Tips
- Vineyard tours usually run April-September. In March you’ll see the start of shoot growth and in May flowering and fruit set. From June to September you’ll see the grapes developing and véraison -when the black varieties start to redden and white varieties become more golden as they ripen.
- It’s possible to help out at harvest at many vineyards – sign up to mailing lists and keep an eye on social media for dates. I didn’t get to experience this, but I hope to in 2023!
- Sturdy shoes are a must as vineyard ground can be uneven. If you have mobility issues, I’d suggest contacting the vineyard in advance of your tour. Do dress for the outdoors too!
- Although many of the vineyards I visited supplied drinking water, it’s a good idea to take your own to freshen your palate between tastings.
- Do make a note of your favourites as you taste the wine – and sign up to the vineyard mailing list for special offers.
- The tastings are a great opportunity to ask what temperature the wine should be served, which foods it matches well and whether it will improve with age or should be drunk now.
- There’s never any pressure to buy, but many vineyards will offer a discount if you purchase direct from them during the tour.
- Do drink responsibly and ensure you have a sober driver (but remember you can always taste and spit).
Learnings
I found I learnt something new at every single vineyard tour! It’s also a fantastic opportunity to ask questions (although being mindful of time and others on the tour). Here are a few of my key learnings this year.
- There are multiple approaches and choices in both vine growing and winemaking – and every choice at every stage will have an effect on the taste of the end product.
- Increasing understanding of the process enhances enjoyment of the wine.
- The change in climate has allowed grapes in England to ripen just enough to create exciting sparkling wines – as well as some still wine varieties such as Bacchus.
- Oz Clarke reckons dry weather is more important than latitude – and East Anglia (where I’ve been exploring vineyards) is very dry!
- I’m really interested to see the impact of our unusually warm summer this year – and how this shapes the English wines we’ll be drinking next year.
