Sometimes you only realise a trend is happening when you inadvertently become a part of it. Last summer we moved house within the southeast from town to country, having deliberately sought out a property with land that would be suitable for planting a small vineyard.
A lot of the big English wineries like Chapel Down procure good quality grapes from nearby growers
We’ve since discovered that we are far from alone. So many others have had the same idea that most estate agents now employ a ‘vineyard specialist’ who can spot potential and match would-be viticulturists – people who cultivate and harvest grapes – with their future vineyard. The enthusiasm for English wines is growing apace. This is mainly due to our climate becoming warmer, great news for vines although potentially detrimental to other aspects of British agriculture.
It’s not just in the southeast either. Vineyards are popping up all over the place and are flourishing as far north as Yorkshire.
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