Tenant farmer Sandy Booth is an innovator at heart, having launched a unique fruit snack to help tackle waste – as well as taking a novel approach to vine growing in the hopes of producing the UK’s first Merlot. Sarah Kidby caught up with Sandy to hear more about the farm’s history, key challenges and unique approaches.

McNeill Vineyard Management says it is confident of a bright future for the Crouch Valley wine region. As the MVM team expands with two new hires, founder Duncan McNeill has a clear vision – which is for “Crouch Valley to become the next Central Otago or Oregon within the next 10 years.”

International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate women who have been advocating diversity and inclusion in the wine industry.

Innocent Drinks has announced £1 million funding to support regenerative agriculture as it advances plans to decarbonise its supply chain. 

An innovative frost forecasting and management project titled ‘Smarter forecasting, communication and management of frost risk in vineyards’ has secured over £300,000 in funding from Innovate UK and the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) is warning vintners and fruit growers about the detrimental impact Asian hornets would have on agriculture if they became established in the UK.

Businesses with innovative ideas on how to sustainably improve operations within the fresh produce, food and drink supply chain can receive a share of £600,000. 

A new train route that is set to launch in 2026 will take passengers straight from London to some of Europe’s best vineyards. 

After selling his IT business and taking early retirement, a chance meeting with Stephen Skelton at a conference convinced Nick Wenman that you could make great wine in the UK. In 2009 Nick planted Albury Organic Vineyard, finally fulfilling his dream of owning a vineyard and making quality biodynamic wine. Editor Rachel Hicks chatted with him.

A diminishing herbicide armoury combined with a drive towards more environmentally sustainable production methods is slowly changing the face of weed control in vineyards. Hutchinsons agronomist Rob Saunders runs through some of the main options.

A mirror orchard has been planted in west Wales to explore the benefits of using willow mulch to tackle fungal disease in pears. If successful, it could open up a new market for apple and pear growers, as well as areas where the fruits can be successfully grown. Sarah Kidby spoke to Joey Hughes, founder of Orchard Daughters, to find out more.

One of the UK’s longest established orchard and vineyard machinery manufacturers and suppliers celebrates 50 years of trading this year, and 40 years since it took on its main tractor franchise. David Williams joined senior team members during a visit to a long-standing customer to find out what makes the dealer’s service so special.