Today the thought of a farmer allocating a plot of his arable or fruit land to trial a small vineyard is not uncommon and with growing wineries constantly on the search for more, quality fruit, several producers have even struck up long-term contract arrangements and partnerships to help farmers diversify into the sector. Continue reading “Teaching old vines new tricks” →

During May you might have planted new vines for future production, whether expanding an existing vineyard or starting from scratch. Now that the busy time of planting is over you’ll be turning your mind to implementing trellis systems to support these young vines. Previously we have discussed the merits of galvanising, and the materials used in the construction of posts we use in vineyards today. But what of the rest of the trellis system; which material do you need and what about installation…? Continue reading “The vine post” →

Having started his company in October 2017, Sam Barnes, who grew up on the family vineyard in Biddenden, Kent, is already working with numerous big names in the South East of England. Continue reading “Skilled operator” →

How are the vines at Bolney looking at the moment?

The vines are looking very healthy and strong, with what looks like a good potential crop. Continue reading “Meet the Manager: Sue Osgood” →

Many would say it’s the winemakers who craft the vintages who are the most valuable people in the industry, others may argue it’s the owners who fund the purchase of vineyards and provide financial capital, perhaps it’s the wine marketing department or even the consumer. However to make great wine you need good grapes, and this wouldn’t be possible if it were not for the dedication of the migrant vineyard workers. Continue reading “Hard labour for great wine” →

After Ian and Jayne Oliphant-Thompson purchased Kenton Park Estate on the outskirts of Exeter, Devon in January 2017 work quickly began to re-establish its former vineyard which had been grubbed by the previous owner. Continue reading “Establishing an unorthodox estate” →

I suspect that many UK vineyard owners would rather not think about trunk disease in their vineyards, it seems there are enough problems already. Yet, if the developing global experience is anything to go by, it seems that trunk diseases may develop as more of a problem than phylloxera across the worlds’ wine regions. Continue reading “How to manage trunk disease” →