Waitrose vineyard project underway

Waitrose has begun planting its own vineyard. The first vines were laid at its Leckford Farm Estate in Hampshire during a ceremony on Friday 22 May to mark the start of the Waitrose Spring Food Festival.

The retailer plans to be the first in the UK to produce its own sparkling wine, with the first vintage due for release in 2014. Once planting is complete, the vines will be allowed to grow for three years before their first harvest, followed by a two year vinification and maturation process.

The move comes in response to the growing reputation of English wine, which saw Waitrose’s sales grow by more than 18% in 2008. With current sales growth outstripping supply, the retailer’s decision should leave it better placed than its rivals to meet anticipated consumer demand.

Ken Mackay, English wine buyer for Waitrose, commented: “We are all incredibly motivated about the planting and growing of our first vineyard. In addition to the Estate sparkling wine, the vineyard also provides an opportunity to engage our wine specialists with the production cycle of the vineyard.”

Gabriel Savage, 28.05.09