Hollie Byrne, our Estates & Special Projects advisor

A new era for english vineyards: The rise of viticulture in the UK – with Hollie Byrne

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England’s wine industry is experiencing remarkable growth, with more than 1,000 vineyards now thriving across the country. Grapes now make up 36% of England’s soft fruit crop, overtaking traditional favourites like strawberries and blackcurrants. Warmer climates and evolving agricultural practices have contributed to the success of the industry, particularly in regions like Hampshire, Kent, Sussex, and Surrey. This shift has made vineyards an attractive venture for landowners seeking diversification.

“Viticulture is currently the fastest growing agricultural industry,” says Hollie Byrne, our Estates and Special Projects advisor, to Country Life. “With climate change enabling us to grow varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, predictions show up to 29 million bottles could be produced annually by 2032.

“Viticulture is currently the fastest growing agricultural industry,” says Hollie Byrne, our Estates and Special Projects advisor, in Country Life. “Research suggests this trend will continue… Wine GB has predicted that by 2032 there will be between 25 million and 29 million bottles produced.”

There are many reasons for this shift, one being that climate change has made the UK more suitable to grow varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Thus “‘due to the many changes in the agricultural subsidy system over the past few years, resulting in farmers receiving less government support, many landowners have diversified.

Read the full article here.