How easy is it to plant my own vineyard?
There are two routes to vineyard ownership – creating a new one from scratch or taking over an established vineyard.
The Food Standards Agency, which collects wine production data and runs the Vineyard Register, reports that there are more than 1,000 registered vineyards in the UK now.
How large does my vineyard need to be?
It depends on your goals. If it’s simply for your own consumption, then size isn’t an issue; a single vine can produce up to three bottles of wine from a good harvest.
Where can you do it?
In the UK there are vineyards as far north as in Scotland. In fact, vines will grow on many sites, but to make the most of your investment through maximum grape yield, the right site is key.
The best sites are found on free draining, gentle south-facing slopes that aren’t exposed to strong winds or late frost, are not too high, and where average temperatures and sunshine hours are highest. The soil type and site characteristics, or ‘terroir’, as the French say, is reflected in the taste of the wine. For sparkling wines loam over chalk or greensand is traditionally favoured, but vines can thrive on many soil types as long as the soil is free draining and matched to the appropriate root stock.
Vines can be grown in many locations, but most are located in the sunnier, drier parts of the UK such as the south east of England.
How much does it cost?
Arable land in England sells for an average of £11,300 per acre. The supply of land coming to the market each year is limited and of that only a tiny proportion will be suitable for vineyard planting. As a result, most vineyard land is purchased privately and a premium market has developed. Land suitable for vineyard planting often sells for more than £20,000 per acre and so your budget will need to include a realistic land cost.
It can’t be stressed enough how important getting the right site is. The upfront investment costs of establishing a vineyard are high, when you consider such things as soil conditioning, establishing vines, and putting in trellising and fencing. Establishment costs of £14,000 to £16,000 per acre are normal and the vines take five years to reach full productivity. So achieving a high quality and consistent output from your vineyard is hugely important – and much of this comes down to the site and soil. Our bespoke site-finder software is a great starting point in locating the right land.
What equipment do I need?
It is up to you. To engage contractors who manage your vines, pick your grapes and transport them to an established producer, with whom you have contracted to sell your harvest, requires very little of your own equipment. A vineyard tractor and topper is probably all you will need.
However, if you wish to undertake all of the husbandry, winemaking, bottling, cellarage and marketing yourself, you will need all of the vineyard equipment, a winery, cellarage, staff and offices. This level of investment requires diligent planning, budgeting and significant finance.
How long does it take?
As anyone who’s tasted an excellent bottle of wine knows, it takes time, skill and a little luck with the weather to produce the best. It also requires patience, as it will take four years (for still wine) to eight years (for sparkling) from planting before your wine is ready for sale.
You will enjoy your first harvest three years after planting, but the full yield from your vines won’t be achieved until at least the fifth year. You should then expect an average yield of about three tonnes per acre, from which you will produce roughly 2,500 bottles of your very own wine.