Vineyard predicts fruitful future

The vineyard's 12-acres produce grapes for chardonnay and pinot noir wines

As the grape harvest season continues, a new vineyard owner believes Essex has a bright future as a wine-producer.

Clayhill Vineyard in Latchingdon, which was established in 2006 by Dale and Victoria Symons, is harvesting its crop of 15,300 vines for the first time.

Dale believes the county is ripe for others to follow in their footsteps.

"There is a lot of potential here, I would like to see other vineyards pop up and I think we could have a little wine growing region here," said Dale.

Clayhill, which overlooks the River Crouch, is just one of a number of vineyards to have been set up in the county over the past few years.

Owner Dale believes the industry is increasingly becoming a viable option for farmers and landowners who are looking to diversify.

"It's a long-term thing and I think in the long term we will see a return on it," he said.

Hopes are high for a vintage year

"At the moment it's about establishing the vines, it's three to four years before you get your first crop and this is our fourth year.

"We won't get a big crop this year, but once they mature in a year or two, we'll be getting a higher yield and will start being able to pay the banks some of their money back."

Dale explained the relatively arid climate enjoyed in Essex added to the south-facing fields on his plot of land were the key to the potential success of his crop.

"The west side of the field is sloping east and the east side slopes to the west - so you're getting a bowl effect which helps keep the heat into the vineyard," he said.

"I believe this year particularly because of the clay, the ground has baked and is retaining the heat and I think that's why the grapes are so ripe."