English harvest a corker

English Wine Growers are hopeful that this years wine crop will be a good vintage with above average volumes. Grape picking starts this week and memories of last years rain sodden harvest are a distant memory. This years cool spring and warm summer have meant a promising outlook for 2013.

The team at Chapel Down were upbeat, citing the potential for 'excellent fruit flavours'. Meanwhile, Nyetimber, who wrote off last years 2012 vintage, are said to be excited to have begun grape picking. The definitive quality of 2013 will be assessed when harvesting is completed. And, in Cornwall, Camel Valley has already picked early Pinot Noir and Rondo, although Chardonnay, late Pinot and Seyval Blanc are still a week or two away.

So things are looking rosy for English Wine this year.