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NOVEMBER 2026

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Alice Griffiths reports on record early harvests

New columnist Henry Jeffreys reviews Ortega

2026

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NEWS 8

Bacchus brings the world to the Surrey Hills

10 13

The Mosaic collection

www.vineyardmagazine.co.uk VINEYARD Kelsey Media, The Granary, Downs Court Yalding Hill, Yalding, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 6AL 01959 541444 EDITORIAL Editor: Rebecca Farmer vineyard.ed@kelsey.co.uk

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Winemaker of the Year and 13-award haul

REGULARS 12

The Vine Post

Harvest 2026: adapting to a changing climate.

20 Wine reviews

Henry Jeffreys says Ortega can do it all.

29 Agronomy diary

Assessing the impact of heatwaves on the 2026 crop.

All things agronomy

Preparing for 2027 – SFI, water and soil.

80 Representing you

WineGB Scandinavian Tasting Tour – three cities, one big step forward for English wine.

Winter jobs in the vineyard

FEATURES 14

Collaboration is still King

Lucy Thomas is an independent wine tourism specialist who has visited nearly 100 English and Welsh vineyards. Here are six key take outs from her 2026 travels.

A world view

When difficulty becomes a competitive advantage.

Oak alternatives

Choosing the right tool for the right objective.

Front cover image: © Martin Apps, Countrywide Photographic

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CONTENTS Features Harvest 2026

Record-early starts and a season that kept teams on their toes. Spring frost left its mark on some, but the mood across the industry is one of real excitement.

Peace and tranquillity

Newick Wine Estate is a place of outstanding tranquillity. Newick village is situated almost equal distance from both Canterbury and Winchester, two important Cathedral cities.

Vineyard & Winery Show 2026

New masterclass hosts, new exhibitors and, of course, stunning new home-grown wines to sample are set to make this year’s Vineyard & Winery Show another cork-popping success.

On the wine trail in Sussex

The Sussex PDO is the only geographically specific accreditation in the UK below country level.

a Far mer c c be

From the editor

“Celebrate what you want to see more of.” Tom Peters (Author)

My thoughts this month stem from a visit to the restaurant at Leeds Castle in Kent. My visit was really supposed to allow me to get lost in the maze and ponder what it was like to live in the medieval castle during the 13th Century like Eleanor of Castile. However it was during dinner when I saw the wine list that I actually wanted to shout from the castle rooftops. Not only did the wine list contain a vast array of local wines I listened with a smile on my face (so wide my dinner companion asked what was wrong) as the bar manager and the serving staff recommended these wines to visitors from both home and abroad. One of the staff even let me know that a local red Divico wine was currently the most popular wine served. Since I was not then in a position to do a lap of the moat, I am instead taking this opportunity now to, as the quote at the top of the page encourages, “celebrate what I would like to see more of.” I would also like to thank all those in the hospitality sector who work so hard to support their local wine community. Following the same theme it has been my privilege this month to be part of the panel for the WineGB Golden 50 awards. The wines for this award will be available for tasting at the Vineyard & Winery Show that will take place on the 25 November at the Kent Showground. For 2026 there was a 30% increase in the number of wines winning gold medals across national and international competitions. These accolades help to raise the profile of English and Welsh wines in ways that we cannot even evaluate. To keep the list to 50 wines was an extremely difficult task and we decided that very soon we could be listing the Golden 75 or even the Golden Century proving that the Vineyard & Winery Show really is the place to “celebrate what we would (all) like to see more of” – Award winning Excellence.

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NEWS

Bacchus brings the world to the Surrey Hills

International runners flock to Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking, Surrey, as the UK’s leading wine race celebrates its 16th year. From a 72-strong group of Norwegian ‘rowers’ to runners from the USA, Austria, Finland, Germany and Japan, this September’s Bacchus Wine Half Marathon & 10K brought an international field to the vines of Denbies Wine Estate in the Surrey Hills National Landscape. Bacchus, now in its 16th year, has grown from a quirky local event into one of the UK’s most distinctive running experiences, combining running with English wine, food, fancy dress and live entertainment. Along the way, conventional race refreshment stations are replaced by opportunities to sample Denbies wines, making Bacchus a race designed to be savoured rather than simply raced. Demand for Bacchus continues to grow, with entries rising by around 15% year on year and the event selling out earlier each time. This year, 3,150 runners took part, cheered on by an estimated 1,500 spectators who joined the celebrations at Denbies.

The wine run is also attracting attention well beyond the Surrey Hills, with runners travelling from across Europe and further afield. Its international reach was reflected off the course too, with this year’s event attracting coverage from Japanese television. It is a far cry from the first Bacchus, when 217 runners entered the half marathon and 56 tackled a full marathon. Steven Seaton, managing director of 2:09 Events, which organises the race on behalf of Denbies, said: “We are delighted that in a buoyant market Bacchus has now firmly established itself as the pre-eminent wine race in the UK with a growing international reputation. Demand for entries has never been higher, and, on current trend, we will be sold out for 2027 before the end of 2026.” At the heart of the event is its extraordinary setting. Bacchus takes runners through the vines and across the beautiful countryside surrounding Denbies Wine Estate, one of England’s largest single-estate vineyards.

Along the course, runners can sample Denbies wines at six refreshment stations during the half marathon and three during the 10K, before joining the celebrations at Bacchus’s famous after-party. And the landscape is not just for race weekend. Denbies’ network of paths through its vineyard, woodland and hillsides attracts runners, cyclists and walkers throughout the year, providing a gateway to the wider Surrey Hills. With interest in English wine continuing to grow, Bacchus is increasingly showcasing both Denbies Wine Estate and Surrey to an international audience. From just 273 runners at its first staging to thousands of participants and spectators today, the event has become one of Surrey’s most distinctive annual fixtures, combining wine tourism with the global appetite for destination running events. For more information, visit www.run-bacchus.com and www.denbies.co.uk

UK children’s charity announces partnership with vineyard Over The Wall Camp, the UK children’s charity supporting children and young people living with serious illness and their families, is proud to announce a new charitable partnership with Abingworth Vineyard, the family-run producer of English still wine, based in West Sussex. The boutique wine producer will support Over The Wall Camp through charitable donations from bottle sales, special-edition labelling, and sponsorship of a London fundraising event. The partnership brings together two organisations that share a belief in the importance of family, joy, community, and creating meaningful moments. Abingworth Vineyard will start to donate a percentage of profits from bottle sales in 2027 to support Over The Wall Camp’s work, while specially labelled bottles will help raise awareness of the charity and its vital work. Abingworth Vineyard is also the wine sponsor of Over The Wall Camp’s London VIP Reception in November 2026, helping to celebrate and support the charity ahead of the year-long partnership. Over The Wall Camp provides free, fun and inclusive residential camps for children and young people living with serious health challenges and disabilities, as well as their families. Through its camps, children can try new things, make friends, build confidence, and enjoy the magic and mischief of childhood in a safe, supportive environment. The charity was founded by Hollywood actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, whose vision was to create a place where children facing serious health challenges could experience the freedom, adventure and joy of childhood. Newman’s family foundation continues to support the organisation and its important work. Abingworth Vineyard is following in Newman’s footsteps, embracing the idea that a food and beverage business can use its success to make a positive difference. The partnership with Over The Wall Camp is a natural reflection of the family values at the heart of Abingworth Vineyard, which is run by four sisters alongside their parents. Chris Stedman, Abingworth Vineyard Founder, said: “Abingworth Vineyard is a family-owned business, and we are extremely proud to support Over The Wall Camp because of the incredible work they do for young people and families. “What Over The Wall Camp achieves is inspiring, helping families to find relief and respite through their residential camps and experiences. We recognise the value of family at Abingworth, and we are delighted to be able to continue supporting those who need it most through Over The Wall Camp.” Anna Wall-Budden, Director of Development at Over The Wall Camp said: “We are delighted to welcome Abingworth Vineyard as a partner. Their strong family values and commitment to community make this a particularly meaningful collaboration. “The support raised through the partnership will help us continue to provide a safe space for children and families to experience joy, laughter, fun and unforgettable memories.” More information about Over The Wall Camp can be found at www.otw.org.uk

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NEWS

The Mosaic collection

Artelium launches Mosaic, a new collection celebrating the art of blending and the potential of piwi varieties. Artelium Wine Estate has unveiled Artelium Mosaics, a new collection of English still wines celebrating the art of blending while exploring the growing diversity of grape varieties now being cultivated in the UK. The collection launches with three wines: The White Mosaic 2023, The Rosé Mosaic 2025 and The Red Mosaic 2024 each taking a different approach to blending and reflecting Artelium’s philosophy of creativity, craftsmanship and considered winemaking. The Mosaic range explores what can be achieved when varieties with different characteristics are brought together, each contributing an individual element to the finished wine. The concept is a natural fit for Artelium, an estate founded around the meeting point of wine, art and craft. Just as individual pieces come together to form a mosaic, the wines use blending to build layers of flavour, texture and character. Alongside established varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, the collection also introduces Divico and Cabaret Noir, PIWI varieties that Artelium believes could have an

increasingly important role to play in the future of English viticulture. Mark Collins, co-founder of Artelium Wine Estate, said: “PIWIs are particularly exciting in the UK because of the challenges presented by our climate. Their greater natural resistance to fungal disease has the potential to reduce intervention in the vineyard, but for us, their importance goes beyond sustainability. Ultimately, a grape still has to make an exciting wine.” He continued. “The Red Mosaic brings together Pinot Meunier with Cabaret Noir and Divico, using these varieties not simply because of how they perform in the vineyard, but because of what they contribute in the glass. Cabaret Noir brings depth, colour and structure, while Divico adds another dimension to a blend that demonstrates the potential for characterful red wine from the English climate. Mosaic gives us the freedom to experiment with varieties and blends according to the vintage. We don't want to be constrained by a fixed formula, it is about understanding what each grape variety can bring and using blending to create the best and most interesting wine we can.”

The Mosaic collection The White Mosaic 2023 A fresh, textural blend of 34% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Gris and 33% Pinot Meunier, naturally fermented together and aged on fine lees for six months. Bright and creamy, with stone fruit, strawberry and mango, gentle acidity and a subtle savoury finish. 11.5% ABV.

The Rosé Mosaic 2025 A blend of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, offering graceful aromatics and a palate lifted by subtle summer berries. 11.5% ABV.

The Red Mosaic 2024 A contemporary blend of 50% Divico, 25% Cabaret Noir and 25% Pinot Meunier, showcasing the potential of PIWI varieties in English wine. Aged for nine months in oak, it is rich with blackberry, damson and black cherry, with fine tannins and a smoky, savoury finish. 12% ABV. Artelium has also released a singlevarietal Cabaret Noir 2025, further showcasing the estate’s work with PIWI varieties. Bold and structured, “Cab Noir” reflects Artelium’s belief that Cabaret Noir could be a trailblazer for English still red wine, combining exciting winemaking potential with the sustainability benefits of a disease-resistant variety. The Red Mosaic 2024 is the first to be released and is available direct from Artelium, priced at £28 RRP.

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THE VINE POST

Harvest 2026: adapting to a changing climate DESKTOP www.vine-works.com ENVELOPE sales@vine-works.com phone-alt 01273 891777

The past few years have provided an extraordinary education in vineyard resilience. 2023 brought abundance, with exceptional yields creating challenges around winery capacity, fruit pricing and supply and demand. 2024 brought difficult weather, disease pressure and severely reduced crops. 2025 provided a welcome return to balance, with good yields and strong fruit quality. Then came 2026 – a season where warmth and drought became the dominant concerns. The lesson is increasingly clear: there is no 12

Building resilience for the future

The biggest takeaway from 2026 is that resilience cannot be built in response to a crisis. It needs to be developed year after year. That means investing in healthy soils, improving water management, choosing appropriate varieties and clones, maintaining flexible vineyard infrastructure and making decisions based on detailed monitoring rather than historical assumptions. Different vineyards also have different needs. Aspect, soil type, elevation, exposure and vine age can all make a significant difference when weather becomes more extreme. What works on one site may not work on another. The industry also needs greater

Gregoire harvest machine

Learning to manage extremes

longer a typical growing season that growers can plan around with confidence. Traditional challenges (i.e., cool conditions, rainfall and disease pressure) remain, but they are being joined by problems more familiar to warmer wine regions. Soil moisture, canopy protection, sun exposure and heat stress are becoming increasingly relevant. Harvest dates are moving, and decisions once made according to the calendar are increasingly being driven by the fruit itself. For vineyard managers, this demands greater observation and adaptability. Soil health and organic matter can improve water retention, while canopy management must balance sunlight and airflow with protection from excessive heat. Maturity analysis also becomes increasingly important when ripening can accelerate so quickly.

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After a run of dramatically different vintages, 2026 has given UK viticulture another season that challenged assumptions, but also demonstrated just how much English and Welsh vineyards can achieve. The 2026 growing season began with a series of extraordinary frost events, creating a challenging start before developing into a season defined by warmth, dryness and exceptionally rapid ripening. As spring gave way to summer, growers faced a very different set of problems from those they had become accustomed to. Disease pressure was generally manageable, but water availability, heat stress and the speed of fruit development became increasingly important. Harvest arrived early across much of the country, with some vineyards picking several weeks ahead of traditional expectations. This created a race to keep pace with rapidly developing fruit while coordinating labour, machinery, transport and winery capacity. The reward was fruit that, in many vineyards, arrived at the winery in excellent condition. Dry weather reduced disease pressure and allowed teams to harvest clean, healthy bunches. Smaller berries on some sites brought good concentration, while sugar, acidity and flavour development provided plenty of interest for winemakers. But perhaps the most important story of 2026 is what the season tells us about the direction UK viticulture is heading.

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collaboration between growers, contractors and wineries. Earlier harvests require earlier planning, while labour, machinery, transport and winery capacity may need to be coordinated with little notice. A connected supply chain will be better equipped to respond to rapid changes in the vineyard. At VineWorks, we see the results of vineyard decisions first-hand, from soil preparation and canopy management through to spraying, harvesting and fruit quality. That reinforces the importance of practical, commercially sensible decisions that improve resilience without unnecessarily increasing costs or inputs. If 2023 taught us about abundance, 2024 about vulnerability and 2025 about balance, 2026 may be remembered as the year we began to understand what a warmer UK vineyard really looks like. The future of English and Welsh wine will depend not on perfect weather, but on vineyards and businesses resilient enough to succeed without it. At VineWorks, we’ll continue to adapt, monitor and improve, helping growers make informed decisions that keep their vineyards productive, sustainable and commercially viable – one vine at a time.

NEWS

Winemaker of the Year and 13-award haul Halfpenny Green Wine Estate is celebrating its biggest accolade in recent years after being crowned Winemaker of the Year at the Wine GB Midlands & North 2026 Awards, to coincide with what could be its biggest ever harvest. The estate also picked up a remarkable 12 further awards for its wines, including Best Current Vintage and Best Rose Wine for its English Rosé, which also secured Gold. The extraordinary awards haul comes at an equally exciting time in the vineyard, with the estate now well into its 2026 harvest and anticipating what might be its biggest and best crop in its 43-year history. Halfpenny’s 16 different grape varieties have benefited from an exceptional summer, producing what the team describes as ‘absolutely phenomenal’ fruit. Picking officially began on 25 August, just four days later than the start of last year's harvest on 21 August, although owner Clive Vickers revealed the team could have started as early as 19 August, which would have been the earliest start in the estate's history. Instead, he chose to wait a few more days to ensure the grapes were “100% ripe and ready”. The first variety to be picked this year was Siegerrebe, a white grape which forms part of Halfpenny Green's popular Long Acre blend. Around two tonnes have already been harvested, enough to produce approximately 2,000 bottles of wine. The Rondo grape is now the focus of attention, with picking completed. Following the record-breaking 2025 harvest, which produced results the team thought would be difficult to beat, expectations are now running even higher. Clive said: “To be named Winemaker of the Year is an absolutely incredible achievement and something the whole team can be hugely proud of. There is a lot of hard work, knowledge and passion that goes into producing our wines, so to have that recognised in this way means a great deal to all of us. “Winning 13 awards overall, including Best Current Vintage and Best Rose Wine for our English Rosé, makes this an incredibly special year for Halfpenny Green. We are delighted with the results and now have a very exciting harvest. “It’s been an incredible summer for the vineyard and the grapes are absolutely phenomenal. We had a fantastic harvest last year and thought it would be very difficult to better it, but everything is pointing towards an even bigger and better crop this year.” Halfpenny Green is also preparing for the busy gifting season, with corporate and personalised hampers available, while a number of wines are currently being offered with discounts of up to 30%, giving visitors even more reason to raise a glass to the estate's award-winning year.

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WHAT THE WINE TOURIST SAW

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Collaboration is still king

Lucy Th

Lucy Thomas is an independent wine tourism specialist who has visited nearly 100 English and Welsh vineyards. Here are six key take outs from her 2026 travels. Since last year’s ‘What the wine tourist saw’ article I have another 25 British vineyard and winery visits under my belt, along with eight return visits across 18 counties. I have visited in every season, experienced early morning harvests, a summer moonlit walk and been to some of the oldest and some of the newest vineyards. I have met hundreds of wine tourists on my travels, many of whom were discovering vineyards in this country for the first time. This is what I’ve seen.

1. Greater regional support from Councils, LVEPs and local tourism platforms

Vineyards are gaining greater recognition as a valuable tourist attraction within the local visitor economy, and I have seen more organisations promoting these assets. I am sure many readers have noticed the impressive ‘The Kentish Wine Way’ campaign that is being amplified by vineyards across the county giving a powerful collaborative message about the number and breadth of vineyards open to visitors. But there are areas with far fewer hectares under vine that are also shining a spotlight on grape growing and wine making. Visit Suffolk has brought their vineyards together into a Suffolk Wine Trail with examples of how to plan your vineyard adventures – there are suggestions of where to stay and eat to maximise the area’s food and drink scene. Visit Herefordshire has also put together

Lucy inspires people to visit vineyards at www.bestbritishbubbly.com and on Instagram @bestbritishbubbly She also provides tourism advice and support to help vineyards maximise their offering and visitor experience. Getting creative at Blabers Hall Wine Estate

Wine and canapé pairing at Hencote

information to inspire vineyard sleepovers, experiences and even local walks for wine lovers. If your local tourism platforms are not engaging perhaps these examples will help push the agenda.

2. Wine trails no longer defined by counties

Not all wine regions sit neatly within county boundaries and there are now areas big and small grouping together to demonstrate a shared identity or terroir. The Severn Valley Wine Trail, Rother River Wine, Malvern Hills Vineyards are all examples of collaborations that focus more on common characteristics than the lines drawn on a map. They collectively project a strong affinity that locals and wider visitors to the area can relate to.

3. Benefits of buddying up

I have always been an advocate of ‘the more the merrier’. Why visit or taste from just one vineyard if you can do two (or even three)? There are plenty of vineyards that don’t sit within a wine trail but can benefit from collaborating with their neighbours to maximise visitors across multiple sites or at a collaborative event. There were some great examples during English Wine Week this year. Woodchurch and Wayfarer Wines in Kent teamed up encouraging visitors to swap corks and bottle tops between venues to unlock special offers. Simple and fun. Four of London’s urban wineries got together to host an Ultimate English Wine Week Party. Wraxall Vineyard in Somerset hosted ‘Best of the Southwest’ with guest wines from across the region. I really believe that this type of collaborative working increases opportunities for all.

