Better than the South of France? British vineyards booming
The hottest British April since records began, and continued high temps mean British vineyards are booming - and could even give French wine a run for its money.
England has seen better weather than its foreign neighbours in recent weeks, leaving vineyard owners very excited about this year's harvest - there's even talk of 'record-breaking crops'.
Thanks to the warm temperature and low rainfall, buds have emerged earlier than usual.
This will allow vineyards to gather their crops earlier – to avoid the weather damage often associated with autumn – or to allow the grapes to mature longer on the vine creating a better wine.
With vines growing up to three weeks ahead of schedule in some cases winemakers could be harvesting grapes in mid-September.
Hillary Waller, who owns Eastcott Vineyard in Okehampton, Devon said she was looking forward to a 'brilliant year'.
While Sam Lindo, from the Camel Valley vineyard near Bodmin in Cornwall, told the Telegraph: 'What normally dictates a really good crop for us is a good start to the year like this. I have never seen them looking so healthy as they are at the moment.'
Julia Trustram-Eve, of English Wine Producers, said there was a possibility of 'record-breaking crops' although there is also still a chance of frost.
Britain currently boasts around 400 vineyards, with the Queen recently giving the trade a boost by announcing she would be producing her very own English sparkling wine at Windsor Great Park.
More than 16,000 vines were planted in a project that has been overlooked by the Duke of Edinburgh.
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