With high temperatures and glorious sunshine could we be on track for a good vintage?
The next few weeks will determine how well the bunches of grapes ripen on the vines or become the food for wasps and birds and other thieves of the harvest. Many vineyards will be keeping a very keen eye on how the grapes are developing.
Grape vines are fortunately able to cope with minimal rainfall as they have long roots that find water deep underground but young vines will become vulnerable if they are newly planted and haven’t yet put down the necessary root depth.
The UK harvest is usually at the end of September or early October but perhaps this year it may be earlier. If you live near a vineyard have you considered offering your services as a grape picker? It can be physical with all that snipping but you’ll definitely have a lot of fun and meet other wine enthusiasts.
The UK wine industry is growing and growing with over 800 vineyards in production and around 200 that can be visited which means there is every reason to see the production method at first hand – and sample the delicious results. Whilst sparkling wine has so far been the quality product of the UK wine industry there are many vineyards that are experimenting with producing still wines.
We have discovered a fabulous still wine from Oastbrook Vineyard near Bodiam in East Sussex that they make from Pinot Meunier grapes – it is really delicious. Pinot Meunier is normally one of the grape varieties that is made into sparkling wine but as a still wine it is wonderful! A perfect accompaniment to hot sunshine.
Do take a look at tours, they are ideal for gathering a group of friends or family together… or how about your colleagues?