On the Rother River Wine Bus Tour

4. Wine tours to facilitate multiple vineyard visits

The first Malvern Hills Vineyards Wine Festival

One of the big challenges still facing wine tourism in England and Wales is that you often need a designated driver. Whilst there are some vineyards walkable or a short taxi ride from stations there are an awful lot that are not, and getting between vineyards can be particularly problematic even though they are close by. Wine tours are a great solution to this, and I am delighted to see them growing. There are now multiple locations where you can be picked up at a convenient meeting point and transported between vineyards with a tailored experience at each stop. I joined the first Rother River Wine Tour visiting Oastbrook, Oxney Organic and Charles Palmer and it was such a pleasure to be met at the station and let someone else take care of all the logistics. This tour, with its rolling programme of vineyards, is supported by the local Council who recognise the value of wine tourism and the challenges that might prevent people from exploring this beautiful wine country. I hope we see more of this alongside the excellent private companies that are putting together fabulous packages to make multi vineyard visits easier and more accessible.

5. Increase in wine fairs and festivals

Making it easy for people to taste a broad range of English and Welsh wines builds interest and confidence that can be converted into wine tourism. I have noticed more English wines taking stands at larger wine events but even more exciting for me is the number of events dedicated to local wines or styles of wine making. I have enjoyed visiting new and established events this year across the country – some at vineyards and others at central venues. Many have included informative talks that have engaged and educated audiences. It has been fantastic to see the buzz they create and a whole new army of advocates being recruited. If I am judging the success of my year by the number of souvenir tasting glasses, it’s going very well.

6. Growth in experience-led tourism

When it comes to immersive, hands-on, participative events, vineyards are a perfect location. Arts & crafts, wellness activities, culinary adventures all pair well with wine. I have seen an increase in bottle and glass painting events – and can say from experience that they are the perfect mindful activity. I definitely saw a correlation between the number of sips and the fabulousness of

Moonlit tour at Albury Vineyard

The Great Yorkshire Wine & Fizz Festival

my artwork! This summer has been perfect for yoga in the vines and organised walks that end with a tasting. I have seen several vineyards collaborating with Jo Malone for scent and wine discovery experiences and for something fun and light-hearted Two Beacons were offering Putt & Pour – wine tasting and minigolf amongst the vines. Food and wine collaborations have reached new gastronomic heights. From paired canapes to Supper Clubs and partnerships with top local restaurants there has been plenty to keep the gourmets happy along with sensational street food. This constant innovation is exciting and by partnering with local creatives, artisans and event organisers you draw in a wider audience who are not necessarily familiar with the vineyard but are attracted by the setting and will want to return. With two beautiful summers behind us we go into 2027 with heightened consumer awareness of wine tourism and the magic of being in the vines. There is so much potential so be bold, inventive and continue to delight visitors.

First release PINKnic at Lokkelebery Vineyard

A WORLD VIEW

When diﬃculty becomes a competitive advantage Consumers rarely pay more simply because winemaking is difficult. If they did, the wine business would look very different. Instead, what makes people willing to pay a premium is when the challenges of production become part of the story behind the bottle, framed as a compelling narrative of quality, authenticity and craftsmanship. Navarra succeeded not because of its rosé Saignée method alone, but because producers consistently communicated why it mattered and the intention behind using it. English wine faces a similar opportunity. Low yields and challenging vintages are often presented as limitations, yet they can also become powerful signals of rarity and quality when incorporated into a clear positioning strategy. The question is: could English producers do the same? Located in northern Spain, Navarra has fewer than 9,000 hectares of vineyards and offers an extraordinary range of wine styles

thanks to its varied landscapes and the influence of several climates. Navarra rosado has evolved from a traditionally inexpensive, everyday wine into a globally recognised category known for its complexity and foodfriendly character. Between 2001 and 2021, global rosé production increased by 25%, reflecting the category’s evolution from a cheap summer drink to a more gastronomic, year-round choice. Today, Navarra is one of the world’s leading rosé-producing regions, alongside Provence in France. One of the foundations of Navarra’s premium positioning was its commitment to making rosado intentional rather than treating it as a by-product. Producers in Navarra use the traditional Saignée (bleeding) method, in which juice is drawn off the grape skins during maceration specifically for rosé, a process that can require up to three times more grapes than standard red wine production. This creates a dark, vibrant and intensely flavoured style

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How Navarra Rosado turned production challenges into premium positioning and a compelling marketing story. Andrea Ontiveros Flores, a sommelier and marketing & communications specialist from Alicante, Spain asks if English wine could do the same?

rather than a lighter, diluted one. From the very beginning, the wine is intended to be rosado. Committing that amount of fruit to rosé sends a clear signal that it is viewed as a premium wine, not a secondary product. The challenge doesn’t end there. Strict regulations apply at every stage of rosé production. Vineyard yields are controlled, grapes must reach sufficient ripeness, and only free-run juice, obtained naturally without pressing, is used to produce rosado, relying solely on gravity to separate the juice from the skins. The result of this gentle extraction is fresh, aromatic wines with greater flavour, concentration and texture, helping establish Navarra as one of the world’s leading regions for premium rosé.

The rise of Navarra rosado also reflects the growing importance of the region’s signature grape, Garnacha. Although rosado is made from several varieties, including Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Garnacha has always been at the heart of Navarra’s identity. Producers have also refined its style over time. While today’s wines are often recognised for their deep colour, Navarra has historically produced a broad range of styles, with official colour categories introduced as early as the mid-twentieth century. The evolution of Navarra rosado continues today. It is easy to think of rosé as a single style of wine, but the category is far more diverse than many drinkers realise. Navarra has not only refined its approach to making rosé to position its wines and remain relevant, but has also responded to changing consumer preferences. While the region has traditionally been known for deeply coloured rosados, producers are increasingly exploring paler expressions, such as Bodegas Caudalia Xi’ipal, an exclusive wine with an annual production of around 1,150 bottles from a single plot that delivers concentrated flavours despite its pale appearance. Some are intended for early drinking, while others are made with ageing potential in mind. Producers are also experimenting with vessels such as oak, concrete eggs, amphorae and even glass globes, each influencing texture, flavour, structure and ageing in different ways. These techniques can increase production costs further, alongside the large quantity of grapes required for the Saignée method, while traditional rosado styles continue to play an important role across the region. Recent years have also seen significant investment in preserving old-vine Garnacha vineyards. These old vines produce fruit with intense freshness, aromatic complexity and natural acidity, helping to enhance the quality and reputation of Navarra’s rosé portfolio. As part of its premium positioning and official protection, the Regulatory Council of D.O. Navarra recently introduced the Rosado Tradition designation, requiring the Saignée method and the exclusive use of Garnacha. The aim is not simply to preserve tradition, but to reinforce the practices that define Navarra rosado. Rather than causing winemaking to be easier or more efficient, producers continue to invest in techniques that strengthen the identity of their wines. Old-vine Garnacha, single-vineyard expressions and more ambitious styles

of rosé all reflect the same philosophy: producers deliberately embrace demanding techniques because they create wines with a distinctive identity and reinforce Navarra’s premium positioning. English wine faces a similar challenge. Winemaking in the UK is inherently demanding, with producers navigating a combination of climatic, geographical and economic constraints. The country’s cool climate brings vintage variation, low yields, frost risk and difficulties achieving consistent ripeness, while many vineyards also struggle with challenging terrain and small production volumes. In addition, strict quality standards mean that hand harvesting remains the predominant practice, particularly for premium traditionalmethod sparkling wines, where careful fruit selection is essential to preserve grape quality before pressing. Rising labour costs, taxes and disease pressure add further pressure to producers. But as Navarra has shown, these realities need not be seen simply as limitations. When communicated effectively, they can become powerful signals of craftsmanship, rarity and quality. The opportunity is not simply to explain that English wine is difficult to produce, but

to explain why those difficulties matter. Low yields can be presented as rarity instead of limited supply. Hand harvesting is a sign of craftsmanship. Vintage variation reflects authenticity and uniqueness rather than inconsistency. Choosing the traditional method for sparkling wine as its defining identity, instead of the more accessible tank method, signals quality and provides a clear point of difference from other sparkling wine styles, such as Prosecco. Frost, coolclimate viticulture and patient ripening all form part of a story that reinforces quality rather than apologising for higher costs. Turning production realities into commercial value is not unique to Navarra’s Saignée technique. Regions such as Etna and Lanzarote with their volcanic vineyards, the Mosel with its impossibly steep slopes, and Champagne with its long lees ageing have all transformed demanding practices into part of their premium identity. Rather than hiding the costs or apologising for the challenges, they have made them part of the story behind the bottle. In each case, the winemaking process itself becomes part of the premium positioning. The commercial lesson is always the same: production alone does not create value. Meaning creates value.

WINE MATTERS

Harvest 2026

Record-early starts, ripe and healthy fruit, and a season that kept teams on their toes. Spring frost left its mark on some, but the mood across the industry is one of real excitement. As I look back to last year’s report of earliest on record, 2026 seemed in a hurry to beat it. The industry spent the end of August into September adapting at great speed; holidays were cancelled, volunteer days were hurriedly arranged, pickers were brought in at the last minute and winemakers were flying back from their breaks. The mainstream media called it an incredible year, with high temperatures and low rainfall putting England and Wales on the map as the next big region. That misses the bigger picture of a season with real ups and downs, where earlier bud break brought extreme frost risk across the whole of the country. Even so, ripeness came early. Gusbourne in Kent began picking Pinot Noir in Boot Hill on 26 August, two weeks ahead of 2025. Head winemaker Mary Bridges describes the vintage as a “big personality”. The early start raised the question of phenolic ripeness, which she answered directly: “From everything I’ve seen and tasted so far, the early harvest has not meant we have compromised phenolic ripeness.” Head vineyard manager Jon Pollard was equally

Nyetimber

Blackchalk

Leonardslee

pleased: “All we had to say to the pickers is ‘pick everything’ because the fruit was so consistently ripe and in such good condition.” Westwell, also in Kent, started in the first week of September with Ortega and Regent, its earliest start in memory, and describes picking its best Chardonnay in the middle of September rather than November. Across in West Sussex the pattern held. Nyetimber announced its earliest ever harvest, beginning on Monday 14 September, five days ahead of the previous record set in 2018. Cradlers Barn Vineyard in Tillington, near Petworth, had an early bud burst, five heatwaves and an amazingly warm growing season, and its position high on the Tillington terroir avoided frost altogether. I saw the season at first hand helping with the pinotage harvest at Leonardslee in Sussex, where Barry Anderson discussed how they were bringing in the earliest harvest so far. Bunches were lower in weight, but the fruit was ripe, with concentrated flavours, great phenolics and good tannins. A small area was lost to frost, but it was a good year overall.

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Alice Griffiths Wraxall Vineyard

Gusbourne

Blackchalk

Alice Griffiths is a wine communicator boosting the profile of English and Welsh Wine on social media. Alice has worked within the agriculture industry for the past 20 years, spending time as a lecturer and a smallholder before discovering her passion for viticulture, winemaking and wine tasting. Get in touch to have your events featured: ✉ Posingwithalcohol@gmail.com DESKTOP www.alicegriffithswine.com INSTAGRAM Alice can be found on social media under @alicegriffithswine on Instagram.

Further west, Jo Hilditch of White Heron Estate in Herefordshire said the warm, dry weather of June meant a successful flowering: “This gave potential for a large harvest and the prolonged hot weather throughout the summer has helped deliver extremely clean fruit with good ripeness levels.” In Somerset, Wraxall Vineyard escaped the late frosts, and David Bailey summed up the mood on the first day of picking: “Seeing the grapes safely gathered into the bins is always a hugely rewarding moment and the culmination of an entire year’s work in the vineyard.” The last rushes of rain at the cusp of September gave berries a late rise in water concentration, and there was a fear of splitting as smaller, concentrated berries filled out. That fear did not come to light. David said: “The long, hot summer has given us beautifully ripe, flavoursome fruit, with the recent rainfall arriving at just the right time to help swell the grapes ahead of picking. The quality is looking extremely promising and, if everything continues as it should, we believe 2026 has all the makings of an excellent year.” In many regions the lack of rain eased disease pressure and reduced spraying. At Gusbourne, Jon Pollard reported that mature root systems gave the vines access to moisture, with no water stress in the hottest spells and the humid heat easier to handle than the 40°C spikes of 2022.

Gusbourne

That was not the case across the whole country, where younger, less established vines struggled and brought conversations about irrigation, as well as discussion of more drought resistant rootstocks. Frost remained the dividing line. At The Grange in Hampshire, picking began on 6 September, a fortnight before last year, but very bad frosts in late April and early May killed the first emerging shoots and reduced yield. Mark Darley of All Angels also reported early frosts and reduced yields, but “off the charts quality throughout”. At Black Chalk in Hampshire, Jacob Leadley called the year “crazy early, small in volume but high in quality”, and Zoë Driver reported yields down due to the frost but “so many interesting parcels”. Taken together, 2026 delivered early, ripe and healthy fruit across many regions, with volume decided largely by the spring. The season rewarded established vineyards, tested younger plantings and showed how quickly the industry can adapt. As Andy Wiles at Black Chalk put it: “A year like 2026 makes vintage winemaking such a joy, even with having to cancel a holiday.” Workers, volunteers, consumers and the whole team will no doubt be enjoying harvest celebrations now that the last grapes are safely in, much deserved. The final word will, as always, come from the cellar. As Zam Baring at The Grange said: “Overall we think 2026 will be an amazing year but, as usual, you will have to wait until 2030 to taste it.”

Gusbourne

Petworth

rival Burgundy, Ortega is quietly getting on with making some of the best wines in the country. It seems uniquely suited to southern England, yielding much better than the more starry French varieties. No less a figure than the great organic pioneer Will Davenport has said he thinks Ortega, rather than Bacchus, should be England's calling card. Ortega is an early-ripening German cross created in 1948 with some Riesling and Gewürztraminer heritage. In the best versions, you can really pick up that noble parentage: Gutters & Stars’ 2025 Avalon Ortega from Yew Tree vineyard in Oxfordshire, for example, shows a delicate rose petal edge redolent of Gewürz. What I love about the variety is its sheer versatility. Dry whites, orange wines and late-harvest sweeties: Ortega can do it all.

Biddenden Vineyards Ortega Chapter 57 2025 £18.00 www.biddendenvineyards.com

The Barnes family were the first people in England to plant Ortega, at their farm in 1969. Ever since, they have released an off-dry wine with a distinctive Germanic label. It was one of the first English still wines I actually wanted to spend my own money on. Winemaking is now in the hands of Tom Barnes, and he’s really pushing what Ortega can do in this corner of Kent. In 2018 he produced a superb sweet version with 122 grams of residual sugar, and again in 2025. Now, there’s a series of old vine wines made from an original plot planted in 1969. The Chapter 56 from 2024 stopped

NOVEMBER 2026 | WWW.VINEYARDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

reys

ENVELOPE vineyard.ed@kelsey.co.uk I am honoured to be one of three writers, invited to contribute wine reviews of English and Welsh wines to Vineyard magazine after the untimely death of Matthew Jukes earlier this year. Though I didn't know him well, I always admired Matthew’s professionalism, enthusiasm and sheer tasting ability. To celebrate his incredible contribution to English wine, Vineyard Magazine will present a Matthew Jukes Trophy to the best wine featured in this column over the past 12 editions, as chosen by a panel of judges at the Vineyard and Winery Show at the Kent County Showground on 25 November. Tom Surgey and I will also be hosting a masterclass featuring the wines from our first columns including the ones below. For my Vineyard magazine debut, I am shining a spotlight on a variety that doesn't get the love it deserves. While the papers are full of champagne houses making wine in Kent or how Essex is making Pinot Noir to

J eﬀ

Ortega can do it all

Hen r y

Photo: Misti Traya

WINE REVIEWS

me in my tracks when I tasted it earlier this year. It was so concentrated that it reminded me of something from Santorini rather than an easy-drinking wine from Kent. This latest release, Chapter 57 from 2025, is even better. Tom used late-picked grapes and the alcohol level of 13.5% gives you some idea of how ripe those grapes were. The result has intense flavours of grapefruit and baked apple with a salty, smoky bone-dry finish. I can’t think of anything else like it from England and it’s seriously underpriced for a wine this good.

Westwell Ortega 2025 £19.50

www.westwellwines.com / The Wine Society

Westwell is also in Kent, but the soil is very different: chalk and sandy loam, compared with the sticky clay at Biddenden. Winemaker Adrian Pike is a massive Ortega enthusiast, which is perhaps no wonder, as he trained with Will Davenport. Over the years he has made flor-affected Ortega, sweet wines, and, in most years, a skin contact wine. The 2025 orange wine is particularly fine, with a distinct flavour of bitter apricots, but numbers are very limited, so I have picked the flagship bottling instead. It comes from the excellent 2025 vintage. The grapes were fermented fully with native yeasts to 11.5% ABV and then aged on the lees, Muscadet-style. The result has peachy fruit with a zing of citrus and a creaminess from the yeast cells. There’s nothing better with oysters from nearby Whitstable. It couldn’t be more different from Biddenden’s famous Ortega but both are Kentish classics.

Denbies Noble Harvest Ortega 2025 £35.00 www.denbies.co.uk/products

Biddenden isn’t the only vineyard in the south east to make late-harvest Ortega. There’s Denbies in Surrey. Founded in 1986, it is one of the old guard, ancient by English wine standards. The soil here is mainly chalk. Every so often, when the climatic conditions are just right, cool misty mornings followed by bright afternoon sunshine, Denbies is blessed with outbreaks of botrytis cinerea – noble rot. Last year was one such year. Winemaker Andy Kershaw pressed the hand-picked and carefully-sorted grapes very slowly over two weeks and fermented at low temperature for 20 days to produce a wine with 92g of residual sugar and 11.5% alcohol. John Mobbs from Great British Wine came up to me at WineGB with a gleam in his eye and insisted I taste this, and I’m glad

he did. You really get the botrytis on the nose, with notes of apricot and honey. The palate is sweet and beautifully balanced, with an electric seam of acidity. It would be very nice with blue cheese or a fruit tart. It’s quite primary now, but put it away for five years and I think you will have something quite sensational. That is the magic of Ortega: sweet, intense or easy-drinking, it is the grape for all seasons. But it can also be tricky. That ability to accumulate sugar makes it a tempting target for birds and other predators and susceptible to rot. Get it right, however, as Biddenden, Westwell and Denbies do year after year, and you can make wine that is appealing, distinctively English and, best of all, affordable. Why don’t we grow more of it? NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

EDITOR’S VISIT

becca Far me e R r Ed

Peace and tranquillity

itor

Newick Wine Estate in East Sussex is a place of outstanding tranquillity. Newick Village is situated almost equal distance from both Canterbury and Winchester, two important Cathedral cities in the south of England. It is not surprising therefore that the village has an ancient history. Standing in the vineyard there is a view down across the vines to the woodland behind and the distant views create a sense of peace that is quite surprising. The farm has been owned by husband and wife Jonathan and Charlotte Sharpe for nearly two decades and in 2023 the decision was taken to plant vines. With a total of 16 hectares of land, Jonathan and Charlotte took expert advice on the best site to dedicate half of the farm to vines. The decision was taken to plant the vineyard at the beginning of the 2023 Photos: © Martin Apps, Countrywide Photographic

season, with 37,000 vines planted over several days. Describing the reasoning behind planting vines on this beautiful sloping land surrounded by woodland Jonathan explained: “There is not just one reason we decided to plant the vines, there are many, but after walking this land everyday for 20 years we wanted to build something together.” Charlotte added: “We have always enjoyed a challenge and wanted to start a productive project together that would preserve the land.” The vineyard has Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier,

Bacchus and Chardonnay varieties, with the most widely planted variety at Newick Wine Estate being Chardonnay with 15,000 vines. Jonathan and Charlotte originally consulted with VineWorks on the best way to move forward with their desire to be able to produce not only premium sparkling wines but also premium still wines and this led to the planting of numerous Chardonnay clones including Chardonnay clone 548. “This is a Chablis clone that sits on the warmest part of the site; it is in effect a premium parcel of vines,” said Jonathan with a warm smile.

