After this incredibly wet July, the vineyards across England are looking at a great year for harvest. Although unwanted by most, the Met Office have stated that the rainfall this summer has average to 140.1mm across the UK. This has resulted in it begin one of the wettest Julys on record since 1836.
The surge in rainfall has proved to be a shock for the public who were hoping for temperatures like July 2022 which reached up to 40c. However, this surprising turn of events has resulted in vineyards exceeding their expectations for the upcoming harvest in September/October.
The trade report from WineGB have stated that hectarage and planting have gone up by 74% in the last five years. Active vineyards now account for 82% of hectarage which is 3,928ha. This has resulted in 4.8 tonnes of yield per hectare.
With over 943 vineyards now in operation, there is expected to be a 50% growth in employment by 2025. The result of a wetter summer has promised large bunches to be produced and employment may rise even further with the upcoming harvest. With this incredible boost in production, the UK is becoming a strong competitor in the wine industry.
With wine generally being produced in regions north and south to the equator. This has been subject to the weather closer to the equator being too hot and the poles being too cold for grape production. The best climate is in regions that have both sunlight and rainfall to a moderate degree.
With England’s maritime climate, it suggests our temperatures are mainly influenced by the nearby ocean. Over the last few years, we have seen a surge in heat covering the summer months with has affected the type of wine we produce.
With this very unexpected wet summer, does this mean we are in for one of our best yields to date?
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