Harvest Day ‘23

As we clear away the last of the crates and rest those achy backs, we reflect on what has been a bumper harvest for Oakhanger Vineyard. Many thanks to our outstanding army of volunteers who helped us to pick over 4 tonnes of grapes during 2 days in mid-late October, and an equal thanks to the volunteers who helped sustain them with delicious food, snacks and drinks along the way.  It was a tremendously fun day outdoors in the Hampshire countryside, soaking up the autumnal sunshine…even if some of us did end up with rather purple fingertips by the end! 

2023 is proving to be a bumper year across English vineyards.  The weather conditions (a lack of late frosts, a warm June and plenty of rain over the summer) resulted in large yields.  The English weather always likes to keep us guessing though.  Given the sun was a little shy over the summer months and sunshine is needed for sweetness, we held out for as late as possible in October to harvest after the grapes’ sugar levels had been boosted by the unusually warm and sunny autumn.