Across the vineyard there are a mixture of two rootstocks; SO4 and 3309C.

“Blanc de Blancs is my favourite wine style and it is quite exciting to think that we are able to make this style not only here in the UK but here at Newick Wine Estate,” added Charlotte. Speaking in depth about the specific clones planted, it is clear how much work this vineyard team put into understanding each and every parcel of the 21 plots on the site. “In the Pinot Noir the GM20-13 have elongated bunches which reduce the disease pressures significantly whilst the 777 clone has fruit that tastes excellent but can easily go wrong,” explained Charles Negus, Vineyard Manager at Newick Wine Estate. Across the vineyard there are a mixture of two rootstocks; SO4 and 3309C. “The 3309C prefers drier soils which is suited to the site and it also delivers a maturity in the fruit,” explained Charles. He has also noted that the vines on SO4 rootstock also reach veraison slightly earlier than the 3309C. The site is Tunbridge Wells Sand with sandstone bedrock “this provides good drainage and means that the soil retains heat,” explained Charles. Whilst in many seasons the warm soils would be a significant advantage, producing great quality fruit, in 2026 it proved to be a problem. The heat retaining soils mean that the site is very early to bud and in 2026 this led to severe frost damage. The frost damage was caused across 10 frost events with four of these causing significant damage. “The vineyard was sitting at -3°C even with candles burning,” said Charles. The final frost event happened as late as the 10 May and Newick Wine Estate were only able to harvest a small tonnage of fruit for 2026. Whilst we are talking about the frost damage Jonathan pointed out: “The frost damage was disappointing of course and we are looking at ways to mitigate frost in the future, but we have still had a lot to be positive about during the year.” This attitude of acceptance that there will be negatives without allowing negativity to be a defining part of the future is incredibly refreshing and it is evident in everything that is done at Newick Wine Estate. As well as mitigating frost next year, the team at Newick Wine Estate are already implementing a variety of techniques across the vineyard to reduce and control the impact of another danger – SWD. This is one of the themes of this vineyard in East Sussex. The team are determined that each year will build on the year before. It is an attitude of progression that is quite inspiring.

Charles, Charlotte, Jonathan and Linus

As well as mitigating frost next year, the team at Newick Wine Estate are already implementing a variety of techniques to reduce and control the impact of another danger – SWD.

Linus Holter has been with the vineyard for two harvests. Linus is part of the apprenticeship scheme at Plumpton. “Linus is more than an apprentice here he is integral to our operations,” said Charles with a smile. Charles was previously a tutor for the apprenticeship scheme at Plumpton so he has an in depth and detailed appreciation of how apprenticeships can benefit individual students and the businesses that work with the scheme. Linus and Charles have been working on measures to reduce the SWD population that caused difficulties in the 2025 season. “We have removed as many hosts

such as brambles as we can but we are surrounded by woodland so eradicating these completely has not been possible, however this has definitely made an impact on the SWD and fruit fly populations,” said Linus. “We have also trialled dead end hosts such as Pyracantha,” he added. “For SWD we also researched other regions around the world to see how they had worked to reduce the potential for damage. One method that was beneficial was from a grower in the USA who advised to think of SWD as if it is a fungal spore which transforms the way you think of << management,” added Charles. NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

It is interesting to note that the team continuously trial different methods of vineyard management adopting those that they feel work the best. This has helped them develop a very in depth knowledge of the vineyard in just five seasons. For instance, the team are able to explain that the GM20 clone of Pinot Noir remained completely untouched by SWD during the 2025 season. The harvest for 2025 was brought forward after a dramatic rise in the number of SWD found in monitoring traps. Interestingly this dramatic increase had happened after a sudden windstorm so the team had to adapt quickly. There are distinctive traps visible on theg Pinot t rows. Situated acMeunier The balancin about 7m apart these traps utilise an attractant and a grid system which allows The balancing act detailed monitoring for specific species identification. “This allows us to adapt quickly to any threat we find, not just SWD but any other pests that might pose a threat to the vines,” said Linus.

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The vineyard team has worked hard to develop bio diversity and has positioned nesting boxes around the site to encourage owls, birds of prey and bats all of which are populations that need support but are also beneficial for the natural balance of a vineyard. A native Wealden wildflower meadow has been sown at Newick Wine Estate and alongside the beauty that this brings it also encourages natural predators that help keep the fruit clean. The vineyard has also moved towards using organic fertilisers and bio-stimulants such as CalMax Ultra. “The soil type means the vines can be quite hungry so it is important to ensure the soils are healthy and the vines are able to get the nutrition they need,” said Charles. In another example of balance in the vineyard the rows are mown in rotation. “Encouraging soil health, decreasing the number of passes in the rows, and decreasing the number of downy mildew splash back events, while balancing with

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The tasting room is also the working cellar creating a great atmosphere. the threat that longer grass increases humidity in the rows,” he added. It is pleasing to hear that Newick Wine Estate has been welcomed by the local community. “The village of Newick has long held a food fair in June which celebrates local producers,” said Jonathan. The first wines were released in June 2026 meaning that Newick Wine Estate were able to attend the food fair in the village. “The wines have been so well received since we released them,” said Charlotte. The vineyard also benefits from the help of local people at harvest and during other critical points in the season. “Even the people on the local footpath who have seen the progression of the vineyard have been really supportive,” said Jonathan with warmth in his voice. “We have had so much support and have really experienced the wine industry as a community,” said Charlotte. “It is wonderful that the vineyard community is so willing

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to work together and that it attracts people of all ages working together and learning from each other,” she added. Open for tastings since the wines were released in June with tours led by Charles or Jonathan, tourism is important to Newick Wine Estate. “We want people to be able to see the vineyard as we do so we want to be hands on with the tours,” explained Jonathan. The tasting room is also the working cellar creating a great atmosphere. The tasting experience is fully immersive whilst guests are tasting the current wines, sitting at beautifully presented tables surrounded by photographs of the vineyard in its various stages of development, they are also able to see the next releases quietly aging. The tasting room is another example of Charlotte and Jonathan preserving the landscape by utilising a building that was already on the land and they have now made this redundant building an integral part of << the new business.

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There are currently three wines from Newick Wine Estate which were made at Stopham Vineyard, but the next vintages will be produced at a winery less than a few miles down the road, allowing for a very local delivery during harvest. The current wines are still wines of white, red and rosé “we have all the bases covered,” joked Jonathan. The first vintage of Bacchus produced 2,000 bottles and the wine has an excellent mouthfeel with grapefruit and gooseberry notes. A comparison with Sauvignon Blanc springs to mind and there is a very intense fruit aroma as the wine sits in the glass making this a great wine to share with friends. “We give the Bacchus grapes really long hang time to ensure we extract the tropical notes,” said Charles. The rosé wine is produced with 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Pinot Meunier, the colour is outstanding and there is a maturity to the wine that is unusual in a first vintage. Strawberries and cream is the overriding theme. This is a serious wine able to carry an entire meal but light enough to be equally suited to summer afternoon drinks in the garden. The star of the collection however is the limited release 100% Pinot Noir which has had 4 months in re-toasted oak. The resultant wine has a long lasting finish combined with a fruit forward layered complexity that will ensure the 900 bottles of this wine are not around for long. “All the wines have received excellent praise across all sections of the wine trade from consumers to wine critics,” said Jonathan with conviction. The Blanc de Blancs wine from the 2025 harvest will possibly be ready for a special early release in time for December 2027 but this may be available only in limited supply and members of the newly launched Newick Wine Estate membership scheme will be given the first look at this wine. This traditional Method Sparkling is all that is needed to ensure that Newick Wine Estate really do have the ability to share in every occasion on every table. Newick Wine Estate is a place of outstanding beauty and I am sure this is part of the reason the team is able to accept that there will be disappointments without being defined by them. Staying true to the landscape the small vineyard team have a quality that could be described best as integrity. A desire to make the land productive but with a season by season improvement strategy that inspires both confidence and peace – a rare combination indeed.

Jonathan and Charlotte

Linus and Charles

NOVEMBER 2026 | WWW.VINEYARDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

EDITOR’S VISIT

The star of the collection is the limited release 100% Pinot Noir which has had four months in re-toasted oak. 27

NEWS

£500,000 boost for rural and farming businesses to grow and innovate A wine producer using bird-repelling lasers and cattle farmer using GPS collars to track livestock are among 17 innovative projects funded from a £500,000 pot to boost Surrey’s rural economy. Surrey County Council’s Farming Innovation Accelerator supports farmers and growers with funding for projects to modernise operations, improve productivity, diversify and develop commercially. More than 50 organisations submitted proposals via a competitive process, which is funded via UK government’s Shared Prosperity Funding. 17 projects from all corners of the county have now been progressed, with each recipient receiving a grant of up to £35,000 along with a bespoke programme of expert support to enhance their business growth plans. Thanks to the scheme, Albury Vineyard will install an automated bird‑repellent laser. This will protect 18 acres of grapevines to reduce crop loss which, in turn, will increase production by over 1,700 bottles per year. Another recipient is Browners Bees in Reigate, which will use digital hive monitoring and mechanised extraction equipment to make honey harvesting more efficient. Beekeeper Harrison Brown said: “The funding is going to make a huge difference because it will allow us to invest in technology and equipment that would otherwise be very difficult for our growing beekeeping operation to afford. “Digital hive monitoring technology will allow us to remotely monitor things such as hive weight, temperature and humidity

across our apiaries, giving us much better information about what is happening inside the hives without having to physically visit every colony as frequently. “We’re also investing in mechanised and automated honey extraction, processing and bottling equipment. As the number of colonies and the amount of honey we produce increases, doing everything manually would become a significant bottleneck. “The new equipment will allow us to process larger quantities more efficiently, while improving consistency and reducing the amount of repetitive manual work involved. “Ultimately, the funding gives us the opportunity to build the infrastructure to grow from a small beekeeping operation into a more efficient, technology enabled business, while continuing to produce locally in Surrey.”

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Assessing the impact of heatwaves on the 2026 crop DESKTOP www.hutchinsons.co.uk ENVELOPE information@hlhltd.co.uk phone-alt 01945 461177

This had mixed impacts on vines, often depending on when and where rain fell, the intensity and duration of heatwaves, as well as the variety grown, and its maturity. Older vines, with deep well-established root systems were generally more resilient than younger vines – those carrying a heavy crop really struggled, but early fruit thinning definitely helped. Generally, harvest has been around 10-14 days earlier than normal, with many crops reaching phenolic ripeness; Sauvignon Blanc, in particular, has had a phenomenal year, with high alcohol levels and phenolic ripeness achieved. In contrast, Bacchus seems to have struggled more with the intense heat and UV, which may not be a surprise considering the variety was developed for cooler growing regions, with a balance of sunshine and rainfall that allows crops to ripen more slowly. Figures published by prominent viticulturist, Markus Keller, in his book, Science of Grapevines, suggest the optimal daytime temperature for photosynthesis, growth, yield formation and fruit ripening is below 30°C, with heat stress starting to occur above this. Beyond 35°C, stomata start closing, and once leaf temperatures reach 40-45°C+, a sharp decline in photosynthesis and

Steps to help alleviate stress

◆ Mulching with straw or other organic

material under vines – this cools the surface, conserves soil moisture, returns some nutrients/organic matter, and feeds soil biology. We have again seen some encouraging responses where an organic fertiliser and soil conditioner based on poultry manure has been used to add nutrients, build structure and stimulate soil biology ◆ Seaweed-based biostimulants – these contain amino acids that can help relieve stress, and we have seen some notable improvements in Bacchus sugar levels where used this season ◆ Targeted leaf stripping and canopy management – tailor what you do to the season, don’t just follow the same routine. In some situations, it may be preferable to delay leaf stripping or retain more cover to reduce sunburn risk. At one point this year, some growers went ahead with leaf stripping to try and improve airflow to alleviate high powdery mildew risk, however this did result in some issues with sunburn. One ‘win’ this year was where topping was delayed, until after

Robi ns iam on

Variable impact

irreparable damage can occur. Brief periods of extreme heat – as experienced this year – are considered worse than longer periods of moderately high temperatures. It seems likely that this vine physiology was behind some of the traits observed this season, where sugar development stalled, but acidity continued to decline, which on many sites affected Bacchus in particular. We cannot control the weather, but there are some steps we can take to help alleviate heat stress, especially in varieties that are potentially more susceptible.

W ill

While 2026 could be remembered as a vintage season for some growers, others will look back less fondly, having first had to contend with damaging late frosts in May, followed by repeated heatwaves and drought. Figures show 54 Met Office weather stations broke their all-time daily maximum temperature record this summer, with the mercury hitting 35°C in late May (Kent), 38°C in June (Norfolk), and 38.2°C in August (Gloucestershire).

e rs und Sa

With harvest complete, or nearing completion on many vineyards, Hutchinsons agronomists Rob Saunders and Will Robinson look at the impact of the record-breaking summer and what we can learn for future seasons.

Rob

fruit had set, which reduced the amount of lateral growth and secondary bunches. Several sites did not have any secondaries, largely because vines took so long to grow above the top wire, berries were almost pea-sized by the time they needed trimming. When this did happen, vines were under drought stress, so didn’t throw out more shoots, putting their energy into ripening what was there ◆ Nutrition – potassium has many roles in vines, but a key one is the regulation of stomatal opening and closing, so ensuring sufficient K can help build resilience to abiotic stress. It is the main nutrient removed at harvest, so monitor requirements closely, especially after a heavy crop. Another important nutrient is calcium, which is crucial for the formation and stability of cell walls ◆ Applying kaolin – the white, inert, clay effectively forms a ‘sunscreen’ over leaves and fruit, deflecting some UV radiation and reducing leaf temperature ◆ Review varieties – consider ways to manage risk with careful variety selection. Some growers are now considering top grafting to reduce their area of Bacchus in favour of other varieties, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

ALL THINGS AGRONOMY

Megan Fitz

ic atr

Megan Fitzpatrick

For advice on agronomy and government grants, contact, Megan Fitzpatrick MRes, MBPR (Hort), FQA , Agronomist and Farm Business Consultant. ✉ fitzpatrick.agronomy@outlook.com 📞 07870 522084

Preparing for 2027 SFI, water and soil. There is something revealing about a funding scheme that disappears almost as soon as it arrives. The second window of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) opened on 22nd September and, within six hours, the £253 million budget had been allocated and applications closed. Whatever individual views may be on SFI, that level of demand demonstrates a substantial appetite among farmers and growers for support to change how land is managed, with environmental measures increasingly being considered alongside wider business resilience. For vineyards, one of the clearest lessons is the importance of preparation. Those able to submit applications successfully were often those who had completed the groundwork beforehand: checking land parcels, updating boundaries, reviewing land covers and ensuring digital mapping information was accurate. For those unfamiliar with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) system, this proved to be a considerable hurdle. Growers who had specialist land agents managing their applications, or who had invested time in understanding the portal and resolving mapping or eligibility issues, were in the strongest position when the window opened. Missing the September window does not mean the opportunity has disappeared. DEFRA has confirmed that SFI is expected to return in 2027, although the detailed scheme design has yet to be announced. Ministers have indicated that the broad structure is likely to remain similar, but individual actions, payment rates and eligibility requirements will need to be confirmed. For now, growers can use the intervening period to review their RPA mapping, land parcels and potential environmental actions so they are better prepared when the next window opens.

Water Management Fund

Water security is another area where preparation is becoming increasingly important. Although established vines are relatively drought tolerant, young plantations require consistent moisture while their root systems develop. This is particularly relevant on free-draining chalk, sand and gravel soils, where available soil moisture can decline rapidly during prolonged dry periods. Water requirements also extend beyond irrigation to filling sprayers and other operational purposes. DEFRA is currently preparing round three of the Water Management Fund, with up to £15 million expected to support on-farm water storage and climate resilience. Final details are still to be confirmed, but eligible investments are expected to include reservoirs, rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation systems. 30

For vineyards considering water infrastructure, a basic water budget is a useful starting point. Vineyard area, soil type, planting age, irrigation requirements and spray volumes will all influence demand. Understanding where existing supplies are insufficient will help determine whether storage, rainwater harvesting or irrigation improvements would provide the greatest benefit.

Winter soil management

Once harvest is finished, there is a useful opportunity to look beneath the vineyard rather than simply preparing for the next season. The condition of the soil after a year of machinery traffic can reveal how the vineyard has responded to rainfall, drought and repeated passes through the rows. Wheelings, areas where water has stood after rain, or sections that dried out noticeably faster during the summer can all provide clues to compaction. Before reaching for the subsoiler, however, it is worth establishing what is actually happening below the surface. A soil pit can reveal whether a restrictive layer is present, how deep it sits and how it is affecting rooting, soil structure and moisture movement. Comparing a problem area with an unaffected section can also help establish whether machinery traffic is responsible. What appears to be a drainage problem at the surface may have a very different cause once the soil profile is exposed. Where compaction is confirmed, subsoiling may have a role, but it should be a targeted intervention rather than a routine treatment. If the underlying cause is repeated trafficking, poor soil structure or low organic matter, mechanical disturbance alone may only provide temporary improvement. Changing traffic patterns, improving soil structure or establishing an appropriate cover crop may offer a more lasting solution. The same principle applies to winter grazing. Sheep can be useful for vegetation management and nutrient cycling, but timing is important. Grazing firm, dry ground is very different from allowing livestock onto saturated soil, where poaching can quickly create compaction and damage soil structure. The winter period therefore provides a valuable opportunity to assess the vineyard as a whole. SFI preparation, water planning and soil assessment may appear separate, but each contributes to the same objective: ensuring the vineyard is better equipped to manage changing weather, resources and regulation. Understanding what is happening beneath the vines now can prevent considerably more work later.

NOVEMBER 2026 | WWW.VINEYARDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

EDUCATION

Grow your vineyard’s future Develop the skills your business needs, invest in emerging talent and help shape the future of the UK wine industry with a Viticulture Apprenticeship at Plumpton College. As the UK wine industry continues to grow, developing a skilled workforce is essential to its long-term success. Plumpton College’s Level 3 Viticulture Apprenticeship offers vineyards and wine producers an opportunity to invest in their workforce, combining specialist training with practical, on-the-job experience. The programme is designed to equip new entrants with the theory, technical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to work as a vineyard operative, while providing a strong foundation for career progression towards roles such as assistant vineyard manager. Whether you are considering recruiting new talent or developing an existing employee, an apprenticeship can help you build a skilled, motivated workforce equipped to meet the needs of your business.

