An independent viticulture service, tailored to the growing needs of English vineyards, has been launched by consultants from Ceres Rural.
This new service line focuses on providing practical, independent agronomy advice aimed at optimising vine health, increasing yields, and enhancing wine quality.
Delivered by trained and qualified consultants, it is further supported by in-depth knowledge of grants, funding opportunities and agri-environment schemes to aid with vineyard establishment and expansion.
The business believes that its integrated approach – combining technical agronomy with strategic business support – makes the Ceres Rural viticulture offer uniquely placed to serve a rapidly evolving sector.
“We can be involved from the establishment of vines to providing agronomy advice through each growing season,” says Ceres Rural consultant Beth Speakman.
Key role
“That includes soil health, nutrition, pest and disease management, along with the development of more sustainable production practices.”
Ceres Research, the consultancy’s specialist R&D arm, will also play a key role in supporting agronomic decision-making through exploring grape growing in temperate climates.
Work to understand the challenges and opportunities that the UK’s changing climate presents for vineyards will help growers futureproof their operations and adopt innovative new technologies.
This new service comes at a time of rapid growth for the UK wine industry.
There are now more than 1,000 vineyards in England, with English wine sales up 10% in the past year. Sparkling wine accounts for 69% of bottles produced, with 99 grape varieties currently grown – the majority in the south-east of the country.
Support
As Ceres Rural consultant Louise Penn explains, the timing is ideal for bringing a complete, independent vineyard support service to market.
“There is growing demand for expert advice that spans the entire vineyard lifecycle – from grape growing to grant funding, sustainability, and business planning.”
The Ceres Rural team is BASIS and FACTS qualified and well-versed in modern vineyard management principles. The consultancy also understands the sector’s growing drive toward sustainable wine production and carbon accountability.
“Our agronomy service needs to work hand in hand with climate change pressures, cash flow management, and carbon footprint reduction – seamlessly integrated for today’s vineyard businesses,” says Ms Penn.
Emissions
“We also carry out carbon audits and advise on emissions reduction strategies, including regenerative practices such as cover cropping between vines and improving overall vine resilience.”
A wide range of agri-environment and capital grant schemes are now relevant to vineyards, notes Ms SPeakman, offering funding opportunities for new enterprises and diversification projects.
Ceres Rural’s wider advisory services – including marketing, business strategy, budgeting, and performance monitoring – further complement the viticulture offer from the consultancy.
The consultancy says the new service will provide vineyard owners with robust, joined-up support during a time of transformational change across UK farming and food production.