Purbeck Vineyard's grape big crop

By Sue Paz BBC Dorset

A dry, sunny summer has meant Purbeck Vineyard has had a "bumper" crop of grapes.

The two-acre site has 3,000 vines, which this year have produced two tonnes of grapes.

The pressed fruit has yielded more than 2,000 litres of juice which, following fermentation, will make about 3,000 bottles of wine.

These will include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Seyval Blanc and Phoenix varieties.

Growing conditions at the vineyard have been "perfect"

The vineyard has an adjoining four-star boutique hotel in the village of Harmans Cross in the Purbeck Hills, close to Corfe Castle.

Established in 2000, it has been owned by Theresa and Robert Steel since 2006, and this is their third harvest.

Theresa said: "We have had a bountiful harvest this year. The growing conditions have been perfect.

"We witnessed some warm summer months and cool temperatures, but no autumn frost, all of which combined to allow the grapes to stay on the vine longer."

"A bigger crop"

Theresa and Robert are celebrating a "bigger crop" this year

The grapes are picked each year by volunteers.

Theresa added: "Our harvest was a hive of activity and we wish to thank all of our volunteers for taking part."

Volunteer Kath Beesley said: "This is the second time myself and my family have taken part in the annual event, and we definitely harvested a bigger crop this year.

"It's a great opportunity to get together with friends, family and the local community to cut the grapes by hand from the vines."

The wines produced at Purbeck Vineyard are only available onsite and regular wine tasting sessions take place throughout the year.

For further details contact 01929 481525 or visit:

Purbeck Vineyard