Specialist training for the wine industry

Partnering with Plumpton gives your employees access to experienced staff with extensive knowledge of the wine industry, alongside our purpose-built Wine Centre. Facilities include a commercial winery, research winery, laboratories and a sensory

evaluation room, providing a specialist environment in which to develop industryrelevant skills. Our apprenticeship combines workplace experience with block weeks of collegebased learning, enabling apprentices to put their knowledge into practice while continuing to develop professionally. Qualifications are endorsed by WineGB and relevant land-based sector bodies to meet industry demands, with the opportunity to work towards equivalent qualifications in maths and English where required. Employers and apprentices can also benefit from discounts on Plumpton’s LandPro Training suite of qualifications and assessments, including LANTRA Tractor Driving and Awareness of Integrated Weed Management.

Financial support to help you recruit

Taking on an apprentice can be a costeffective way to bring new talent into your business. Eligible smaller employers may benefit from government-funded training and additional financial incentives to support recruitment. For eligible non-levy-paying small and medium-sized employers (SMEs), 100% of

apprenticeship training costs are funded by the Government for apprentices aged 16–24, subject to applicable funding rules. Additional financial support may also be available, including: ◆ £1,000 Young Apprentice Payment for employers recruiting an eligible apprentice aged 16–18. ◆ £2,000 SME Hiring Incentive for eligible SMEs recruiting an apprentice aged under 25, provided they start their apprenticeship within 90 days of commencing employment. These incentives can help reduce the cost of bringing new people into your business while investing in the skills needed for future growth.

Join our next apprenticeship cohort

Plumpton College is currently recruiting for its next Level 3 Viticulture Apprenticeship cohort, commencing on 9 November. Late joiners may be accepted in early January, subject to availability. If you are a vineyard considering recruiting a vineyard operative or looking to develop the skills of an existing employee, our team can help you explore the programme and the support available to employers.

To find out more about the apprenticeship, discuss funding options or help recruiting an apprentice, contact Business Services: ✉ business@plumpton.ac.uk

25 NOVEMBER 2026: REGISTER FOR FREE

2026

A remarkable celebration

New masterclass hosts, new exhibitors and, of course, stunning new home-grown wines to sample are set to make this year’s Vineyard & Winery Show another cork-popping success.

In association with Vitifruit Equipment Sales and Hire

With the early harvest long since safely gathered in, there can be no excuse for anyone with an interest in growing grapes, making and selling wine or simply discovering what’s new in the world of viticulture to miss the sixth iteration of this remarkable celebration. Around 120 trade exhibitors are set to pack both exhibition halls at the Kent County Showground, making this year’s event on Wednesday 25 November a must-visit

WINE HUB SPONSOR

GLASSWARE SPONSOR

for anyone with an interest in English and Welsh wines, while it’s end-of-season timing provides the ideal opportunity for growers and makers to catch their breath and chat to friends, colleagues, suppliers and customers. As well as visiting standholders keen to talk about the latest developments in everything from bottle labelling to marketing, soil health, winery technology and grape varieties, those attending the event will be able to sample some of the

VISITOR BAG SPONSOR

COFFEE SPONSOR

very best home-grown wines that have wowed both competition judges and wine writers over the past 12 months. There will again be two tasting hubs, one in the Maidstone Exhibition Hall dedicated to the ‘Golden 50’, wines that have won gold or platinum medals across 10 national and international competitions, and one in the John Henry Pavilion featuring wines chosen by Vineyard magazine’s own specialist writers over the past year.

SEMINAR SPONSOR

WINE TASTING MASTERCLASS SPONSOR

SHOW NEWS Don’t miss out

◆ Network with the key players in the UK wine industry ◆ Meet with industry experts ◆ Learn about cutting-edge technology and see demonstrations of the latest machinery ◆ Visit the wine hubs and taste some the UK’s best wines – over 80 different wines available to try on the day ◆ Attend the WineGB seminars – Expert speakers will cover viticulture, winemaking and marketing topics – aimed at new entrants to the industry as well as those already established ◆ Talk to some of the biggest names in the industry such as Innovin, Itasca Wines, Bevtech, Kirkland UK, Haynes, Agrii, VineWorks and WR Services – and many more a scorching summer which has affected yields but delivered a quality harvest. A second, technical, masterclass hosted by Rankin Brothers and Sons will tackle ‘Caps and Closures’ and outline the best ways in which winemakers can make sure their pride and joy tastes as it should do by the time it reaches the consumer. There will be two chances to join the masterclass, at 2.30pm and 3.45pm, with Henry and Tom’s masterclass happening at 1pm. While the wine hubs are always popular, there are plenty of other catering options available, providing a chance to catch up with friends and colleagues over a coffee rather than a cabernet. Headline sponsors for this year’s show, which is again expected to welcome well over 2,000 visitors during the day, are Autajon Labels Royston, Itasca Wines, Hutchinsons, NFU Mutual and Vitifruit Equipment. The show is also proud to have the ongoing support of leading trade body WineGB. “We have been delighted with the success of the Vineyard & Winery Show since we launched it six years ago and we think the 2026 show will prove to the biggest and best yet,” said Vineyard magazine publisher and event organiser Jamie McGrorty. “Whether you are looking for inspiration, keen to find out what’s new in the world of viticulture or just fancy sampling some of the finest English and Welsh wines available, this year’s show really is a must visit.” 26

winery equipment, bottling and labelling options and routes to market. Specialist advice on everything from raising finance to insurance, agronomy and soil analysis will be on offer at this free-toattend celebration of English and Welsh wine, while the show’s increasingly high profile means that it also attracts the major players in winemaking machinery and equipment. There are plenty of experts on hand, both for those who are starting out and for those who are looking to expand. New exhibitors for 2026 include VitiForce, a specialist vineyard management company providing professional, practical and reliable viticulture services across the UK, Tellia, which offers an AI solution to help busy vineyard teams log issues and tasks, and bottle wholesaler and winery supplies company Zimber Kellereibedarf. This year’s show also sees the Vineyard & Winery Show debut of Frank P Matthews Trees, a company with a 125-year history and experience across commercial orchards, agroforestry projects and landscaping schemes. Other first-time exhibitors include barrel storage specialists Intox, bird deterrent company Scarecrow, winemaker Enologie. Wine, and BDE Farm Trac, a record-keeping platform that promises to help vineyards stay compliant without mountains of paperwork. Starting at 9.40am in the Astor Pavilion, WineGB has again organised a fine line-up of speakers who will lead seminars throughout the show on the theme of ‘resilience’, an appropriate topic following

That hub will this year feature wines selected not only by the late and muchmissed Matthew Jukes, who sadly died in August, but by the two top writers who have stepped in to fill his shoes, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Surgey. Matthew’s picks from the first nine months of the year, along with Henry’s selections for November and Tom’s December choices, will make for a rewarding tasting experience and will be joined by at least one very special wine chosen by Vineyard magazine editor Rebecca Farmer. Rebecca has added a Pinot Noir from Biddenden that was originally intended to be enjoyed by the sadly missed Matthew Jukes. She explained: “Tom Barnes always used to create something a bit different for Matthew to try each year and he was always happy to give Tom his opinion. “At this year’s WineGB trade tasting in September, Tom decided that he would bring Matthew’s Bottle with him in tribute to the much-loved writer, even though its namesake was sadly no longer with us. Those of us who tried it really enjoyed it, and so Tom agreed to have it bottled and labelled in time for this year’s Vineyard & Winery Show.” That Pinot Noir, along with all the other wines featured on the Vineyard hub will be eligible for the inaugural Matthew Jukes’ Trophy for the Vineyard magazine Wine of The Year, which will be judged by Henry and Tom, who will also be joint hosts of this year’s masterclass. Proceeds from the everpopular masterclass will again be donated to the Drinks Trust. This year’s ‘Golden 50’ proved a challenge for show partners WineGB, forced to choose the hub’s gems for this year from no fewer than 130 top-notch competition winners, a good-to-have dilemma that highlights the continuing ascendency of the UK’s wine. For those growers and makers who aspire to become future medal winners, the show’s exhibitors will again be providing plenty of help, offering the usual mix of advice on everything from planting vines and keeping them healthy to the best

Organised by Vineyard magazine and supported by WineGB, it will be an invaluable opportunity for all viticulturalists, winemakers, suppliers and the trade to come together. There will be a packed programme including a series of seminars from WineGB,

2026

Get your free ticket to the show The Vineyard & Winery Show will be an unmissable event for anyone working in viticulture and wine production in the UK. The show takes place on 25 November 2026 at the Kent County Showground, Detling, Kent.

2026

tastings of the UK’s top wines, lots of machinery and equipment to see – as well the opportunity to network with peers. To register for your free ticket go to ww.vineyardshow.com NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

25 NOVEMBER 2026: REGISTER FOR FREE

The seminars Sponsored by

09.40 INTRODUCTION Nicola Bates WineGB CEO

WineGB will once again be hosting the seminar programme which will take place during the Vineyard and Winery Show on the 25 November. The packed morning seminar schedule is sponsored by San Agrow and the theme of the seminars will be resilience. Nicola Bates Ceo of WineGB will introduce the programme Justin Howard-Sneyd MW who will present the first seminar entitled Resilience For Our Sector. This is sure to be a subject which will be of interest to many and seats are allocated on a first come first served basis. Industry resilience takes many forms and starting at 10.25 the proceedings will take a celebratory turn as Ian Harris MBE of the Vintners association will be announcing and presenting the Vintners’ Company Apprentice Award 2026. Matt Strugnell will chair a discussion panel with the title Viticultural Resilience to Climate Driven Challenges. With 2026

10.20

Q&A

09.50

WELCOME A welcome from the seminar sponsor

10.00

GUEST SPEAKER Resilience for our sector

10.30

PRESENTATION Vintners’ Company Apprentice Award presentation

Justin Howard-Sneyd MW Trustee, Regenerative Viticulture Foundation

being a year that has certainly seen its fair share of challenges this is the perfect discussion panel to start thinking about possible adjustments for the 2027 season. The panel of Rob Poyser, Joel Jorgenson and David Blake will consider all aspects of vineyard resilience from soil to technology and of course will be inviting audience participation in the form of a question and answer session. Brad Greatrix will be taking the theme of resilience into the winemaking process with an expert panel of speakers and finally Ian Beecher Jones will be delivering an update of the New Technology Group which is aiming to ensure that growers and winemakers are able to influence the research into new technology that can really help them with the problems they face.

The Vintner’s Company will present the award to the 2026 recipient.

Ian Harris, MBE

2026

10.40

DISCUSSION

Viticultural resilience to climate driven challenges

Vineyard resilience in a changing viticultural environment

Matt Strugnell

Rob Poyser

Chair, WineGB Viticulture Working Group

Technical Director, Vinescapes

Soil health as the foundation for vineyard resilience

The digital vineyard

Joel Jorgensen

David Blake

Managing Director, Vinescapes

Vineyard Manager, Viticulture & Wine Lecturer, Plumpton College

11.40

Q&A

11.50

DISCUSSION Winemaking adaptation to climate driven challenges Winemaking Panel hosted by Brad Greatrix. Panel members to be announced later.

Brad Greatrix Chair, WineGB Technical Winemaking Working Group

12.30

Q&A

12.40

DISCUSSION New Technology Group

An update on the New Technology Group with Q&A.

Ian Beecher-Jones Chair WineGB Technology Group

12.55

Remarks and thanks with Nicola Bates NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

25 NOVEMBER 2026: MASTERCLASS £30

Tom Surgey and Henry Jeffreys masterclass 1 PM TASTING MARQUEE Sponsored by

All proceeds raised go to

While this year’s Vineyard & Winery Show masterclass will be tinged with more than a touch of sadness, it will also herald a new era for the show and for organiser Vineyard magazine. This year’s masterclass, always a highlight of the Vineyard & Winery Show, will be held as a tribute to wine writer and former masterclass host Matthew Jukes following his sad death on 6 August this year. The tribute will be led by renowned wine experts Tom Surgey and Henry Jeffreys. The masterclass at the Kent County Showground will not only see the two experts deliver their verdicts on six of their favourite wines, but will also mark their introduction as

Vineyard’s newest contributors. The magazine is delighted to be welcoming the expert duo as wine columnists and is thrilled that they are popping the cork on that new link-up by jointly hosting the masterclass. “In Tom and Henry we believe we have an excellent team to take forward the masterclass at the show,” explained magazine publisher and show organiser Jamie McGrorty. In another tribute to Matthew, this year’s show will also see the presentation of a

new award, the Matthew Jukes Trophy for Vineyard magazine Wine of The Year. Aimed at selecting the standout wine that has featured in Vineyard magazine during the year, the award will be judged by Tom and Henry with the trophy winner announced for the first time during the Masterclass. Tickets are already selling fast for Tom and Henry’s first double-hander masterclass, which will continue Matthew’s tradition of donating the proceeds from ticket sales to the Drinks Trust charity. 20

Tickets for the masterclass are on sale now at vineyardshow.cocom

2026

DENBIES

Nobel Harvest Ortega 2025

BIDDENDEN VINEYARDS

Ortega Chapter 57 2025

WESTWELL

Westwell Ortega 2025

WOODCHESTER

Sauvignon Blanc 25

LOUMA

Blanc de Blancs 2020

CARY WINE ESTATE CHERRY ORCHARD Pinot Noir 2023

This year’s masterclass will feature wines recently reviewed by the magazine’s new contributors, with Henry having penned his first column for this November issue and Tom writing for Vineyard in December. Henry, the author of four books, including the critically acclaimed, award-winning Vines in a cold climate: the people behind the English wine revolution, is focusing on Ortega in his November column. Describing Ortega as “the grape for all seasons” Henry will be showcasing the unique quality of: ◆ Denbies Nobel Harvest Ortega 2025, ◆ Biddenden Vineyards Ortega Chapter 57 2025 ◆ Westwell Ortega 2025. Tom, whose debut book How to Drink Wine was published in August 2024, is a well-known wine communicator and drinks trade professional who is in demand as a presenter on television, radio and at live events, has promised that his contribution to the masterclass will shine a spotlight on those who are innovative and unconventional. He added by way of explanation that his December column and masterclass choices would consider the idea that “what appears foolhardy today might prove to be inspired tomorrow”. The wines Tom is featuring certainly reflect that theme. They are: ◆ Woodchester Sauvignon Blanc 25 ◆ Louma Blanc de Blancs 2020. ◆ Cary Wine Estate / Cherry Orchard Pinot Noir 2023

About the presenters

Henry, an award-winning drinks writer who has written regularly for publications in both this country and the USA, is currently the drinks columnist for The Critic and a regular contributor to the Daily Telegraph, Spectator, Jancisrobinson.com, Decanter, The Buyer and Club Oenologique. The author of Empire of booze: British history through the bottom of a glass, he has appeared on the much-loved podcast The rest is history as well as on a wide range of national TV and radio shows. He has his own online blog, Drinking Culture, and in 2024 launched the Intoxicating History podcast with Tom Parker Bowles, produced by Melanie Jappy from The Wine Show, and is researching a book about wine and class to be published next year. He was shortlisted for the International Wine & Spirit Competition Wine Communicator Of The Year Award in both 2023 and 2025 and is renowned for his

Tom Surgey warmth and sense of humour. While he specialises in wine, he has a wealth of experience across all drinks categories and is one of the UK’s leading communicators on the no and low alcohol category. Tom’s work includes his On the razz stand up comedy and wine tasting events as well as the WineAlive wine festivals and tasting events he hosts alongside the likes of Oz Clarke, Tim Atkin, Olly Smith, Susy Atkins and Luma Monteiro. He has also

hosted the main drinks stage and a range of masterclasses at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham for the Good Food Show and worked as the wine presenter for a number of British Airways Food and Drink Experience Events. “We are absolutely delighted that Henry and Tom will be contributing future wine columns for Vineyard magazine and we look forward to their first joint masterclass at this year’s Vineyard & Winery Show,” concluded Jamie.

Henry Jeffreys

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wines of 2026

Artefact A moment in Wine Bacchus 2023

Biddenden Vineyards Ortega Chapter 57 2025

Biddenden Vineyards Pinot Noir 2025

Black Book Pygmalion |Chardonnay 2022

Black Chalk Paragon

Black Chalk Inversion

Burnt House Pinot Noir Précoce 2025

Cary Wine Estate Cherry Orchard Pinot Noir 2023

Denbies Nobel Harvest Ortega 2025

Domaine Evremond Edition 2

Flint Vineyard Silex 2024

Four Daughters Reisling 2025

Gusbourne Brut Rosé 2020

Hambledon Classic Cuvée

Heppington Estate Pinot Noir Rosé 2025

Heppington Estate Pinot Noir 2024

Langham Blanc De Blancs NV

LDN CRU Pinot Noir Précoce 2024

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2026

The wines selected below will be available for tasting on Vineyard magazine’s Wines of 2026 Wine Hub at The Vineyard & Winery Show on 25 November. All these wines will be eligible to win the Matthew Jukes’ Trophy for Vineyard magazine Wine of the Year. Judged by Henry Jeﬀreys and Tom Surgey, this special award will be announced at their masterclass on the day of the show.

