Grapes grown at Eastcott Vineyard.

Eastcott Vineyard’s 2008 planting has been chosen from a list of over forty vine varieties that are well suited to the UK climate. Vines may have been grown in this area during mediaeval times, as they were found right across southern England. Today, there is legislation governing the different vines that are authorised for producing wine in the UK.

Here at Eastcott Vineyard, we are growing the following varieties:

 

Chardonnay

 

One of the most famous grapes; the key Champagne variety and a good basis for many whites.

 

 

 

Pinot Noir Precoce

Despite being a black skinned grape variety, this is an important constituent of champagne and hence highly suitable for the production of English Sparkling wine.

 

Pinot Meunier

The third Champagne grape, essential for high quality English sparkling wine.

 

 

 

Rondo

Produces high quality full-bodied dark red wine. Consistently high yield and ripeness. Very suitable for blending to make Rose.

 

Dunkelfelder

Goes well with Rondo to make a lovely red wine.

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Our first vines were planted in April 2008. Grown in Germany and grafted onto disease resistant rootstock, our vines are virus tested, with a waxed covering for increased protection. They all come with an EC plant passport,  as required by the Wine Standards Branch (WSB) of the Food Standards Agency.

The Rondo are on traditional short rootstock and so are not expected to give us a substantial crop until 2011. However the majority of our vines are modern high grafts and hence should be ready to harvest much earlier. Further planting are planned for 2009.

All new vineyards over 0.25 acres (0.1 hectares) are required to notify the WSB. Eastcott Vineyard has therefore been inspected and will now be entered onto the UK Vineyard Register. The WSB also enforce the EU Wine Regulations in the UK.