Gusbourne delays harvest due to poor weather 

The Kent-based winemaker said that “the 2024 harvest will commence later in the month”, media reported. 

A spokesperson for Gusbourne said that the delay was “due to the challenging and variable weather conditions throughout this year’s growing season”.  

They added it was expected to be a harvest of “high-quality but reduced yield compared to last year’s record 2023 vintage”. 

Possible sale 

Earlier this year, the majority shareholder in Gusbourne, which has 60 acres of vineyards in Appledore, Conservative peer Lord Ashcroft, revealed he wants to “explore various strategic options for his shareholding, including a possible sale”. 

Lord Ashcroft, who owns over 67% stake in the business, has made it clear it wants to open discussions with the board at Gusbourne, which could also include a strategic merger with a similar company.  

He said: “Now, at the tender age of 78, I am reviewing my future options.  

“I have an interest in 40,628,009 shares, representing 66.76% of the issued share capital of Gusbourne. In addition, a company 100% owned by me holds a £20m long-term secured deep discount bond.  

“I am flexible as to the outcome. It may be a sale. It may be a strategic merger with a similar company. It may be a capitalisation or restructuring of all or part of my debt.” 

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