William Hargreaves from Savills discusses why vineyards are changing the rural landscape.
When you think of a top quality wine you might naturally gravitate towards French Champagne, an Italian soave, or a Spanish Rioja. However, excellent tipples are also being produced much closer to home, with several English wines – including those from Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk – recognised at this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards.
The UK wine industry is thriving. According to WineGB, in 2023 the industry achieved a record-breaking grape harvest – an average yield of 9.6 tonnes per hectare, translating to approximately 21 million bottles of wine.
The increasingly temperate climate, combined with advancements in suitable grape varieties and winemaking techniques, has paved the way for the UK to become a serious player in the global wine industry.
Vineyards and wineries serve a multifaceted function – contributing to rural economies, tourism and community interaction, alongside providing a platform for education, promoting sustainable practices and fostering a sense of community.
WineGB said that in 2023, an impressive 1.5 million visits were recorded to vineyards in the UK. This was a notable 55% increase from the previous year and offers an exceptional chance for diversification and expansion.
By providing a range of experiences such as wine tastings, guided tours, opportunities for local or artisanal shopping and the availability of on-site accommodation, vineyards can significantly enhance the overall experience for visitors and create local jobs.
These businesses can benefit even more by offering venue hire for events and gatherings.
Furthermore, by hosting open days and events, they strengthen community bonds – enabling visitors to appreciate beautiful landscapes and engage with nature. Dewlands Farm in Higham, on the Suffolk/Essex border, presents such an opportunity.
On the market with Savills and Strutt and Parker for a guide price of £5.25m, the 225-acre estate includes a Grade II listed farmhouse, top-rate equestrian facilities and a 12-acre vineyard growing 18,450 vines.
A new bottling venture less than half a mile away at Holton St Mary opens up the possibility of not just selling the grapes as crops, but for a potential buyer to become a producer themselves.
So, let’s raise our glasses to the success of British wines and the social value these vineyards bring to rural areas. It’s not just a drink, but testament to the resilience and innovation of the UK’s viticulture industry.
For advice on the rural sector in Suffolk, contact William Hargreaves at Savills on 01473 234802 or email WHargreaves@savills.com
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