Corks are popping for English sparkling wine sales in the run up to Christmas.

Waitrose has reported a year-on-year sales increase of 30% compared to the same week last year for English sparkling wine. Meanwhile, fizz producer Bob Lindo from Camel Valley in Cornwall said he is “struggling to keep up with demand”.

Lindo said: “It’s been a record sales year for Camel Valley and we’re struggling to keep up with demand. Following a repeat of Caroline Quentin’s ‘Cornwall’ series on ITV, mail orders have gone through the roof. In addition we will be featured on Raymond Blanc’s Christmas, BBC2, 13 December, 7pm and Hairy Bikers in the new year – so we’re expecting it to get even more hectic.

There’s no doubt that English fizz is replacing Champagne for that special occasion and for Christmas.”

Waitrose also announced that it is to bottle its own English sparkler from 2014.

Ken Mckay MW, Waitrose wine buyer said: “At Waitrose we have the largest variety of British wines, with over 40 different varieties available. This means that customers are able to find a British sparkling wine that will suit any occasion or palate and often the quality of the wines is better than a French champagne.

“We’ve even started making our own at our Waitrose vineyard in Hampshire and will be producing our first bottles in 2014.”

The team at Morrisons Cellar said they recognise English wine - particularly sparkling - as a huge growth opportunity and they are looking to expand into that area.