Wine making is an art form

I have already gained a reasonable understanding of viticulture and the art of making wine. A process I believe, which can only be perfected over time. But I also need to know the specifics, the best practice, the chemistry, providing a safe product, etc., which is why last week I attended an intensive winemaking course at Plumpton. An enjoyable experience and the chance to meet other like-minded people all starting out on a journey of making British wines up and down the country.

The course was quite technical in parts but on the whole very practical. It was made the more enjoyable because the lecturer was a down-to-earth Aussie; Tony Milanowski has considerable experience of making wine in both Australia and Italy before joining Plumpton. Unfortunately for the next intake of students, Tony is leaving Plumpton to become a wine manager for a wine estate in Sussex, adding the UK to his winemaking credentials.

I recently viewed a 30-acre plot of land near Plumpton, which despite a few issues could be doable. At least it slopes in the right direction (some of it) and I’m guessing the soil will be good but I’m waiting for a specialist survey report which will confirm its suitability for vines and subsequent huge cost premium over normal agricultural land. As soon as winegrowing is hinted at, the landowners and estate agents convince themselves that their land must have gold ore on the side. (Note to self: Future performance and business risks need to be compatible with the initial investment).

I also need to consider whether it would be suitable for a winery; access, amenities and waste disposal to name but a few. I received a rough cost to build a rudimentary winery (from a company I won’t name), but get this, they quoted for a very basic building (four walls, ceiling, and floor) £800K to £1.5m. the next quote I get I’m telling the contractor the building is for making yogurt.

I had already started costing up winery equipment for a 200-ton winery but having attended the course at Plumpton I now have a better idea of what is needed for the type of wine I want to produce.

Things are falling into place, but like everything else, it’s about timing and opportunity. The right land for the right price and several years of great growing climate. It’s enough to put some of us off – but not me, not yet anyway!