English vineyards hope for bumper harvest (UK)

English producers are relying on the 2012 vintage for a bumper harvest to raise low stock levels, as demand is outstripping supply. Figures just released for the 2011 vintage, supplied by the Wine Standards Branch (Food Standards Agency) via DEFRA, shows volume production was down by just over 30% due to poor weather at flowering. There are now 419 registered vineyards, up from 404 in 2010, while hectarage is up from 1,324 to 1,384, with the average size of vineyards also on the rise, reports Harpers Wine & Spirit.