To spread fertiliser across the vineyard in a speedy way the broadcast applicator is best, normally requiring a pass up every third or fourth row, operating at a speed of four to six kph. Continue reading “Feeding the vines”
Feeding the vines
The international innovation event
The major three-day international biennial is the place to be in terms of innovation and a must visit show for professionals who are ready to take up the technological, environmental and economic challenges of today and tomorrow. Continue reading “The international innovation event”
A nip in the air
The Tow and Blow wind machine from New Zealand has now found a home in UK fruit farms and vineyards following success on the continent. Continue reading “A nip in the air”
What to know before you buy
Consider the size and value of your business
Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement and without at least £5m worth of cover, businesses can face daily penalties of up to £2,500. If your vineyard isn’t a limited company and you only employ close family members, you may be exempt, but it’s still a good idea to protect yourself. Continue reading “What to know before you buy”
The vine post – Brokering fruit
We are a company that establishes vineyards and offers vineyard management services, and while it was never our intention to get into the fruit brokering business, somehow we now find ourselves moving several hundred tons of fruit annually for clients. Continue reading “The vine post – Brokering fruit”
Sites, expertise and experience
Meeting with Richard Balfour-Lynn on a sunny terrace at Hush Heath Estate, overlooking the flourishing, newly planted Nannette’s vineyard, sipping coffee from a mug inscribed “I’d rather be drinking Balfour Brut Rosé” I could easily have forgotten I was just outside Staplehurst, Kent. Continue reading “Sites, expertise and experience”
Does farm subsidies reform mean cheaper land for vineyards?
29 March 2019 will be a watershed. Currently, the 33.6 million that voted in the referendum watch with increasing disbelief as UK leaders attempt to negotiate an exit from the European Union while parties fight openly among themselves. And as for the exit process this appears to do no more than stagger from side to side like a passenger aboard a cross channel ferry in rough seas! Nevertheless, the prime minister is emphatic we will leave the EU next year, we just have to wait to see if that is with or without a deal! Continue reading “Does farm subsidies reform mean cheaper land for vineyards?”
Embarking on a new chapter
In 1995, the Worsley family launched Agricare to ensure that farmers in Kent would have an easily accessible and readily available supply of general agricultural sundries, consumables, and parts. Continue reading “Embarking on a new chapter”
Top end sparkling wines
It was amazing, the reaction to an email I sent out to various vinous luminaries, while researching this piece, asking if I could taste their top end English sparklers for an article in this august tome. Continue reading “Top end sparkling wines”
Meet the manager with Guy Heywood
If you weren’t working in wine, what would you be doing?
I’m not sure because when I was 30 everything changed for me. I was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition which meant I have had open heart surgery and two further heart surgeries, with a number of complications. While I was recovering I really thought about what I was passionate about and what I wanted from life, and the two things I loved were coffee and wine. Continue reading “Meet the manager with Guy Heywood”