Laithwaites plants UK’s smallest vineyard

Laithwaites Wine has planted what it claims to be the smallest producing vineyard in the UK.

Based at the Laithwaites’ GDC Warehouse in Gloucestershire, the 0.01-hectare clay rich vineyard, which will be will be entirely looked after by staff, will produce a Chardonnay under the name Hurricane Ridge.

The tempestuous name was chosen by staff from 88 entries, and the label has been designed by a staff member.

Staff from Ridgeview estate in Sussex assisted with the planting of the vineyard and will provide ongoing growing advice for the Laithwaites team.

The still wine will be sold through Laithwaites and ready for release in about three years time. It is anticipated that the vineyard will produce 80-100 bottles in its first run.

“We decided to grow our own vines as an educational tool to give the staff at GDC a chance to grow, ferment, label and bottle their own wine on the property,” said GDC spokesperson Guy Watson.

“There has been a lot of community involvement so far and we have used the vineyard on our customer courses too,” Watson added.

A price has yet to be set for Hurricane Ridge, but the majority of the wine will be sold to Laithwaites staff.

There are as yet no plans for a sparkling wine, but a second still wine may be a possibility in the future.