Louma Blanc de Blancs 2020

Lyme Bay Shoreline 2025

Lyme Bay Shoreline Rosé 2025

Marbury Crouch Valley Chardonnay 2024

Nyetimber Rosé MV

Oastbrook Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2023

Oast Wood Hedgewitch Pinot Noir Rosé 2025

Rathﬁ nny Blanc De Noirs 2020

Saﬀron Grange Classic Cuvée Brut 2022

Sugrue South Downs MV Bonkers zombie robat alien monsters from the future ate my brain (sur lie) V2 Chardonnay

The Dell Vineyard Clidda Gawr, Col Fondo 2025

Vagabond olena Batch 004

Velfrey Vineyard Rhosyn Sparkling Rosé 2023

Westwell Ortega 2025

Weybourne 2020 The Weybourne Wayward No 1 Limited Release Demi Sec

Weybourne Oriana Golden Spur

White Castle Vineyard Siegerrebe 2025

Whitewolfe KC4 Chardonnay 2023

Williams Family Wines Pinot Noir Précoce 2025

Wiston Tank 5 Chardonnay MV

Woodchester Sauvignon Blanc 25

Sauvignon Blanc 2025 Decanter Silver Medal (91 points)

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Taste the best of the best The Wine hub in the Maidstone Hall at this year’s Vineyard & Winery Show will go well beyond merely giving visitors a chance to taste great wines. The oﬀerings are this year simply the best of the best, medal winners of the highest calibre. The Golden 50 chosen by WineGB and Vineyard magazine editor Rebecca Farmer have been selected from over 130 wines that have either won gold medals or higher across 9 National and International competitions. Those competitions were the WineGB awards, Decanter World Wine Awards, International Wine Challenge (IWC), International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), The Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships, Global Masters, Sommelier Wine Awards, London Wine Competition and the Sommeliers Choice Awards. The final selection shows the wide variety of great wine produced in this country and features 13 still wines and 37 sparkling wines made by vineyards across 19 counties from Cornwall to Staffordshire and from Kent to Herefordshire. There were 31 producers that won multiple gold medals across these competitions in 2026. The Golden 50 includes Decanter Best in Show wine, Balfour Blanc De Blancs 2018 alongside IWC Trophy Winners Chapel Down Rosé NV and Hundred Hills, Blanc de Blancs Library release 2018. There are new names in the Golden 50 for 2026 including Abingworth with their Four Fables Chardonnay 2024 and 1276 in Herefordshire with their Chardonnay 2024. Wines that should definitely not be missed on the day are The Grange Pink NV and Hambledon Wine Estate Blanc De Blanc Brut NV which both won multiple gold medals during 2026. “It is really encouraging to see how many producers are winning multiple gold medals across the various competitions this year. The Golden 50 is an award that speaks volumes about the future of English and Welsh wine,” commented Vineyard editor Rebecca Farmer. WineGB CEO Nicola Bates said: “Our wines are getting better and better and are rightly receiving greater acknowledgement in international and home competitions. All of these wines have scored 93 points or more, ranking Gold or beyond across eight competitions. With familiar and new names on the Golden 50 Wine List, we recommend it as the first port of call for consumers and the trade to buy up their Christmas wines. “Just a reminder that while these wines are the top award winners, there are over 100 grape varieties, more than 1,000 vineyards and millions of opportunities to make connections with friends and family over a glass of local wine. The list shows the quality we are regularly securing, and it’s reflective of the exceptional taste from many other wines in the UK – ultimately you really can’t get more local or sustainable than supporting your local winemaker. You can find yours using the WineGB UK Wine Map on our website.” 40

The 2026 Golden 50 list in full

◆ 1276, Chardonnay 2024 ◆ Abingworth, Four Fables Chardonnay 2024 ◆ All Angels, Classic Cuvée 2019 ◆ Ashling Park, Blanc De Blancs, 2014 ◆ Balfour, 2023 Rosé De Meunier ◆ Balfour, Blanc De Blancs 2018 ◆ Balfour, Liberty’s Bacchus 2025 ◆ Blackbook, Pygmalion 2023 ◆ Black Chalk Wine, 89.6 Blanc De Blancs Brut 2020 ◆ Bolney, Cuvée Rosé 2016 ◆ Camel Valley, 2023 Pinot Noir Rosé Brut ◆ Candover Valley, Candover Brook Brut NV ◆ Chapel Down, Grand Reserve 2019 ◆ Chapel Down, Kit’s Coty Blanc De Blancs 2019 ◆ Chapel Down, Rosé NV ◆ Chartham Vineyard, Blanc De Blancs 2022 ◆ Digby Fine English, Leander Pink Non Vintage Rosé ◆ Digby Fine English, NV ◆ Digby Fine English, Non Vintage Bru ◆ Domaine Evremond, Classic Cuvée Edition II NV ◆ Domaine Hugo, Hugo MV ◆ Exton Park, Blanc De Blancs 2013 ◆ Fenny Castle , Blanc De Noir 2021 ◆ Fenny Castle, Blanc De Noir Reserve 2018 ◆ Flint Vineyard, Silex 2024 ◆ Greyfriars Vineyard, Old Vines Blanc De Blancs Brut 2016 ◆ Halfpenny, Classic Cuvée 2018 ◆ Hambledon, Blanc De Blanc Brut NV ◆ Harrow and Hope, Brut Reserve No. 10 NV ◆ Hattingley Valley, Kings Rosé 2015 ◆ Hundred Hills, Blanc de Blancs Library release 2018 ◆ Hundred Hills, Hillside No.3 2019 ◆ Langham, Blanc De Blancs NV ◆ Langham, Corallian Classic NV ◆ Leornian Wines, Leornian Wines Chardonnay 2024 ◆ MDCV, Blanc De Blancs 2018 ◆ MDCV, London Clay NV ◆ Mousehall, Tidebrook Staddle Stone Chardonnay 23 ◆ Oastbrook Estates, Oastbrook Sparkling Rosé 2018 ◆ Roebuck Estate, Classic Cuvée 2020 ◆ Sandridge Barton, Sonny NV ◆ Simpsons, Rabbit Hole Pinot Noir 2024 ◆ The Grange, Pink NV ◆ Veenow, Mary Rosé ◆ Walgate, Walgate Rosé 2023 ◆ Wiston Estate, Blanc De Noirs 2018 ◆ Wiston Estate, Tank 5 Chardonnay, MV ◆ Wiston Estate, Vintage Cuvée Magnum 2009 ◆ Woodchester Valley, Blanc De Blancs 2019 ◆ Wyfold Vineyard, English Sparkling Brut 2018

NOVEMBER 2026 | WWW.VINEYARDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

See us on stand J11

Machinery specialists

Vitimech is delighted to be returning to the Vineyard Show, where the team will be showcasing a range of specialist machinery and innovative solutions designed to help UK vineyards work more efficiently. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore equipment from leading European manufacturers, with the Vitimech team on hand to discuss the latest developments and help growers find the right machinery for their individual requirements. The team will be showcasing equipment from Collard, including its renowned leaf remover, vine trimmer and pre-pruner ranges. With decades of experience in vineyard mechanisation, Collard continues to develop practical solutions to improve productivity and reduce the time and labour required for essential vineyard operations. Vitimech is also the importer for Calvet vineyard sprayers, renowned for their specialist approach to crop protection and precision spraying. Visitors will be able to discover the Calvet range and discuss how the right spraying equipment can help improve application efficiency, support effective disease management and meet the demands of modern viticulture. Vitimech will also be showcasing equipment from Agrofer, further expanding the range of solutions available to UK growers. Whether you are looking to upgrade existing machinery, improve spraying efficiency or explore new approaches to vineyard management, the Vitimech team looks forward to discussing your requirements and helping you find practical solutions for your vineyard.

2026

See us on stand M5

Make tying vines quicker and easier Tying vineyard rows by hand is timeconsuming, hard on hands and wrists, and can become frustrating when tools jam or need frequent reloading. The INFACO AT1000 Automatic Tying Machine is designed to make this everyday job quicker and more comfortable. With a tying time of under 0.5 seconds, the AT1000 helps the operator move through rows efficiently, while its 615g weight and ergonomic grip make it easier to use over long working days. The Dual Motion roller feed system is designed to provide smooth, reliable wire feeding, helping to reduce interruptions caused by jams.

Southern Farmers Ltd

High-capacity spools provide more than 3,000 ties per reel, with reels that can be changed in around 30 seconds. The battery provides up to 8,000 ties per charge, helping operators keep working without constant stops. Whether tying young vines, securing fruiting canes or carrying out routine vineyard work, the AT1000 can help reduce physical effort and save valuable labour time. Want to see how it works? Get in touch with Agricare to book a demonstration and try the AT1000 for yourself. Their team can answer your questions and help you decide if it is right for your vineyard.

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View on stand M14

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NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

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Integrated farm management Agrovista UK is a leading provider of agronomy and management advice, precision services and inputs to farmers and growers across the UK. The Agrovista fruit team supports vine, tree fruit and soft fruit growers with in-depth industry knowledge and practical expertise, helping them achieve optimum yields and quality. The company has long championed integrated farm management and integrated pest management and is recognised as leaders in this area, with the UK’s only LEAF-accredited fruit agronomist as its technical lead. Agrovista can provide as much, or as little, input as growers require, from site selection, variety choice, planting guidance and canopy management to pest and disease monitoring and control, soil and

tissue analysis, nutritional advice and pre-harvest assessments. The rural consultancy team can help growers navigate the sustainable farming incentive and available government funding, ensuring they are aware of the support and opportunities available to farmers and growers across the UK. From daily weather conditions to seasonal disease risk, Agrovista weather stations combine live, actionable data with pest and disease prediction models, including grape-specific growth and crop insights, to help growers make informed decisions throughout the season. Whether you are growing conventional, organic or biodynamic crops, Agrovista would be delighted to discuss your requirements and the services the team can offer.

See us on stand M79

Turning financial and operational data into clear, meaningful management information See us You know how much wine you sell. But do you know what’s really driving your vineyard’s performance? Running a vineyard is about much more than growing grapes and producing wine. It’s about managing direct sales, tasting rooms and tours, staffing, stock, cash flow and a whole host of other moving parts. With so much happening, having the right information at the right time is essential to making confident decisions. Carpenter Box helps vineyards turn financial and operational data into clear, 42

meaningful management information that shows what’s really happening in the business. It starts with getting the data right. Clean, accurate and well-structured data provides a reliable foundation for reporting and for confident decision making. From there, we help businesses understand what’s driving performance, from the profitability of different sales channels, the tasting room and tours, to customer

NOVEMBER 2026 | WWW.VINEYARDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

on stand J14

behaviour and where the strongest margins lie. Combine this with cash flow forecasting and tailored dashboards, reports and key performance indicators, and you have a clearer view of where your vineyard is today and where it’s heading. Better data leads to better decisions. Talk to us to discover how clearer insight can help you improve performance, manage growth and run your vineyard with greater confidence.

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT With more than seven decades of expertise, Bucher Vaslin has established itself as a leading provider of winemaking equipment and process solutions, combining innovation, industrial excellence and operational performance. From its historic headquarters in Chalonnes-sur-Loire, France, the company designs and manufactures advanced technologies dedicated to grape reception, pressing, filtration and winemaking processes, serving wine producers across the globe. Recognised for the quality and reliability of its solutions, Bucher Vaslin supports wineries in optimising production efficiency while preserving the highest standards of wine quality. Its extensive portfolio of equipment is designed to meet the evolving needs of both established wine groups and independent producers, offering tailored solutions for every stage of the winemaking process. Bucher Vaslin’s international presence is ensured through a network of subsidiaries and authorized distributors strategically located in key wine-producing regions. Carefully selected for their professionalism

2026

Specialists in winemaking equipment and processes and technical expertise, these partners provide customers with responsive local support and a high level of service. Committed to building long-term partnerships, Bucher Vaslin and its regional specialists work closely with customers to advise on equipment selection, winery

design and process optimisation. From project development to harvest operations and beyond, they deliver expert guidance and technical assistance, ensuring wineries benefit from reliable solutions, outstanding service and sustainable performance year after year.

See us on stand M80

R E L I A B L E C LO S U R E S T H AT H E L P S E A L , PROTECT AND ADD VALUE TO BRAN D S CROWN CAPS

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+44 (0)1844 203100 sales@rankincork.co.uk rankincork.co.uk NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

25 NOVEMBER 2026: REGISTER FOR FREE

Halving the time it takes to spray your vineyard

See us on stand M60

The Loop is a unique, real-time, precision mixer. Load the chemicals for the day onto the Loop and just refill the tank with water. No weighing, no measuring, no tank mixing. Just load and go. Each input is dynamically and individually dosed in real time. This gives precise control of inputs, spraying exactly what each plant needs instead of blanket-applying a tank mix to all the vines and reducing foliar chemical input costs by 35%. The Loop works with any tractor and sprayer and can be installed in under an hour. Visit Cordon at stand M60 to see how the Loop can revolutionise the way you spray.

Make an Impression

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Throughout the UK we can support your ever growing business by specialising in most popular makes and models of materials handling equipment. Our highly skilled team can provide the rapid support you need.

See us on stand J6

The Label Makers Ltd, Princes Street, Bradford, BD4 6HQ, UK 01274 681151 sales@thelabelmakers.co.uk 44

The mark of responsible forestry

NOVEMBER 2026 | WWW.VINEYARDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Southern Farmers Ltd.

Grandshore Wood Farm Grandshore Lane, Frittenden, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 2BZ

Diversify into distilling Considering expanding your operations into spirits? Distilling fermented fruit, wine or cider into premium spirits or apple brandy offers an exciting opportunity to add value to the harvest. The Craft Distilling Business Ltd specialises in designing, installing and maintaining bespoke micro-distilleries. Over the past nine years, the company has completed hundreds of successful projects across Europe and Asia, including Blackness Bay Distillery, Bone Idyll, and Amalthea Gin Distillery at Fortnum & Mason. Our state-of-the-art copper stills range from 50 to 5,000 litres, including custom fruit brandy hybrid stills, traditional pot stills and vacuum stills. Designed for precision and efficiency, equipment supplied by The Craft Distilling Business helps producers craft exceptional spirits with ease. Beyond equipment, the company can offer guidance through every stage of starting a distillery. The comprehensive services cover licensing applications, health and safety certification, recipe development, staff training and ongoing maintenance. Visit their stand to discuss the practical aspects, costs and licensing required to launch your distilling journey.

formabuild.co.uk

See us on stand M23

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STEEL FRAMED BUILDINGS, RECLADDING, REPAIRS AND GROUNDWORK • Steel frame buildings for: farming, industry, fruit production and storage. • Site clearance and demolition • Full groundwork service • Electrical fit out

Covering Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

25 NOVEMBER 2026: REGISTER FOR FREE

Making labels stand out

Berkshire Labels Ltd, which is proud to be part of Asteria Group, is delighted to be exhibiting at this year’s Vineyard & Winery Show. Berkshire Labels’ manufacturing site in Hungerford houses a combination of the latest conventional UV flexo presses and one of the most comprehensive digital operations in the UK. A genuine market leader and part of one of Europe’s largest labelling groups, Berkshire Labels can offer label solutions to make customers’ labels stand out in the crowd and assist with any sustainability goals. The company is FSC accredited and has an EcoVadis gold medal rating, something which is awarded to only the

top 5% of companies globally. Based in the South of England amongst over 80 valued UK vineyard customers who already trust its first-class technical support, service and quality, Berkshire Labels is ideally located to assist new clients, whether they have an established design or are yet to start on their labelling journey. The Berkshire Labels team looks forward to welcoming visitors to talk through what’s possible with print finishes and materials and to show just some of the fantastic labels they have produced for the UK Wine industry. “Exceptional wines call for exceptional labels.”

See us on stand M71

Industry brokers for fruit and bulk wine

With harvest behind us, this is a good time to reflect on the 2026 grape trading season. Did you achieve the price your fruit deserved? Buying or selling, did you secure the right value? Were you satisfied with the quality, terms and handling of the transaction? With the benefit of hindsight, could you have achieved a better deal? That is where 46

The Grape Exchange can add value. For growers who are looking to sell bulk wine, place bottled stock or secure a market for their 2027 fruit, The Grape Exchange provides market knowledge, industry connections and insight to help them identify opportunities and get ahead of the market. Their advice is simple: register your interest early. Tell them what you have,

NOVEMBER 2026 | WWW.VINEYARDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

See us on stand M8

what you need and what the right deal looks like. The earlier they understand your requirements, the greater the opportunity to identify the right buyer or seller. Don’t wait for the market to dictate the terms. Anticipate it. Get ahead of it. Speak to Steve Burnett at The Vineyard & Winery Show and discover how The Grape Exchange can help you make more of your next deal.

VIVAI COOPERATIVI RAUSCEDO

Resistant Pinots A new generation combining quality and resistance. The oenological identity of Pinot varieties combined with high polygenic resistance to the main fungal diseases: this is the challenge successfully met by VCR research. Pinot Iskra, Pinot Kors, Kersus and Volturnis open up new prospects for more sustainable, high-quality viticulture. And research continues: two new resistant Chardonnay varieties are already on the horizon. Reducing vineyard inputs without compromising wine quality and identity: this is the challenge addressed by the breeding programme that led to the registration of four resistant varieties belonging to the Pinot family: the white-berried Pinot Iskra® and Kersus®, and the red-berried Pinot Kors® and Volturnis®. The varieties derive from crosses of Pinot Blanc or Pinot Noir with selected resistant donors and have undergone an extensive programme of agronomic and oenological evaluation in Italy and abroad. The results of VCR trials highlight a key aspect: resistance does not mean compromising on quality – quite the opposite. In blind tastings, wines produced from the new varieties have shown characteristics fully comparable, and in some cases superior, to those of their Vitis vinifera parents in terms of structure, colour and varietal typicity.

The versatility of Pinot Iskra

Among the four varieties, Pinot Iskra® is one of the most interesting examples of the evolution of VCR’s breeding programme. It carries four resistance genes – two against downy mildew and two against powdery mildew – providing polygenic resistance that makes it suitable even for growing environments characterised by high disease pressure. Its agronomic performance is complemented by a strong oenological identity. The wine retains a clear affinity with Pinot Blanc, with fruity, floral and citrus aromas, together with remarkable freshness and persistence. The balance between acidity, structure and aromatic profile highlights its particular suitability for the production of high-quality sparkling wine bases, as well as fresh, aromatic wines intended for early consumption. Resistance therefore does not replace quality but goes hand in hand with it; a strategic characteristic for viticulture seeking to reduce cropprotection treatments while preserving wine identity and value.

Kersus and Volturnis complete the range Kersus®, a white-berried variety, combines excellent resistance to downy mildew and good resistance to powdery mildew with high productivity. Its wine is reminiscent of Chardonnay with some Pinot Gris notes, expressing floral, citrus and exotic-fruit aromas together with good structure and freshness. Volturnis®, on the other hand, offers excellent resistance to downy mildew and a sensory profile close to Pinot Noir, with ripe red fruit, black cherry and wild strawberry, supported by a rich concentration of anthocyanins and polyphenols.

The next horizon: two VCR resistant Chardonnays

VCR research continues to move forward. Twenty-two biotypes developed in Rauscedo are currently under evaluation by the CPVO (Community Plant Variety Office), with their release expected between 2026 and 2030. Among them, the registration of two new resistant Chardonnay-derived varieties is particularly anticipated. Experimental trials already reveal two distinctive profiles. ◆ Chardonnay-R-VCR-1 features larger clusters, excellent freshness and structure, and a profile suited both to sparkling wine bases and to still white wines with distinctive personality. ◆ Chardonnay-R-VCR-2 shows slightly higher productivity, a more pronounced acidic profile and a slightly later harvest period, extending into mid-September. These are two complementary expressions of resistant Chardonnay, also well suited to emerging terroirs in Northern Europe and England, and set to further expand the tools available to viticulture as it aims to become increasingly sustainable without compromising identity and quality.

Pinot Iskra

Pinot Kors

The elegance of Pinot Kors

Among the red-berried varieties, Pinot Kors® combines excellent resistance to both downy and powdery mildew with an oenological profile strongly reminiscent of the most prestigious Pinot Noirs. Delicate floral notes of rose evolve into red fruit and spices, while its polyphenolic profile stands out for its quality, intensity and breadth, as well as its high anthocyanin content. These characteristics also give the wine excellent potential for medium-term to long-term ageing. Analytical comparison with Pinot Noir also highlights higher anthocyanin and polyphenol levels than its parent, accompanied by balsamic notes, ripe fruit and berries, with less pronounced vegetal characters.

DESKTOP www.vivairauscedo.com ENVELOPE vcr@vivairauscedo.com phone-alt +39 0427 948811 NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

25 NOVEMBER 2026: REGISTER FOR FREE

Practical solutions

Crawfords Group will be at the Vineyard & Winery Show with a range of machinery and equipment to support vineyard operations, with great deals available on the day from Pellenc, Massey Ferguson and ID David. The team will be on hand to discuss the latest machinery and solutions for vineyards and will be showcasing Kress robotic mowers and battery-powered hand tools, offering practical solutions for maintaining vineyard grounds.

Alongside specialist vineyard machinery, Crawfords is also proud to supply Fendt vineyard tractors, which combine compact design, precision and performance for working between the vines. Although Fendt tractors won’t be on display at the show, the team will be happy to discuss the range and arrange a demonstration. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing machinery or explore new equipment, visit the Crawfords team at the Vineyard & Winery Show to see what they can offer.

