excited about the prospect of buying a truly Scottish wine, and we’re now working towards establishing a commercial winery on the farm.”
FSS plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, authenticity, and proper labelling of wine produced and sold in Scotland. All commercial vineyards must register with FSS, which then conducts inspections covering both viticulture and vinification processes.
John explains: “Currently, the majority of wine consumed in the UK is imported. With ongoing concerns about counterfeit alcohol, it’s essential that consumers can trust the authenticity and safety of wine produced in Scotland.
“Our inspections cover every stage of the production and distribution chain — from vineyards and wineries to bottling plants, bonded warehouses, importers, and wholesalers.”
To learn more about Scotland’s growing wine industry and the role of Food Standards Scotland, visit our wine producers page or email WineStandards.Scotland@fss.scot.