Diversifying land into viticulture by Kit Mordaunt , Legal Director - Cripps
It is said that today ’ s climate in the South East of England is very similar to that of the Champagne- Ardenne region throughout the 1980s and 1990s . Pair this with the all-important chalky free-draining terroir and , if the land is southfacing , less than 100m above sealevel and sheltered from wind , you have enviable conditions for growing vines . Land that meets this criteria has rocketed in value in recent years and some of the best known French Champagne houses such as Taittinger are busy investing in the UK and planting vines .
It ’ s a boom time for English wine and landowners are understandably keen to be a part of this .
How can I diversify ? There are a few ways to diversify into viticulture . One way is on a small scale using just a few hectares growing the grapes to sell onto another winemaker . This arrangement is becoming increasingly popular with farmers , some of whom had been on the brink of giving up farming altogether and cite this arrangement as having saved the family farm . Farmers can also get involved in the whole journey from grape to bottle , which of course requires more investment but can bring in more revenue through wine tourism .
What do I need to consider ? Like all forms of agriculture , viticulture is not without its challenges , some of which include :
• Weather can severely affect growth , and a late frost can have a significant impact on the grape harvest .
• A high level of investment which is required at the outset .
• Newly planted vines take at least three years before they bear fruit .
• A lack of skilled and unskilled labour in post-Brexit Britain .
Farmers should therefore carefully consider the potential benefits and challenges before abandoning traditional crops .
How can Cripps help ? Our team of lawyers have a wealth of experience helping landowners to diversify their land for viticulture purposes . We can assist with everything from initial consideration to applying for a change of use to selling land . Our lawyers also work with vineyards on the purchase of land , from funding through to completion .
www . cripps . co . uk
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