See us on stand J10

Bespoke, steel-framed buildings Shufflebottom has been designing and manufacturing bespoke, steel-framed buildings for 40 years, supplying agricultural, industrial and commercial projects across the UK. For vineyards and wineries, a steelframed building can provide flexible space for wine production, storage, machinery, vehicles and equipment. Each building is designed around the individual site and its intended use, rather than relying on a

standard, off-the-shelf specification. Practical considerations such as building dimensions, access, door positions, cladding, insulation, ventilation and internal layout can all be incorporated at the design stage, helping to create a building that works efficiently for the operation it serves. Shufflebottom’s experience spans projects of different sizes and requirements, from straightforward storage buildings to larger,

more complex commercial facilities. The company combines established steel-frame manufacturing expertise with a bespoke approach to each project, working with customers to develop a specification suited to their individual requirements. Shufflebottom will be exhibiting at The Vineyard & Winery Show on 25 November. Visitors can meet the team on Stand M68 to discuss upcoming building requirements and potential projects.

See us on stand M68

VISIT US AT

Mercier Vine Nursery - Elevate Your Vineyard with Altis® Since 1890, Mercier Vine Nursery has supplied world-class grapevine plants to professionals who know that great wines start with great vines. Our signature range, Altis®, sets new standards in physiological and sanitary quality, ensuring strong, uniform, and disease-free plants for lasting vineyard performance. With one of the widest varietal portfolios in the industry, we offer solutions tailored to your terroir and challenges. Backed by rigorous testing (106,000 tests per year!) and expert technical support from planning to planting, Mercier combines tradition and innovation to grow excellence. www.pepinieres-mercier.com

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Vineyard & Winery Services We work in the vineyard and winemaking industry, offering full winery set up, maintenance servicing and repairs

Have you heard on the grapevine Azets is a UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm delivering accounting, tax, audit, advisory and business services through a personal, local approach. Our 4,000 local specialists deliver our services from over 60 office locations to more than 80,000 clients across the UK and are here to guide you through any challenges, ensuring you are making the most of any opportunities available to you.

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Ashford | Canterbury | Maidstone | Sidcup

NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

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Labels that bring wine brands to life

See us on stand M54

The Label Makers are returning to the Vineyard & Winery Show, bringing the company’s extensive experience in premium label production to stand M54. Working with wine and drinks producers across the UK, The Label Makers understand the important role a label plays in communicating provenance, quality and brand personality. From the first concept through to the finished label, the team works closely with customers to combine creative thinking, material choice, print expertise and finishing techniques to produce labels that perform as well as they look. Visitors to stand M54 can explore a wide range of wine label possibilities, including premium papers and sustainable materials

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alongside digital and conventional print, foiling, embossing, tactile varnishes and other specialist embellishments designed to create maximum shelf appeal. The team can also advise on practical considerations, from labels that retain their appearance in chilled and wet conditions to solutions for different production volumes, multiple varieties, limited editions and new product launches. Following the company’s last successful appearance at the show, The Label Makers look forward to returning, meeting more of the UK’s growing community of vineyards and wineries and demonstrating how the right label can help make a lasting impression.

Consulting & equipment

Combining Passion with Sustainability

A GROUP OF FOUR MANUFACTURERS OF VINEYARD EQUIPMENT. A SINGLE CONTACT FOR A LARGE RANGE.

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CLOVER LEAF UNDER VINE MOWER Precision modules for spraying herbicides also available.

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Mobitech Lift Trucks is proudly celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, marking a major See us milestone built on four decades of reliability on stand and exceptional service. Mobitech Lift Trucks, J6 a family-run business based in Kent and serving the South East of England, has built a reputation for delivering reliable materials-handling solutions tailored to various industries. As a company, Mobitech Lift Trucks supplies an extensive range of new and used forklift trucks, warehouse machines, rough terrain equipment, lithium-ion powered trucks and pallet trucks, partnering with leading manufacturers including EP Equipment, Agrimac and Samuk. In addition to sales, Mobitech Lift Trucks can offer service, maintenance, LOLER inspections, driver training, hire, parts and fleet support. At this year’s Vineyard & Winery Show, Mobitech Lift Trucks will be showcasing its latest materials-handling innovations for viticulture professionals, featuring robust machinery options suited to vineyard and winery environments, including rough terrain forklifts capable of navigating uneven ground and agile electric units for indoor and outdoor storage areas. Attendees can expect expert consultations and tailored advice on how best to optimise operations, from vineyard logistics to indoor storage and bottling lines. By participating in the Vineyard & Winery Show, Mobitech Lift Trucks aims to engage directly with viticulture operators, growers and wine producers, exploring how tailored lift truck solutions can boost efficiency, safety and sustainability across the industry. NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

25 NOVEMBER 2026: REGISTER FOR FREE

Bringing new technology to the UK market

See us on stand M34

WR Services Kent Ltd offers full winery set ups alongside equipment maintenance, servicing, new and used equipment sales and repairs. Already working alongside European partners Oeno Concept, which supplies gyro pallet systems, Les Pressoirs Coquard, TDD, MDC, TR Equipments, Cazaux and RCork, the company has now teamed up with barrel manufacturer Tonnellerie de Champagne to become the French company’s UK agent. The WR Services Kent team is looking forward to seeing customers old and new at the Vineyard & Winery Show 2026, towards the end of what managing director Wayne Russell described as “a busy year for the whole team”.

Agricultural accountants for UK farms and rural businesses Azets is a leading business advisory and accountancy firm with deep roots in the UK’s rural economy. It supports almost 2,000 farming and rural clients through a nationwide team of more than 300 agricultural specialists. Many of the Azets advisers come from farming families, hold agricultural or rural qualifications, or manage their own farming businesses. This first-hand experience gives the team a practical understanding of the opportunities and pressures facing vineyards and other land-based enterprises. Clients who are establishing a vineyard, expanding production, investing in equipment or developing tourism and hospitality income can rely on local advisers to help them make confident, commercially informed decisions. Azets provides tailored support across accounting, tax planning, business structures, cash flow and funding, capital expenditure, succession and inheritance tax planning. Azets can also advise on diversification, asset finance, cost control See us and accounting systems, helping owners build resilient on stand businesses while protecting long-term value. M40 52

NOVEMBER 2026 | WWW.VINEYARDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

The company completed a number of new projects, including the Vagabond Wines Urban Winery at Canada Water. WR Services have also teamed up with machinery manufacturer SOCMA and XT-Vision to bring new technology to the UK market. Wayne commented: “We have continued to make sure our team is fully trained, working alongside the engineers and design teams in Champagne. As in previous years, we worked in the factories and champagne houses alongside the engineers who design, build, and maintain these machines to the highest standard, bringing new knowledge and expertise to the UK. “We look forward to the challenges ahead in 2027, and with many projects already in the diary it’s set to be a busy year.”

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01304 842280

sales@agricareuk.com

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT With 30-plus years of experience providing both white label and bespoke packaging to the wine industry, BPC understands the work that goes into every bottle. Whether they are to be shipped off to the local merchant, distributed abroad or presented as a sophisticated gifting solution, WBC will be there on every step of the journey, from vineyard to glass. WBC’s highly acclaimed, DPD-approved Pulpsafe range and Honey Hex boxes are just two of the world-class transit options the company will be exhibiting at the Vineyard & Winery Show 2026, highlighting the company’s ability to provide everything that’s needed to protect every drop. With an extensive collection of brandable and bespoke gifting concepts in the mix (think refined wooden wine boxes, wicker hampers, bottle carriers, tote bags and barware), WBC is a partner of choice for those who are looking for the full package. Meet the team at Stand J23 to discuss growing your business with packaging solutions that transcend the norm. It's going to be grape!

2026

Protecting every drop See us on stand J23

INTRODUCING

MINIBLOCK

Compact rinsing, �illing, capping monoblock perfect for smaller wineries.

Innovative and reliable to ensure preservation of product integrity. We share your passion for your product.

Visit us on stand J3

evolutionbps.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

25 NOVEMBER 2026: REGISTER FOR FREE

From Full-service law firm bottle to closure See us on stand J21

Warners Solicitors is a full-service law firm with a long-standing commitment to clients in the viticulture and wider rural industries. Specialist lawyers provide practical, commercial advice tailored to the needs of vineyard owners, wine producers and rural businesses across the South East and beyond. The firm understands the unique challenges facing this sector, from land acquisition and tenancy matters to employment contracts and disputes. The team advises on business structures, succession planning, property transactions, commercial contracts and dispute resolution, helping clients protect and grow their businesses for the future.

See us on stand M29

Warners combines technical expertise with genuine insight into rural businesses, which is why it was selected as the NFU’s legal panel firm for Kent and East Sussex. The firm is also regularly recognised by leading legal directories, The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, as one of the leading firms in this sector. Warners’ agricultural and landed estates team draws on expertise from across the firm to deliver a fully integrated approach based on a clear understanding of client needs. Visit Warners at stand M29 to meet the team and learn about its tailored training package for employers, designed to support clients through changes in the Employment Rights Act 2025.

Strong history in material handling Croxsons is a British, family-owned, glass packaging specialist with more than 150 years’ experience supplying premium glass bottles, jars and closures to the global food and beverage industries. The company offers both off-the-shelf and bespoke high-quality packaging and closures solutions combining technical expertise and design capability, as well as supply-chain support to help brands bring products to market efficiently. As a certified B-Corp business it has a strong focus on quality, sustainability and long-term partnerships. A highlight of the Croxsons stand at the Vineyard & Winery Show will be the newly launched Sovereign, the UK’s first Britishmade sparkling wine bottle. Offering producers a sustainable alternative to imported glass packaging, its distinctive amber colour also gives producers a powerful visual identity and stand-out shelf presence. Visitors will also be able to explore Croxsons’ sustainable and practical Rightweight® methodology which focuses on reducing the weight of glass packaging by up to 30% without compromising strength, function and shelf appeal. This includes the 750ml British-made Rightweight® Bordeaux bottle for still wines, which now weighs just 300g. 54

See us on stand J1 With a strong history in material handling, Glosrose has built its reputation on supplying reliable machinery and practical solutions to businesses across the UK. Today, as the UK wine industry continues to grow, Glosrose is helping vineyards meet the changing demands of modern production. Leading the change from traditional dieselpower towards Lithium-Ion technology for UK vineyards and wineries, Li-ion forklifts provide a quieter and cleaner solution for moving pallets, bottles, gyro cages and finished wine. With zero exhaust emissions at the point of use, lower maintenance requirements and operational cost savings, they can also help

businesses improve efficiency while reducing their environmental impact. But vineyards need more than just a forklift. With the pressures that harvest can bring, Li-ion has introduced ‘opportunity charging’, meaning the machines can be charged on the go, ensuring there will always be a forklift to hand for when the grapes start coming in. Glosrose offers a complete range of lifting solutions, from compact pallet trucks to counterbalance and heavy-duty forklifts, right through to telehandlers for larger and more demanding applications. If you are looking to buy, hire or have your equipment serviced, Glosrose can provide the machinery, expertise and support to keep your winery moving.

Integrated Processing Technologies Limited www.integprotec.com Hygienic processing components to protect the quality of your products and reputation of your brand. 40+ years experience in F&B processing. Flexible hoses, pipework fittings & accessories, tank & barrel cleaning equipment and more. UK manufactured filters from IPTL, Filtrox and Parker.

FIBRAFIX & FIBRADISC clarification VERSAFIX & VERSADISC microbial reduction LIBRASORB TX TCA and TBA removal LIBRASORB MX removal of Brettanomyces taints ACTIVASORB removal of chlorine from water

PREPOR filters for clarification & microbial reduction BEVPOR filters for microbial stabilisation & sterilisation TETPOR and BIO-X for sterile filtration of gases Gas treatment to food grade standards NITROsource nitrogen generators

Monitor Predict | Track | Automate Vineyard & Winery Show|stand M21 TEL. 07534 596185 - MAIL.peter@integprotec.com

The sensor can be used for:

Introducing our new Leaf Wetness & Temperature Sensor

Given the stricken nature of the wine industry, Vinewatch are making the following offer for two lucky vineyards: One complete system with gateway, 3 Ladybirds, an 8 in 1 soil sensor and a wet leaf sensor free of charge for 8 months. This will give you early warning on powdery and downy mildew now and frost alerts next year. After the 8 months are over you will charged £30 pcm going forward. To be in with a chance, give us a call.

• Disease prediction and fungal infection risk assessment • Irrigation timing based on canopy wetness duration • Frost monitoring and protection systems • Transpiration and stress monitoring

Why do I need one? The sensor gives you significantly better data which feeds into the Ladybird disease predictors for Powdery Mildew and Botrytis. The predictors use algorithms from Kew’s Royal Botanical Gardens and UCL (University College London) and will be updated from time to time for individual grape varieties using algorithms from Plumpton College Wine Department. Accurately knowing the risks of disease and knowing it on a hyperlocal basis, means you can plan your spraying routine better and restrict it to areas of higher risk.

PLEASE CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION ON 0845 5443736 NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

25 NOVEMBER 2026: REGISTER FOR FREE

See us on stand M19 Lamberhurst Engineering Kent will be showcasing a range of vineyard and orchard equipment manufactured by Rinieri Srl, a fourth-generation, family owned company founded in 1920 by Olinto Rinieri in the hills of Romagna, Italy. The business began as a blacksmiths’ workshop and quickly showed an innovative spirit, filing its first patent in 1922. After world war two it expanded under the leadership of Olinto’s son Ambrogio and his wife Augusta, moving production to Forlì to meet growing agricultural demand. In the 1970s, the third generation joined,

Strong focus on mechanical weeding and during the agricultural crisis of the 1980s, Rinieri diversified into industrial shelving and subcontracted metalwork. The launch of its first website in the 1990s opened the door to international markets, especially in the vineyard and orchard sectors. From 2000 onwards, the fourth generation continued to grow the business with a strong focus on quality and innovation, and two decades later the

company expanded its facilities with new production and office space. Rinieri offers a wide range of equipment, with a strong focus on mechanical weeding and organic farming. As a leader in inter-row machinery, the company combines over 100 years of experience with a commitment to providing high-quality, reliable solutions to farmers in over 60 countries.

Educational experience that combines expert teaching with extensive practical experience Choosing a college is about finding somewhere that allows each and every student to pursue his or her interests, develop their skills and feel inspired by what they are learning. NKC Hadlow College’s unique setting gives young people an opportunity to do exactly that.

As Kent’s only rural and land-based college, NKC Hadlow is proud to offer an educational experience that combines expert teaching with extensive practical experience. The 265-acre site gives students the opportunity to learn in real working environments, from caring for

See us on stand M76

animals and working with horses to developing horticultural and agricultural skills and understanding the natural environment. NKC Hadlow, recently named as one of the UK’s top performing land-based colleges, is incredibly proud of the specialist knowledge and expertise of its staff and the opportunities it gives students to learn by doing. The aim is to help every student develop not only the technical skills needed for their chosen career but also the confidence, resilience, and independence to succeed. Whether you have always dreamed of working with animals, want to build a career in agriculture or horticulture or are passionate about protecting and managing our natural environment, NKC Hadlow College can help turn your passion into your future.

Visit us at The Vineyard & Winery Show in November!

MAXIMISE PROFITABILITY THROUGH THE ADDITION OF A DISTILLERY

Specialist

Vineyard Agronomy From vineyard establishment through to post-harvest management, our dedicated agronomists are able to ensure that you maximise your yields of top quality fruit, whilst satisfying the ever more complex demands of legislation, protocols and consumer expectation.

Transform wine and cider into high-value spirits The recent relaxation of alcohol production regulations in the UK has made it easier than ever to venture into spirits.

“Working closely with our growers, we use integrated pest management to optimise fruit quality and yield.” Penny Meadmore

Viticultural Consultant for Agrovista UK

10/24

enquiries@agrovista.co.uk

agrovista.co.uk/fruit

We offer bespoke support that can be tailored to any level of experience.

Visit us on stand M79 at the Vinyard and Winery show

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE

Distillery equipment design & build License application ○ Recipe development ○ Team training ○ Health & safety certification ○ Botanical & packaging sourcing ○ Maintenance ○ ○

Visit us at The Vineyard & Winery Show in November! Contact Matthew Servini at +44 7717207331

thecraftdistillingbusiness.com

PROVIDERS OF MICRODISTILLERY EQUIPMENT & TURNKEY SOLUTIONS

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Explore exclusive show deals on tractors and specialist machinery from leading brands. Massey Ferguson 3FR.115 £67,500 EX VAT

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Pellenc Reversible Half-Row Leaf Remover £12,950 EX VAT

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£13,500 EX VAT

£11,250 EX VAT

STAND M57

NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

25 NOVEMBER 2026: REGISTER FOR FREE See us on stand M20

Forma’s reputation for steel-framed buildings sees it benefit from a large amount of repeat business. Pictured is an East Sussex vineyard project completed for a repeat customer earlier this year. The storage facility shown in the picture follows the earlier completion of a winery, shop and office building for the client. Forma was pleased to be asked to return to create the new storage facility, a fully insulated building with composite cladding panels and insulated roller shutter. The building has a washout facility that includes waste water diverter system, a 20,000

Reputation for steelframed buildings litre underground dirty water storage tank, foul and into 2027. The company is currently waste tank, access track and parking areas. working on a project near Uckfield which The concrete floor has a sealed power float will provide a new build and restoration finish for ease of cleaning, with stainless steel of an existing steel framed building and is drainage gullies set within the floor slab. also creating a new winery near Lewes that Forma has more vineyard projects in the will have storage, office, production and South East lined up for the end of thisW0659 year Show Preview machinery storage capabilities. Vinyard.pdf 1 06/10/2026 13:48

Get the full package

Halve the time it takes to spray your vineyard

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NOVEMBER 2026 | WWW.VINEYARDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

wbc.co.uk 020 7737 4040 sales@wbc.co.uk

Protect every drop with Honey Hex

Uncorking licensing possibilities

See us on stand M73

The Licensing Guys (TL Guys Ltd) is a specialist company that currently works with more than 30 vineyards across the UK, many of them WineGB members, to make sure that licensing is never the thing holding them back from sharing what they have created. Whether it’s running tours, selling bottles at the cellar door or planning to host more events, TL Guys helps businesses navigate licensing regulations with zero stress and a 98.4% success rate in applications and hearings. TL Guys have seen it all in more than 100 years of combined licensing experience, from dealing with neighbour issues to helping teams get licensed quickly before peak season. The team can provide: ◆ Full support with premises licence applications, variations and contested hearings ◆ Personal licence training (online or on-site) ◆ Ongoing advice to help your vineyard grow compliantly and confidently. As proud supporters of, and suppliers to, WineGB, TL Guys offers a reduced rate for fellow members, but whether you are part of the group or not, the team is here to support your success. If licensing has ever felt like a bottleneck, they’d love to help uncork some possibilities.

Direct specialist trapping systems and a bespoke AI monitoring service

See us on stand M51

Visit Russell CropCare at the Vineyard & Winery Show to experience the next generation of precision pest management. Backed by decades of Russell IPM’s trusted expertise in pheromone trapping systems, the innovative service uses cutting-edge AI image recognition to transform how growers monitor and protect their yield. Russell CropCare is the direct online platform to buy specialist trapping systems manufactured by Russell IPM, featuring essential field solutions for major threats like aphids and spotted wing drosophila (SWD). The company’s bespoke pest monitoring service combines these industry-leading traps with cutting-edge AI image recognition to track pest dynamics in real time. Stop guessing and start knowing. Russell CropCare provides real-time insights into key pest population dynamics, allowing growers to identify critical hotspots accurately and evaluate their control methods before they become a major problem. This proactive, data-driven approach minimises crop damage, reduces guesswork and supports a sustainable farming future. Russell CropCare’s affordable, bespoke packages are tailored to growers’ specific needs, ensuring a high-tech solution that delivers a clear return on investment. Speak to the team on stand M51 to discover how Russell CropCare can bring precision and predictability to your farm.

