It is a sight more often associated with the Loire Valley or the hills of Chianti but grape-pickers will be out in force in Britain’s growing number of vineyards this weekend amid what could be the country’s best ever harvest.
Amid the warmest October temperatures for five years, the result of a massive Atlantic storm blowing in hot winds, vineyard owners are rushing to get the harvest in.
With temperatures expected to rise as a result of global warming, vines have become increasingly popular in gardens in some parts, as vineyards have spread across southern counties of England.
Leading Champagne houses have also begun looking across the Channel in search of new vineyards to meet a boom in demand.
At the 438-acre Nyetimber estate near Petworth, West Sussex, which produces a sparkling white wine likened to Champagne, staff are preparing for a record harvest.
Paul Woodrow-Hill, the vineyard manager said: “Last year we grew 970 tons and this year the yields are even better, it’s going to be a bumper harvest.
“We are rushing to get the harvest in whilst the weather is good.“
Last year's sun in June and July helped the grapes at the flowering stage.
“This combined with this year's good start to the summer means the conditions have been perfect for a great yield.”
The Daily Telegraph