Vive le vin – English viticulture gets increasing attention from investors

English wine week once again put a well-deserved spotlight on the viticulture industry.

Its campaign ‘create new traditions’ aimed to encourage drinkers to make the switch to English wine, visit a vineyard as a day out, celebrate special occasions with English fizz and pair English wine with Friday night take aways.

There is much that vineyards can do to capitalise on this interest over the summer months which will no doubt provide a boost to their business.

As well as catching the attention of the public, it is investors and winemakers from across the world who are increasingly interested in English viticulture and the opportunity it presents.

French champagne house Taittinger are now reaping the reward for their early investment with the new Domaine Evremond Vineyard at Chilham near Canterbury, which celebrated the release of its first wines last year.

It is reported the Domaine Duroche wine estate from Burgundy has this month announced a joint venture with the Danbury Ridge Vineyard just south of Chelmsford in Essex. They will be making a small batch of cuvee which will be available in 2028. Another Burgundy estate Domaine Bernard Moreau has also started working with Essex producer Missing Gate Vineyard to produce a new Chardonnay.

In June the Californian Jackson Family Wines released its first ‘Essex’ Burgundy at Royal Ascot and Nick Lane, the well-respected former Cloudy Bay winemaker from New Zealand has opened a new winery near Colchester which will make still wines from local grapes.

This interest stems from not only huge improvements to the English viticulture sector but also parts of central France are becoming too hot. What started with champagne producers coming to Kent and Sussex has now spread south to France’s other major wine regions.

Does this mean the French will come knocking at your cellar door soon? It is certainly a possibility, but like any business which is interested in seeking investment or a joint venture opportunity it is important to prepare the business first. It isn’t just your skill as a winemaker which will be looked at and judged but also your ability to run an effective vineyard.

With record temperatures and increasingly unpredictable weather conditions across mainland Europe, England by comparison is much more attractive and good value to set up or invest in existing vineyard operations.

It is always important to consider the implications of any proposal to ensure that they are right for both parties. In particular, having aligned commercial objectives and the right structure in place for any investment are paramount in ensuring you maximise returns and minimise any nasty surprises like an unexpected tax bill.

We advise a number of vineyards across the South East and understand the unique structures, challenges, and opportunities that come with running a successful wine business.

Now is the time to turn interest into opportunity. Whether you’re exploring joint ventures, preparing for external investment, or planning for long-term expansion, our team can help you get your business investment-ready. From robust financial modelling to navigating complex tax and regulatory landscapes, we’re here to support your next step.