We nursery producing producing Weare areaaspecialized specialized nursery high-quality for professional professional high-quality grapevine grapevine for vineyards, focusing focusing on healthy, vineyards, healthy,certified certified materialfor for optimal optimal vineyard vineyard performance material performance

Quality -- Innovation Innovation -- Service Quality Service Visitus usat at Vineyard Vineyard & Visit & Winery WineryShow Show2026, 2026, Booth M38, Maidstone, Exhibition Booth M38, Maidstone, ExhibitionHall Hall

Ourtechnical technical advisor advisor permanently permanently available Our available to occompany you for your projects to occompany you for your projects Premium physiological and sanitary quality Premium physiological and sanitary quality of our grapewines of our grapewines Our Pinot Noir with loose and aerated clusters Our Pinot Noir with loose and aerated clusters Our exclusives mycorhize origins Our exclusives mycorhize origins Contact us : ContactCollet us : Charles Cell : +33(0)6 37 26Charles 09 57 – Collet Tel. : +33(0)3 84 32 80 55 Cell : +33(0)6 37 26 09 57 – Tel. : +33(0)3 84 32 80 55 E-mail : charles.collet@guillaume.fr – www.guillaume.fr E-mail : charles.collet@guillaume.fr – www.guillaume.fr NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

25 NOVEMBER 2026: REGISTER FOR FREE BevTech provides tailored solutions for all winery equipment needs, from a single pump to a complete winery setup. With decades of expertise in winemaking, design and equipment, the team ensures an optimal set up smoothly and efficiently. As the UK agents for leading manufacturers and suppliers, BevTech offers world-class equipment from brands including: ◆ GAI (bottling and labelling) ◆ Skrlj (tanks and presses) ◆ Mori (elevators, crushers and de-stemmers) ◆ Intecpro (riddling and disgorging)

Tailored solutions for all winery equipment needs ◆ Pera Pellenc (presses, elevators and

grape bins) ◆ Sentia (laboratory analysis)

◆ Schneider (pumps and rousers) ◆ Sirio Amphora ◆ Sentia wine analysis.

See us on stand M61

See us on stand M36

Three of the best Italian manufacturers ArborAgri is proud to represent three of the best manufacturers in Italy in the fruit and vineyard sector. CIMA, a sprayer and duster manufacturer founded in 1974, pioneered Venturi sprayers, which offer fantastic coverage, much reduced water requirement and a phenomenal choice of spray heads that enable the spray to be directed at all the critical locations. A full range of electronic aids is available to help users set the machine up and report on its progress. Fischer has been manufacturing rotary mowers since 1956 and offers a sturdy range covering all mowing requirements, from an impressive 8.7 metre cutting width down to variable width mowers with auto breakback as low as 95cm wide for in-tunnel work Seppi M manufactures flail mower and forestry mulchers and is well established in the supply of flail mowers for pruning and mulching. The Seppi M machines are ideal for root tilling and whole tree mulching, stone crushing, stump grinding and incorporating any woody material. ArborAgri, specialist supplier to the fruit, forestry, vineyard and amenity markets, will be on stand M36.

GROW YOUR VINEYARD BUSINESS Make more of your Premises Licence

Full range of Venturi sprayers for exceptional coverage

Licensing support for Vineyards & Wineries across the UK Premises Licence

Applications & Variations

Licensing Compliance & Advice

Flail Mowers, Forestry Mulchers and Stone Crushers

Representation at Licensing Hearings Training & Licensing Qualifications From tours & tastings to direct sales, online delivery, bottle shops & taprooms — open new revenue streams.

Vari-Width Rotary Mowers, Vineyard Cultivators and Weeders

Need licensing advice? We're here to help. FREE 15-MINUTE CONSULTATION

01432 700 024

The Licensing Guys Keeping you legal, safe and trading.

info@thelicensingguys.com www.thelicensingguys.com

Only the best will do - call 07817 200234 www.arboragri.co.uk

HPWM Out.pdf 1 02/10/2026 12:47:00

An accurate and timely pest monitoring service for growers and advisors

CMY

Visit us at the

STAND M51

Executed by Russell IPM professionals Building on years of expertise in pheromone trapping systems Cutting-edge AI image recognition via TruePest SWD Insect detection powered by TruePest SWD AI technology Identifies critical hotspots Affordable and bespoke packages

Contact our southern team: +44 (0) 7309775825

Contact our northern team: +44 (0) 7309775800

NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

25 NOVEMBER 2026: REGISTER FOR FREE

Technology and performance To support its mission of incremental progress, Bourrassé has introduced industrial-scale processes to guarantee the suitability of its closures for each wine, with the sparkling wine range, in particular, benefiting from this research and development commitment. All products are treated using steam extraction or supercritical CO2, depending on whether they are corks, discs or cork granules.

Bourrassé uses

◆ VAPOSECUR® for natural cork discs ◆ VORTEX® for body granules ◆ and the supercritical CO2 process for the

micro-granules in JUMPSC. Irrespective of the process, treatments are conducted in conditions that preserve cork’s functionalities.

Due to its experience and expertise, Bourrassé is able to de-aromatise the cork while protecting the intrinsic qualities of the material, producing a quality closure that preserves the profile of the wine.

See us on stand M42

Impact on the wine*

Bourrassé’s sparkling wine range

When cork, a unique, natural material, comes into contact with wine, it imparts its positive attributes. Dozens of volatile and semi-volatile phenolic compounds can be extracted by the wine. Their primary properties are: ◆ Antioxidant ◆ Anti-carcinogenic ◆ Anti-inflammatory. These compounds react with those in the wine, producing new components that help stabilise the colour and organoleptic properties of wine over time.

◆ Sparkling 0+2: High-performance

technology for an outstanding closure • Sparkling 0+1: Preserving the aromas, freshness and finesse of sparkling wine • JUMP: A 100% micro closure, individually moulded from de-aromatised cork pulp. Also available in JUMP PREMIUM (TCA: 2.4.6 Releasable Trichloroanisole ≤ 0.5ng/l per unit) and JUMPSC (Supercritical, TCA: 2.4.6 Releasable Trichloroanisole ≤ 0.3ng/l per unit) versions to guarantee zero cork taint per unit.

*Source : Analysis of phenolic compounds in cork from Quercus suber L. Food Chemistry 125, 1398-1405

See us on stand M21

Filtration, separation and fluid handling equipment Integrated Processing Technologies Limited (IPTL) is a supplier of filtration, separation and fluid handling equipment for wineries. The company aims to maximise the quality of the product and the reputation of the brand by providing clients with a choice of high specification components coupled with the appropriate knowledge and support to use them costeffectively and with ease. IPTL’s product range includes flexible hoses, barrel and tank cleaning equipment, valves, fittings and accessories. The company 62

is best known for its 40-plus years’ expertise and experience in filtration and separation applications. As well as its own range of filters, IPTL is a specialist partner of Filtrox and Parker for the food and beverage industry. Applications include the clarification and microbial stabilisation of wine, removing taints from wine and water, treating compressed air and gases to make them food safe and generating nitrogen from compressed air to provide a self-sufficient source that avoids fluctuations in market price and availability.

NOVEMBER 2026 | WWW.VINEYARDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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MEET US AT THIS YEAR’S VINEYARD SHOW (STAND M75)

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Reception and preparation of the harvest

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Core equipment

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buchervaslin.com

VINES DIRECT LTD EST. 2006

Vines Direct bas been a leader in the UK vineyard development for over twenty years. Always driving progress, we were the first to use GPS guidance on our planting machines, to introduce drip irrigation into English vineyards and to successfully pioneer new grape varieties to the UK such as Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.

NEW VINEYARD ESTABLISHMENT IN EAST ANGLIA & SOUTH EAST ENGLAND • SITE SELECTION & SITE ASSESSMENT • VINEYARD DESIGN • PRE-PLANTATION ADVICE

• • • •

GRAPEVINE SUPPLY VARIETIES, CLONES, ROOTSTOCKS PLANTING TRELLIS MATERIALS

Suppliers of high quality machinery for vineyards and fruit growers. Installation, servicing and maintenance. We look forward to seeing you back at the Vineyard & Winery Show 2026 where Vitimech will be back to answer your questions and book machinery demos for the coming year. Come and find us on Stand J11

MECHANICAL GRAPE HARVESTING Since 2024 we have been partners in the leading UK mechanical grape harvesting business, South & East Grape Harvesting, which operates in five counties across the south and east of England.

WINERY TANKS Vines Direct is England’s longest standing supplier of Letina wine tanks.

CONTACT DUNCAN MCNEILL ON 07972 668370 OR EMAIL NADINE@VINES-DIRECT-LTD.COM

info@vitimech.co.uk | www.vitimech.co.uk 01243 531298 NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

25 NOVEMBER 2026: REGISTER FOR FREE See us on stand M55

Pioneering the use of Ladybirds VineWatch has been pioneering the use of Ladybirds, small sensors fitted at bud height in the vineyard, for five years, optimising their use in the vineyard. Ladybirds monitor the environment right next to where the action is. They were used successfully for The Frost Project and can have additional external sensors attached to them to measure leaf wetness and multiple soil variables, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). The technology allows vineyard managers to monitor their vines far more closely than ever before and can provide alerts for frost and disease as well as capturing data every 10 minutes. The data collected is transmitted in real time and is displayed on a dashboard allowing vineyard managers to make timely informed decisions. Additionally, the data is stored so that analytical comparisons can be made from each year and historically. The system provides accurate forecasts and warnings about frost, rainfall or extreme temperatures. VineWatch has helped Plumpton College design what is believed to be the world's first digital vineyard, providing a map of the vineyard for digital sensors from various suppliers. The digital vineyard aims to answer a great many questions about digital equipment in vineyards in a cost-effective way.

Test Your Wine In-House

Driving innovation across the wine industry. VINEYARD & WINERY SHOW- Booth M39 Discover collective innovation and international collaboration opportunities at the Inno’vin booth, featuring one of our member companies: Starfish Biosciences

Regenerating our soils.

Web: www.fossanalytics.com/en/ LinkedIn: Foss Britain & Ireland

STARFISH Bioscience develops patented biosolutions to restore soil fertility through the regeneration of its microbiota for sustainable agriculture.

NOVEMBER 2026 | WWW.VINEYARDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

See us on stand M66

De-alcoholising English wine Reflecting the increasing demand for lower ABV products driven by health considerations and demographics, as well as the change to the duty rate, Defined Wine has started to provide a service to de-alcoholise English wine. The brewing industry has managed to achieve zero % ABV beers which taste almost the same as the original. However this has come from years of trials, backed by the enormous R&D budgets of the big brewers. Beer also has the advantage of a relatively small drop in ABV to get down to zero %, as most beers start around 4% to 5%. Alcohol provides a useful medium to carry flavour and provide mouthfeel, so a bigger reduction, from ~12% to 0% is more difficult to achieve without a huge loss in taste. Alcohol also provides microbial stability, so any resulting low alcohol wine is not without its risks once in bottle. Defined Wine therefore researched various technologies before investing earlier this year in a hydrophobic membrane system. This works at cold temperatures (an important factor in helping to retain flavours), with wine passing one side of the membrane and the alcohol crossing the membrane to the water passing on the other side at a different pressure. As the process works over a number of ‘passes’ through the machine, gradually reducing the ABV, tasting the wine after each pass helps the winemaker judge the acceptability of the finished product and how far to go. Permitted winemaking adjuvants can be used to balance mouthfeel, sugar and acidity. So far we have found it to be great for: lowering the ABV of sparkling base wines when the grapes were picked too ripe for the final wine to be around 12.5%; reducing the ABV of still wines to around 11% for stylistic and duty reasons; as well as achieving still wines at around 8.5%. It should also be noted that whilst the EU have changed their rules around de-alcoholised wine, the UK has not yet done so. To be called ‘wine’ the final product has to be over 8.5% and cannot have been de-alcoholised by more than 20%. And whilst 8.5% wine carries a duty advantage, there is as yet no clear consumer category that this fits into.

Looking for grapes or wine? You can sign up (for free) to receive daily alerts when new posts are uploaded

• Free to look • Request a sample • Post your own wines for sale for £10

www.wineandgrapetrading.co.uk Come and talk to us on stand M66

NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

25 NOVEMBER 2026: REGISTER FOR FREE

See us on stand M57

Maximising the space available in barrel cellars

You can succeed with a system that combines safety, convenience, and productivity. How can you redesign conventional wedging systems to avoid unstacking all your barrels? Tonnellerie Baron has the answer. Since 2004, its OXOline® system has been maximising the space available in barrel cellars, thanks to a patented French technology developed by the company. This functional, high-performance steel structure provides a unique opportunity to access barrels independently and securely, resulting in lower costs, amongst other benefits.

For 20 years, OXOline® has been reinventing barrel cellar management. Following customer feedback, Tonnellerie Baron’s research department has developed accessories to move full and empty barrels, motorised rotation systems, expandable bungs and various other accessories to help with barrel cellars management. Tonnellerie Baron is recognised for its creativity and its capacity to innovate and occupies a unique position among French cooperages. Based in Charente, this independent and family-owned cooperage dates back to 1875.

Leader in UK vineyard development Vines Direct has been a leader in UK vineyard development for more than 20 years and was the first company to use GPS guidance on planting machines, introduce drip irrigation into English vineyards and successfully pioneer the use of grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot in the UK. Vines Direct has been instrumental in establishing the best clonal use for key grape varieties, such as red wine production for Pinot 66

Noir, namely in the Crouch Valley in Essex. Since 2024 the company has been partners in the UK’s leading mechanical grape harvesting business, South & East Grape Harvesting, which operates in five counties across the south and east of England. Vines Direct is also England’s longest standing supplier of Letina wine tanks and can offer expert advice, excellent customer service and the best prices on one of Europe’s leading winery tank manufacturers.

NOVEMBER 2026 | WWW.VINEYARDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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The importance of pest monitoring in vineyards See us on stand M75

Effective pest monitoring is vital to maintaining both fruit quality and yield within vineyards. As climate patterns shift and pest pressures become more unpredictable, growers must take a proactive approach to understand exactly what is happening in their vineyards. Regular monitoring enables early detection of key pests such as grape berry moths and spotted wing drosophila (SWD), allowing growers to act precisely when intervention will have the greatest impact. Remote monitoring systems such as Trapview are transforming how vineyards manage these challenges. By automatically capturing and analysing pest activity in real time, Trapview provides growers with accurate, vineyardspecific insights, without the need for manual checks. This data-driven approach ensures that applications are made at the optimum moment, maximising efficacy while reducing time spent checking manual traps. This is particularly important in seasons where high sugars and low acids create ideal conditions for SWD development as grapes ripen. Knowing when these pests are active gives growers a head start and allows them to protect fruit integrity right through to harvest. Ultimately, integrating smart monitoring tools into vineyard management brings confidence, efficiency and sustainability, allowing growers to produce the highest quality fruit.

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Showcasing wine analysis technology FOSS UK has exhibited at the Vineyard & Winery Show since its first event in 2021, and this year is pleased to be returning on Stand M25 in the Brachers Building. The team will be showcasing wine analysis technology from the FOSS range, supporting wineries of all sizes. Whether you are looking to make faster decisions during harvest, monitor fermentation or gain greater insight into your production, talk to us about your analysis needs. Held after harvest, this event is the perfect time to bring together winemakers and producers at every stage. The show gives the team a valuable opportunity to meet growers and winemakers and discuss their businesses, challenges and plans for the year ahead. From those who are planting their first vines to established, larger-scale operation, FOSS is pleased to support and work with producers of all sizes. This event provides a valuable opportunity to meet and understand companies’ individual challenges and explore how analytical solutions can support their needs as they grow and develop. The FOSS team looks forward to seeing customers old and new at the show.

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Growing UK wine, one vine at a time Why is VineWorks the UK’s leading vineyard services company? Since 2006, VineWorks has established over 300 vineyards, planted more than five million vines and installed over one million trellising posts. Its experienced viticultural team provides tailored, year-round support to help growers establish and manage productive, sustainable, high-quality vineyards. Every new vineyard begins with a viticultural suitability report assessing soil, aspect and climatic conditions. Precision is central to the VineWorks approach, with GPS-guided planting and post installation ensuring vineyards are established to the highest standards. For established vineyards, services range from full vineyard management to light-touch coaching, alongside tractor operations, agronomy advice, tree planting and fruit brokering. The VineWorks shop also supplies a comprehensive range of vineyard equipment and materials at competitive prices.

Innovation is central to the company’s approach. Its unique Viti-Till strip cultivation machine reduces soil disturbance during ground preparation by over 50%, while potted vines provide a flexible autumn infilling solution.

VineWorks is also the UK distributor of Frolight, an infrared system providing reliable protection against radiation frost. Visit the VineWorks stand to meet the team and discover how they can support your vineyard.

See us on stand M49

The Nouvelle-Aquitaine wine innovation cluster

At stand M39, Inno’vin, the vitivinicultural innovation cluster platform to generate new insights into soil microbiomes and support of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is showcasing the expertise and more sustainable agricultural practices. innovation of its member companies. STARFISH is developing solutions based on naturally occurring Bringing together nearly 160 stakeholders across the wine soil bacteria to help crops withstand drought, improve soil fertility industry, including producers, suppliers, laboratories, and fight pathogens. These innovations could contribute to more experimental centres and institutions, Inno’vin connects resilient vineyards and agricultural systems in the face of See us industry, science and technology to support innovation climate change. STARFISH also supports wine growers with projects and help transform ideas into solutions, from on stand its soil diagnostic service, providing a unique insight into soil concept to market. microbial functioning M39 Inno’vin also supports the international development of its Together, Inno’vin and its members demonstrate how members, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge collaboration between science, technology and industry can exchange and partnerships beyond France. create practical solutions for the future of wine. Among the companies featured at the show is STARFISH Visit Inno’vin at stand M39 to discover STARFISH Bioscience and get Bioscience, which is developing a next-generation biotechnology to know the innovators shaping tomorrow’s wine industry. 70

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EXPERIENCE SUSSEX

On the wine trail in Sussex

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The Sussex Vineyards PDO is the only geographically specific Biddenden produces over a million accreditation the UK every below year. country level. litres of cider in and juice English sparkling wine arguably planted its flag in the sands of the global wine industry in April 2016. At a blind tasting held at the Juveniles restaurant in Paris, a group of respected French judges rated a number of English wines more highly than their peers in Champagne. Among them was Nyetimber’s 2009 vintage. Nyetimber are one of the West Sussex winemaking pioneers. Established in 1988, their estate now encompasses 425 hectares across Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. Since Nyetimber was founded, climate change has smiled on Sussex. The maritime climate of the county saw an approximate one degree Centigrade rise in average Photo: @James Ratchford

temperatures in the thirty years up to 2020, making one of the UK’s sunniest areas even better placed for the production of sparkling wine. Meanwhile, over the same period, Champagne itself also saw a rise in average temperatures, of about 1.8°C, which has, of course, begun to push the region away from the ideal growing conditions. Sussex winemakers have got a lot going in their favour, and not just in terms of sparkling production. Along with this (currently beneficial) climatic shift, the area benefits from an advantageous latitude that offers a longer growing season and wide diurnal temperature range. There are also a range of interesting soils available

in the area, such as the chalky hills of the South Downs. These factors have created a unique terroir, ultimately leading to the creation of the Wines of Sussex Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) which was officially recognised by DEFRA in July 2022. The Sussex PDO is the only geographically specific accreditation in the UK below country level – besides Darnibole Bacchus PDO, which is produced in a five-hectare area at Camel Valley Vineyard in Cornwall. A PDO gives customers reassurance about where a product has been produced, as well as the quality standards that are adhered to during production.

