Gusbourne follows English wine boom with record harvest

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 23 October, 2023

English sparkling and fine wine producer, Gusbourne, has followed in the footsteps of several other domestic wineries in 2023, by announcing a record-breaking harvest.

10 October marked the completion of the Kent producer’s 2023 harvest, which is the largest ever crop recorded from its vineyards. It follows similar announcements at Ridgeview and Nyetimber. Though both of those producers are still finalising their crop, with bumper harvests forecasted earlier this month and at the end of September.

Gusbourne however, has now officially finished its 2023 harvest. This vintage offers ‘great potential for both quality and quantity’ as a result of the good growing conditions, the producer said, while also benefitting from additional land planting across the Gusbourne estate in recent years, which have now become productive vines.

Following the warm growing season of 2022, the vines emerged from winter in great health, which then combined with the good weather during the flowering period to result in an abundance of fruit. Conditions were also favourable in the latter part of the year: cooler weather in the second half of the summer slowed down the ripening process, which allowed for the development of complex flavour and aroma compounds.

Read more: Vineyards become the fastest growing crop in England

Mary Bridges, head winemaker, explained: “Gusbourne has built a strong reputation as an acknowledged leader in the rapidly expanding and dynamic English wine industry and the quality of this latest harvest highlights the real luxury of only using estate-grown fruit.

“Not only were we able to control precisely when and where we picked, but we have also been able to specify exactly how much fruit should come into the winery at any one time. This meant grapes weren’t being left waiting in crates before being pressed.”

Laura Rhys, master sommelier and Gusbourne ambassador, added: “I’m incredibly positive about vintage 2023. Across the different grape varieties, there’s already a lovely expressiveness and I’ve just tasted the early rosé ferments, which are exceptionally pretty and delicious. I’m looking forward to blending and I’m confident we’re going to see some really exciting wines.”

Gusbourne remains focused on premium quality and sustaining its luxury brand status. It followed the success of the now sold out 2014 vintage Fifty One Degrees North with the release of the 2016 vintage back in September.

It was also given a boost by several accolades this year, including retaining its Estate Winery of the Year gong at the Wine GB awards.

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