Vineyards of Hampshire announce earliest harvest on record
Many members of the Vineyards of Hampshire are celebrating their earliest harvests in history, beginning up to two weeks earlier than usual. A long, warm summer, high sunshine hours, and the region’ s water- retentive chalk soils have brought forward ripening, with conditions more akin to continental Europe than traditional UK timings.
At Raimes, the first harvest started on 9th September with Pinot Noir Précoce, with the main crop (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier) expected from late September into early October — around two weeks ahead of schedule. The team reports high- quality, clean fruit, excellent canopy health, and balanced yields. Volunteers are welcome to join the picking. “We are excited about the intensity of flavours in the grapes this year,” the Raimes team said.
Hattingley Valley is also on track for its earliest harvest. Owner and Chair, Simon Robinson commented: ‘We’re preparing for a truly historic season’. Head winemaker Rob MacCulloch MW added ‘Pinot Meunier is bouncing back strongly, and along with Pinot Noir, we expect deeper colours and riper flavours. 2025 could be a standout year for Rosé’.
Danebury Vineyards nr Stockbridge will begin picking Madeleine Angevine on 16 th September, the earliest since its establishment in 1988. Caroline Stevens, Head of Sales & Marketing, said: “Our fruit is already showing excellent balance in sugars and acidity, prompting us to bring forward picking to the earliest start in our history.”
At Exton Park, harvest is scheduled for 22nd September. Vineyard Director Fred Langdale stated: “This season has progressed smoothly, with conditions reminiscent of 2018. Flowering completed in just five days, and with late summer rain swelling the berries, we’ re seeing excellent balance and quality in the fruit.”
Traditionally, Hampshire’ s grape harvest begins in the final week of September. This year’ s advance is an unprecedented milestone, reflecting both the region’ s unique microclimate and the broader seasonal shifts shaping UK viticulture. Producers across Hampshire are optimistic that 2025 will produce wines of concentration, freshness, and finesse.