Roebuck tours and tastings

Bolney Wine Estate Photo: Will Hearle, Forest Studio

Artelium Wine Estate

EXPERIENCE SUSSEX

Wines of Sussex PDO: implementation WineGB manages the UK Quality Wine Schemes for still and sparkling to make sure that the rigorous standards associated with this prestigious sign of quality are upheld. Their laboratory partner, Campden BRI, tests every wine entering the scheme so that consumers have assurance about the standards applied to the winemaking process and the preservation of the distinctive character of the region. The PDO is the highest category for wine in the UK, followed by PGI, which covers wines labelled under the protected terms ‘English Regional’ or ‘Welsh Regional’. A producer applying for the Sussex PDO has to meet certain quality criteria to use the designation on their labels. As well as growing their grapes entirely within the administrative boundaries of the counties of East and West Sussex, they must meet stringent criteria relating to the vinification process. This includes, but is not limited to, reaching minimum sugar levels at harvest and observing the minimum maturation time in bottle for sparkling wines, which is currently set at 15 months. In order to be declared a vintage wine, Sussex sparkling must be made from a minimum of 85% grapes from the nominated year. For single variety wines, they must contain at least 90% of the stated variety.

What counts as Sussex?

The administrative borders of the counties of East and West Sussex have been clearly defined for the purposes of the PDO: The current administrative boundary of West Sussex rises up from a point east of the town of Emsworth, just north of Hayling

Photo: @James Ratchford

Tillingham Island, and passes to the east of Petersfield and south of Haslemere. It then extends east to encompass Crawley and East Grinstead. East Sussex then extends to the south of Royal Tunbridge Wells but includes Rye and borders the Romney marsh to the north of Dungeness. This boundary is shown in the map below and includes the vast majority of the South Downs National Park.

PDO permitted varieties

The terms of the PDO dictates which grape varieties are permitted. As it is a very new designation, the list is much broader than might be seen in most Old World wine-producing regions. This offers makers flexibility and gives the consumer more choice. For Sussex Sparkling Wine, winemakers must principally use the traditional grape varieties utilised in Champagne for their Traditional Method wines. That is

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. However, they are also allowed to use smaller quantities of Arbanne, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Petit Meslier and Pinot Noir Précoce. A Sussex producer could choose to use a different variety altogether – but then they would not be allowed to put ‘Sussex Sparkling’ on the label. There are 24 permitted grape varieties for PDO still wines of Sussex. The list includes familiar names, like Pinot Noir and Riesling, alongside grapes now common to many English and Welsh vineyards, such as Bacchus and Solaris. Besides that, there are other cold climate grape varieties which are less commonly seen, but still make excellent wines. These include Schonburger, Huxelrebe and Ortega. Many of these grape varieties were first bred in Germany, where a number of new vines suitable for colder climates have been developed in recent decades.

Permitted varieties for still wine production ◆ Acolon ◆ Auxerrois ◆ Bacchus ◆ Chardonnay ◆ Dornfelder ◆ Gamay

◆ Huxelrebe ◆ Muller Thurgau ◆ Orion ◆ Ortega ◆ Pinot Blanc ◆ Pinot Gris

◆ Pinot Meunier ◆ Pinot Noir ◆ Pinot Noir Précoce ◆ Regent ◆ Regner ◆ Reichensteiner

◆ Riesling ◆ Rondo ◆ Roter Veltliner ◆ Schonburger ◆ Siegerrebe ◆ Solaris

READ THE DETAILS OF THE PDO REQUIREMENTS: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a81f4faed915d74e623504b/protected-food-name-sussex-wine.pdf NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

EXPERIENCE SUSSEX

A growing move towards collaboration Of course, since there are stringent regulations for winemakers to follow if they want to use the Wines of Sussex PDO, not every Sussex winemaker chooses to use it for every wine they make. Not every Sussex winemaker grows or sources grapes solely from the county, for example. Others may not be in a position to meet the criteria on maturation or simply choose not to pursue the designation on their bottles. But that doesn’t stop all of the vineyards in the area from potentially benefitting from the critical mass of production that is becoming more well known amongst the wine drinking public. There is a growing move towards collaboration amongst the numerous producers in both East and West Sussex. This willingness to combine effort and resource has given rise to the Sussex Winelands, a wine tourism initiative that has a similar feel to Kent’s Wine Garden of England programme, but on a much larger scale. Kent has nine vineyards in its group, while there are some 150 in total across Sussex, so it’s a much larger proposition.

The Rother Wine Triangle

Work on the Sussex Winelands is currently being broken down by unitary authority

to create ‘clusters’ of vineyards. This is because the vineyards of the Rother Valley were the first to secure funding for a pilot project, and it came from their district council. The cluster has used the funding to create a trail named the Rother Wine Triangle – Sussex’s first official wine trail. The services of Studio Playne were engaged to host and design a website and tangible products like printed maps, wayfinding signage and orientation points that have been installed to help make the trail easy to navigate for visitors. The signage also simplifies the way people can navigate the vineyards once they arrive, pointing out the location of key features like the cellar door, shop, cafe and how to get to the vines themselves. It was launched during English Wine Week and has had a great reception. Organised bus tours around the trail have made it even easier for guests to discover what the Rother Wine Triangle has to offer.

“We worked together quite closely as vineyards already,” says Kristin Syltevik of Oxney Organic Estate. “Everyone, more or less, is family-run, everyone has a winery and most of us have accommodation. There are a lot of similarities which we share and talk about. “We’ve been working very closely with Rother District Council, who have been incredibly helpful, and we've been focusing on Instagram in terms of social media. I would say we’re taking our first steps. “It’s something that I’ve been thinking about a lot, how growers in more established regions historically have that critical mass in order to be able to do things like share equipment. It’s just not been possible in the UK before. But it’s getting to the stage now where we do have the capacity for people to share resources, and also critical mass in terms of people understanding what kind of style is coming out of a particular area.”

TAKE A LOOK AT THE ROTHER WINE TRIANGLE’S INSTAGRAM PAGE: www.instagram.com/rotherwinetriangle

Photo: Ed Dallimore @59vines

Stopham Vineyard

The Wealden Wine Trail

The successes at Rother saw Wealden take the plunge next. Again, thanks to some support from the local district council, twelve vineyards were able to collaborate on a trail of the area. They were able to install a modest amount of signage and pay for professional filming and photography. Experts like Oz Clarke and Tom Surgey were brought on board with the project, allowing for a campaign across social media to promote the vineyards of Wealden.

Stopham Vineyard

There are clusters in each area of Sussex; Chichester, Horsham, Wealden etc. Sitting at the top is the Sussex Winelands steering group, with a representative from each district. There is not yet a formal committee or board, since the project is still in its early stages, but it’s clear that the enthusiasm of the membership is helping to drive the initiative forwards, despite it being such a huge project with so many different interests and ideas to represent. Marie Davies, of Stopham Vineyard in Pulborough is currently the representative

for Chichester. “The reason we’re grouping Sussex Winelands in this way is so that we can go to our councils and ask for support. Some are providing funding, some aren’t and some are providing match funding, so it’s quite complicated. Chichester, for example, really wants to push wine tourism but it needs a very compelling reason to provide funding and not put it into other priorities, like youth unemployment, for example. We have to put together a very strong case for councillors.” The aspiration, as the project evolves, is to pull in more international tourism. Currently there are a good number of visitors from London, as well as a small proportion of international tourists from the US and parts of Scandinavia, for example, but building momentum in this area is perhaps a more long-term goal – once the foundations of the Sussex Winelands are complete. In the meantime, there are plans to create more incentives for domestic tourists to choose the area. The Lewes cluster put on the Winelands Festival in June, which was a showcase of pop-up events taking place over one week. There were tastings,

masterclasses, food and wine pairing evenings and even a special film screening with an interesting “spot-the-fake” wine tasting afterwards. The hope is that a much bigger festival can be organised in the future that covers the whole Sussex Winelands area, but this too will take time, given the scale of wine production in the area. “Stopham absolutely wants to be part of the Sussex Winelands,” said Marie. “We’re not like Rathfinney or Ridgeview, with a restaurant and lodges – but we do offer tours. That’s the nice thing about Sussex, everybody has their own unique selling point. Stopham is very rustic and has a beautiful 19th century barn. In some places, you can’t actually go into the winery, but that’s where we hold the tastings. It’s about offering different things to meet the needs of different types of consumers.” Whether you consider the more formal recognition of Sussex winemaking offered by the PDO or the nascent development of a perhaps more informal marketing drive from the Sussex Winelands, it is clear that the English and Welsh wine industry is at a point where the benefit of reaching critical mass is no longer just a pipedream.

FOLLOW THE WEALDEN WINE TRAIL ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/wealdenwinetrail NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

EXPERIENCE SUSSEX

Afternoon tea at Leonardslee Vineyard & Gardens Photo: Will Hearle, Forest Studio

Albourne Estate

Artelium wine harvest By laying claim to this internationally recognised marker of quality, Sussex has created an opportunity to build on its existing wine tourism offer. Jo Williams, Strategic Lead Visitor Economy at Experience Sussex, told Vineyard magazine how wine tourism presents opportunities for the wider Sussex visitor economy: “Wine tourism is one of the most exciting opportunities within the Sussex visitor economy because it brings together so many of the things that make this place distinctive: our landscape and climate, exceptional local produce, hospitality, food, culture and our growing reputation for world-class wine. Experience Sussex is championing its development because this isn't simply about encouraging people to visit a vineyard and taste a glass of wine. It is about building a whole visitor experience around wine, encouraging people to stay 78

Wine tourism in a wider context longer, explore more of Sussex, eat locally, book accommodation and experiences, and ultimately spend more within our rural communities. “The ambition is significant. The Sussex Wine Tourism Plan for Growth published in 2023 identifies the potential for wine tourism to generate £283 million of economic impact and support 3,633 jobs by 2040, while developing Sussex's reputation as a world-class wine tourism destination. Importantly, that growth is intended to be responsible and sustainable, with collaboration between vineyards, places and

NOVEMBER 2026 | WWW.VINEYARDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

other visitor businesses at its heart. “What is particularly exciting now is the level of collaboration emerging across Sussex. Around 50 vineyards and wineries offering visitor experiences are represented across six developing Sussex Winelands cluster areas. Rather than every vineyard trying to market itself in isolation, the opportunity is to connect those businesses into trails, itineraries and experiences that give visitors a reason to explore different parts of Sussex. That collaboration powers Sussex from a collection of excellent individual vineyards to a genuinely world-class wine destination.”

OAK ALTERNATIVES

Choosing the right tool for the right objective Oak remains one of the most powerful tools available to winemakers for shaping wine style, structure, and complexity. While traditional barrel ageing continues to play an important role, modern oak alternatives offer greater flexibility, lower cost, and increased precision when used with a clearly defined objective. The first question winemakers should ask is not which oak product to choose, but what they are trying to achieve. Is the goal to increase aromatic complexity? Improve colour stability? Enhance mouthfeel? Or simply replicate certain characteristics of barrel ageing? The answer will determine which oak alternative is most appropriate

Aromatic complexity starts with the right choice

When the primary objective is aroma enhancement, most oak alternatives can be effective. The intensity and speed of aroma release depend largely on the surface area of the oak and its level of toast. Generally speaking, the greater the surface area, the faster aromatic compounds are released into the wine. Toast level is particularly important. Lightly toasted oak contributes fresh oak and coconut notes, while medium toast tends to enhance vanilla, caramel, and roasted coffee aromas. Heavy toast shifts the profile toward spice, smoke, cocoa, and toasted characters. For winemakers looking to build complexity during fermentation or ageing, the INCANTO range offers solutions designed to match different wine styles and objectives. The INCANTO NC range provides the key active compounds associated with oak while avoiding some of the limitations of traditional oak powder. Depending on the desired style, these products can enhance fresh fruit, vanilla, chocolate, spice, or toasted oak characters while helping preserve colour intensity.

Understanding the different oak options

Not all oak alternatives behave the same way. Oak tannins are immediately soluble and begin working as soon as they are added to wine. Beyond their sensory contribution, they help improve aromatic cleanliness by binding sulphur compounds that may contribute to off-aromas. Oak chips offer rapid extraction and are an efficient way to add oak character during wine ageing. Different oak alternatives vary in extraction rate, sensory impact, and practical application, making product selection dependent on wine style objectives as well as cellar logistics. Enartis currently offers several INCANTO oak chip products, including INCANTO VANILLA, INCANTO CREAM, INCANTO CARAMEL, INCANTO DARK CHOCOLATE, and INCANTO SPECIAL FRUIT. Each has been designed to support a different sensory objective, from enhancing sweetness perception and vanilla notes to reinforcing toasted, chocolate, caramel, or fruit-forward characteristics. This allows winemakers to select an oak profile that best complements their desired wine style while benefiting from the practicality and flexibility of oak chips. The choice often comes down to available time, desired sensory outcome, and practical winery considerations rather than one product being inherently superior to another.

Oak and colour stability: a common misunderstanding

One of the most misunderstood aspects of oak use is its role in colour stabilization. Oak additions are often associated with improved colour stability, but the timing of addition plays an important role. Oak-derived tannins require oxygen to support the reactions responsible for creating stable colour pigments. When oak chips are added

during active fermentation, the impact on colour stability may be limited because oxygen availability is very low. The greatest benefit occurs during maturation when oak alternatives are combined with controlled oxygen exposure, such as micro-oxygenation. Under these conditions, ellagic tannins released from the oak promote the formation of stable pigment structures that improve colour longevity while contributing to a softer, more integrated mouthfeel and greater structure.

A precision approach to oak

Modern oak alternatives are no longer simply lower-cost substitutes for barrels. They have become precision tools that allow winemakers to tailor aromatic expression, structure, and colour stability according to the needs of each wine. Whether the objective is enhancing fruit expression, adding complexity, building structure, or supporting colour stability, successful use of oak begins with understanding what each alternative is designed to accomplish. Choosing the right tool for the right objective often delivers better results than simply adding more oak.

More information can be found on our website. Looking for further technical support? Reach out to Elia Metelio at Enartis. Products are locally available through Itasca Wines. DESKTOP www.enartis.com/en-uk/ ENVELOPE elia.metelio@enartis.com NOVEMBER 2026 | VINEYARD

From grape to glass, and beyond: Celebrating the entire UK sector Working in partnership with Vineyard magazine for a developing UK wine industry. WineGB is the national association for the English and Welsh wine industry. WineGB represents, leads, and supports the sustainable growth of the Great British wine sector.

If you are interested in wine production in the UK, find out more about WineGB and join us. Visit our website www.winegb.co.uk

WineGB Scandinavian Tasting Tour Three cities, one big step forward for English wine. In October, WineGB held its Scandinavian Trade & Media Tasting Tour, welcoming guests from the trade, hospitality, educators and media to hear more about the commercial opportunity that English wine has to offer.

Over three cities, Stockholm, Oslo and Trondheim, 25 producers, over 250 wines poured, and hundreds of engaged guests created a momentum that signals something bigger: English wine has arrived in Scandinavia with confidence, clarity and commercial pull. Across all three cities, the reaction was the same and we witnessed curiosity turn

into genuine excitement. Buyers, importers, sommeliers and media walked in intrigued and left talking about precision, freshness and a stylistic identity that stands apart from other cool climate regions. This tour was not just a showcase, it was a commercial accelerator. Importers actively requested samples for follow up evaluation, buyers flagged wines for upcoming tenders, and media coverage is already rolling, amplifying visibility across the region. The appetite for cool climate precision is strong in Scandinavia, and English producers delivered exactly that. The tour

proved that the category’s combination of quality, sustainability and authenticity aligns perfectly with Nordic market values. Scandinavia is one of Europe’s most quality driven markets. Buyers prioritise provenance, sustainability and craftsmanship, all of which are values that define English wine. With three cities activated, WineGB members now have stronger visibility with key trade and media, clearer pathways into monopoly and importer channels and a growing network of Nordic advocates for the category.

Visit our events’ page for the full list of activities taking place.

2026

25 November 2026

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Raising the profile of the home wine sector at the Labour Conference WineGB is raising the profile of our home wine sector and our key focus of Wine Tourism Relief. CEO, Nicola Bates went to the Labour Conference making the case and hearing the debate to then reflect back. We will be talking even more about how vineyards can ensure that there is growth in every postcode delivering skilled rural jobs across the whole of the UK.

Nicola Bates

We used your wines to partner at two receptions – Love British Food for British Food Fortnight where Secretary of State for DEFRA Angelia Eagle MP spoke and with the Food and Drink Federation for the MP Choice Awards. We provided enough wine that the high profile consultancy who connected us with the Love British Food continued to use the wines for other receptions over the week, giving WineGB and the wines a shout out at all. As well as speaking at the receptions Nicola ensured questions were asked to the Financial Secretary Rt Hon James Murray MP raising Wine Tourism Relief and spoke to a panel of rural Labour MPs about the need to level the playing field with imported wines and the grants they get for viticulture, wineries and export marketing.

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Winter jobs in the vineyard

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

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Fertiliser spreader Subsoiler

Prunings sweeper

As autumn turns to winter a list of jobs looms large in the calendar. The vines need pruning and the soil needs care and attention. To make these jobs less demanding and costly, different tools can be used. The list includes a two leg subsoiler to lift the tractor compaction strips with special J shaped legs disturbing the soil across a wide band where the tractor tyres have passed. Of course the major winter event is pruning and to make hand work less arduous and quicker the Zanon cordless battery powered secateurs have become increasingly popular and to increase efficiency even further the Provitis tractor mounted pre-pruner cuts out even more time and effort with the added knock on advantage of significantly reducing the amount of time spent pulling out canes as the tendrils have been cut away. After pruning mechanical sweepers are used to pull the canes away from the feet of the vines into a row at the front of the tractor so that the flail mower at the back can mulch the prunings simultaneously. Let’s not forget to plan for the devastating effects of late spring frosts with the array of tools which help reduce these losses from candles to wind machines and the increasingly popular Ventigel which combines both heat and wind in one package.

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Richard Smith – 07483 035922 – richard.smith@haynesgrp.co.uk

Matt Pinnington – 07484 063280 – matt.pinnington@haynesgroup.co.uk

Haynes agri

FRU

@agrimachines

Haynes agri

www.Haynes-Agri.co.uk

Vitifruit Equipment Sales and Hire

PROVITIS PRE PRUNER

VENTIGEL FROST PROTECTION

BOISSELET UNDER VINE TOOLS

COMPOST SPREADERS

AEDES MOWERS

WEED STRIMMERS

www.vitifruitequipment.co.uk /vitifruitequipment

 vitifruitequipment@sky.com

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