English winemakers expect ‘vintage year’ after record-breaking summer heat
English winemakers are anticipating a record-breaking 'vintage year' due to an exceptionally hot summer that accelerated grape ripening. Conversely, the same weather conditions have caused a drought that is negatively impacting barley yields, threatening the beer industry.
Why it matters
This highlights the uneven economic impact of climate change on the agricultural and beverage sectors.
Workers pick chardonnay grapes for Hattingley Valley Wines near Cottonworth in Hampshire in the summer of 2018. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA Workers pick chardonnay grapes for Hattingley Valley Wines near Cottonworth in Hampshire in the summer of 2018. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA England English winemakers expect ‘vintage year’ after record-breaking summer heat Hot weather means sweeter grapes, but outlook gloomier for beermakers, as drought diminishes barley harvest
Prefer the Guardian on Google English sparkling winemakers expect their earliest grape harvest and a “vintage year” after a scorching summer quickly ripened grapes.
However, beer sellers have warned of a potential shortage after record-breaking temperatures and a drought hitting much of England has caused poor yields of barley.
Nyetimber, which was the first producer in England to grow pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier exclusively for sparkling wine, has 11 vineyards in West Sussex, Kent and Hampshire.
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