Sales of English wines have boomed in recent years
(Picture: Chapel Down)English winemaker Chapel Down has heralded a bumper harvest after a hot dry summer provided peak growing conditions, paving the way for record sales.
The company said that grapes this year were of “exceptional quality and yield” and it has already delivered a record tonnage of its sparkling wine, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes across its 750 acres of vineyard in Kent.
In total, the harvest will be more than 2,000 tonnes, it said, compared to last year’s weather-affected haul which was only 1,400 tonnes.
Despite the lower 2021 yield, Chapel Down said last month that profits for the half year rose 6.4%, while revenue increased by 4%, mostly boosted by a jump in sales of sparkling wine.
It said it remains on track with plans to double the business over the next five years.
Chapel Down has recently extended its winery in Tenterden, Kent, and has planted 38 additional acres of vines this year, with a further 118 acres planned, meaning the company will exceed 900 acres by the summer of 2023.
This year’s harvest is expected to produce around two million bottles of wine.
Andrew Carter, chief executive at Chapel Down, said: “English wine is enjoying rapid growth as producers like Chapel Down benefit from optimal conditions and sustained investment.
“Our strong performance in the first half of the year and the bumper harvest we have announced today leave Chapel Down well on track to meet our target to double the size of the business by 2026.”
