Word on the UK Grapevine - News from the Vineyards

Pessimists have been heard saying that the English 2008 vintage could have been an utter disaster due to a wet summer and lack of sunshine. However, news from the vineyards is, with a little help from a good October, the quantity of grapes was lower than expected but the quality was good.

Unfortunately the South-West was adversely affected by the wet summer, however the rest of the country is looking positive. Sugar levels are good and acids are higher thanks to a warm autumn. Official harvest data will be available in the spring of 2009.

We should remember that English vineyards and wine-makers are a sturdy lot. In true British spirit just when you think that things couldn't get worse and the odds are against us, we end up producing some of our best stuff. It has been said that when the grapes are facing tough times that's when they actually build their quality.

Harvesting is pretty much over now for English wine-makers so the next few months will be interesting to see how the English 2008 vintage goes. In the meantime good years to check out for English wine are 1999, 2003 and 2005.