Late autumn into winter is an ideal time to prepare vineyards for the coming season. Fruit & Vine asked Hutchinsons agronomists Rob Saunders and Chris Cooper to give their priorities during this period

A long-established Essex vineyard which produces high quality wines made from grapes grown on site has invested in a brand new self-propelled grape harvester.

Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty overlooking both the Orwell and Stour estuaries, Shotley Vineyard is a well-hidden treasure on the east coast of Suffolk.

Soaring energy costs combined with a continued lack of people to pick crops are posing a serious threat to the future of the UK’s fruit and vegetable industry, the NFU said today (15th November), as it reiterated the need for access to affordable energy and a skilled and secure workforce.

The vineyard and winery consultancy company Vinescapes has launched a new series of one-day practical workshops for beginner vine growers who are looking to develop their skills in a small group setting.

Her Royal Highness drew a crowd as she formally opened this year’s National Fruit Show in Kent.

As part of its expanding viticulture portfolio, NIAB has recently opened a new trials vineyard at its East Malling site in Kent, offering companies the opportunity to develop new products and services for the growing viticulture sector.

Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex will be in attendance at the opening morning of this year’s National Fruit Show, where she will meet with industry leaders and observe the education team during a careers session with local secondary school children.

The Bayer stand at this year’s National Fruit Show will feature the outcomes of the company’s latest innovative research, including how to maximise the efficiency of biological crop protection products and a new digital residue management program aimed at promoting sustainability.

The broadcaster and writer will be chairing “an informative and lively discussion” at The National Fruit Show, Kent, in November.

Following the request of the horticulture industry, the AHDB board has agreed, in principle, to transfer surplus levy funds to Horticulture Crop Protection Ltd (HCP).

Fruit & Vine spoke to five British wine producers, who are expecting this year’s wines to be among the top vintages following an excellent 2022 harvest producing top-quality, clean fruit.