Harvest 2022 is on the Horizon

As the first signs of veraison begin to appear, here’s how harvest 2022 is shaping up at Ridgeview…

Our viticulture team are busy leaf stripping, with whispers in the vineyard that this could be an exceptional year for English sparkling wine in Sussex. But experience tells us to remain only cautiously optimistic and prepare for all the unexpected twists and turns of the great British weather.

After a warm and dry start to summer in June and July, our thoughts turned to an unusually early harvest. But the recent record temperature highs in August have slowed ripening and we’re now looking to begin picking at the start of October as expected, with strong yields predicted. This year marks an exciting first, as we will be harvesting grapes from our new vineyard in Ansty, West Sussex, where we have over six hectares of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier under vine.

Things are looking very positive but the next few weeks are crucial and there are no guarantees when working sustainably with the land. We remain patient, vigilant, and excited about the potential for vintage 2022 but only time will tell.