Viticulture Update 2025: Key Trends & Harvest Updates

Viticulture 2025 Harvest

For many in the UK, the 2025 harvest was very promising, with extended warm weather helping to reduce disease pressure, improve sugars and increase ripening rates, leading to a speedy and bumper crop, for both sparkling and still wines.

Unlike many other crops, vines benefitted from the extreme dry weather, allowing for “fast and full” harvests, and there is optimism that the 2025 vintage will be a memorable one.

Extreme heatwaves across other areas of Europe have caused some blistering and yield crop damage, which may benefit UK growers long-term, as the warmer summers improve the viability of UK vineyards, whilst negatively impacting areas like the Champagne region. However, winemakers may need to consider longer-term strategies to protect younger vines, as these drought-stricken summers look to become a pattern in Britain.

Growers saw a brief opportunity to apply for funding to support equipment and infrastructure improvements whilst the Capital Grant and Farming Equipment & Technology Funds were briefly open to applications. However, many will be awaiting the re-opening of the Sustainable Farming Incentive in coming months, to review ways to de-risk and future proof incomes through implementing regenerative

At Ceres Rural, we offer expert advice across every aspect of vine management and business development, we help vineyards achieve meaningful, continuous improvements – driving sustainable growth and long-term success. If you need help with your vineyard, or you’re considering a new venture, find out more here, or get in touch with Beth Speakman, or Louise Penn.