Border vineyard set for a bumper vintage!

The owners of a Marches vineyard say they are anticipating a bumper crop of grapes following the combination of heatwaves and rainfall this summer.

Kerry Vale Vineyard, located on the border of South Shropshire with Powys, expects a high yield across the grape varieties it cultivates –  Rondo, Phoenix, Solaris and Pinot Noir.

Nadine Roach, spokesperson for the vineyard, said: “We had a fantastic flowering season in June, which was further enhanced by the rain in July. As it stands, it appears that we are on track for a remarkable harvest in terms of both quality and quantity.”

However, Nadine emphasised the importance of favourable weather in the upcoming weeks. Excessive rainfall could potentially harm crops susceptible to mildew, so the vineyard is hoping for dry, breezy, sunny days with gentle overnight rain until the end of the month.

“The weather during the harvest period will ultimately determine the final outcome”, added Nadine.

The industry predicts that 2023 will be a vintage year for English wine due to the combination of a wet spring and a subsequent heatwave, leading to early flowering vines, abundant bunches and potentially a bountiful harvest, similar to 2018.”

Kerry Vale Vineyard continuously monitors grape sugar levels. Once the right balance of sugar and acid is reached, the grapes will be picked, with September 26 expected to be the first day of harvest. To help with the grape harvest visit: www.kerryvalevineyard.co.uk.

Vineyard tours are organised every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from May to September. The vineyard, which is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, boasts an award-winning coffee shop that serves homemade food, cakes and wine.

There is also a shop where the award-winning wines can be sampled and purchased with other local, artisan produce and gifts.

Picture caption:

Kerry Vale Vineyard owner Russell Cooke expecting a bumper harvest.