Pertinent Plonk producing advice from Plonkers

[Jammish]

Hello TFF's

I am hoping to hear stories and gain more understanding of growing wine in the UK, specifically the South Downs.

The family farm is considering devoting some acres to a project and as I understand, the earth here is ideal and the climate is favourable for vines.

Is there anyone on here doing it? has anyone tried and failed? Has anybody researched the idea and come across potential traps?

Any info would be very much appreciated.

 

[Jammish]

I apologise Mods if I have posted this in the wrong section?

 

[Creative Foodie]

The best thing to do to move forward is to have a feasibility report done on your idea, that way you can see any pitfalls, see if your idea is the right fit for the surrounding area, and understand the competition, and to also see the potential income your idea could bring in. Feasibility reports also form a solid base of your business plan so it is a great tool to have if you are going to need to apply for funding or a bank loan.

 

[Danllan]

Have you been taking alliteration lessons from Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall?

 

[Jammish]

No, I've not Danllan.

I was hoping to increase the open rate of the thread, although, in hindsight, I sound like a twit. overall not good!

 

[bovrill]

I live in the Crouch Valley, supposedly the best vineyard region in the country
There's a lot round here doing rather well at it, New Hall is one of the oldest and biggest, and Clay Hill is family!!

 

[Jammish]

Crouch Valley? I have family in Raleigh.

I don't suppose you would be open to giving me a tour?

 

[bovrill]

Look up Clay Hill Vineyard, and contact Dale Symons, he's the main man for everything to do with it, his own and the regionalising(?) of the area, and will sort you out.

 

[steveR]

The best thing to do to move forward is to have a feasibility report done on your idea, that way you can see any pitfalls, see if your idea is the right fit for the surrounding area, and understand the competition, and to also see the potential income your idea could bring in. Feasibility reports also form a solid base of your business plan so it is a great tool to have if you are going to need to apply for funding or a bank loan.

This approach would be supported I am sure by a local Grower we called and saw a fortnight ago. 10-12 acres of vines now I think, and he was very positive about the advisor he had employed to research the project a few years ago. The advice went into soil type and varieties to suit the location as well and the feasibility of the project moving from a hobby style to small scale commercial enterprise.

All very interesting, and the 2013 Bacchus wine was to die for!! Completely revised my opinion of English Wines in this area...!