14.06.2024
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Tomorrow marks the start of ‘English Wine Week’, which celebrates English wines and promotes homegrown wines across the U.K. Given this, and the growing success of English Wines, now seemed an appropriate time to provide an update on the South East’s viticulture and DHA’s expanding involvement in the industry. Especially since DHA’s Staff Away Day took place at The Mount Vineyard in Shoreham on 7th June!
English Wine week takes place between 15th June until 23rd June and provides numerous events that showcase the best of English Wine. For more information on events please check the Wines of Great Britain website [Welcome to Wines of Great Britain (WineGB)].
The wine industry is a rapidly growing industry in England, not least in Kent and Sussex; and while the UK remains smaller than many of the historical wine producing countries, it is growing faster than any of those in the Top 25.
The South East finds itself in an advantageous position with land in the Kent Downs, Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire formed of the same geological vein of chalk that is found in the Champagne region, which means the land is ripe for the growing of vines.
Figure 1: Courtesy of WineGB (English Wine Week 2024 - WineGB)
With climate change leading to variations in the weather and temperature, the UK now and in the future, will become an ever increasingly suitable growing environment for vines. A report led by from the University of East Anglia in July 2022 (‘Climate change projections for UK viticulture to 2040: a focus on improving suitability for Pinot Noir’) found that between 1981–2000 and 1999–2018, growing season average temperatures (GST) in the main UK viticulture regions have warmed by roughly 1.0 °C, and are now more reliably greater than 14.0 °C. This warming, coupled with the suitable growing conditions, has led to rapid expansion of the UK viticulture sector and its current focus on growing grape varieties for sparkling wine.
Given the changing climate and the fortuitous position that the country finds itself in with regards to viticulture, the UK now finds itself in unique position to take advantage of an unexpected secondary effect of climate change. We consider that this is an industry that the Government and Local Councils should be keen to support with vineyards and wineries providing significant economic boosts to areas, including through direct employment and indirect measures via increased tourism. Whilst we’re aware that an Inspector in a recently refused appeal for a new winery in the South East noted that the ‘expansion of the wine industry is not a national priority. Neither is it a local priority reflected in planning policy’, as viticulture is one of the fastest growing areas of the UK, it should be reflected in planning policy moving forward. Those Councils which are quickest to adapt to this, may find that they are in a distinct advantage moving forward.
In order to meet the demands of the growing English Wine business, many vineyards have had to expand their existing wine making facilities. We continue to work with England’s leading wine producer, Chapel Down, to expand their Tenterden Vineyard and Winery; seeking to ensure that their business is robust and prepared for the future.
DHA have not only helped Chapel Down, but also other local more boutique wineries, securing many valuable planning permissions and prior approvals, allowing the industry to flourish in the South East. A few examples of the work DHA include:
DHA has calculated that the consents in relation to winemaking secured, equate to approximately 2.1 million bottles per year, a significant proportion of the total produced in the UK.
However, it’s not just viticulture where DHA has been assisting the drinks industry. DHA have also been successful in securing a number of consents, supporting the long-established beer making industry within Kent, such as:
Figure 2: Chapel Down Vineyards (Courtesy of Chapel Down’s Website: ABOUT US – Chapel Down)
Figure 3: The proposed Vinorium Headquarters, designed by Guy Hollaway Architects
At DHA we continue to advise our clients in viticulture and other agricultural activities with the aim to ensure that these industries remain robust and fit for the future. We believe that the industry has a bright future and provides opportunities for landowners to diversify and become a part of the rapidly growing industry.
For more information, or to discuss a potential scheme, please get in touch with Matthew Garvey or Emily Hopkins, and enjoy English Wine week!
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