24/07/2026
One of the most asked questions from Swanaford visitors this sumer has been: "Do the vines struggle in this heat?" And the answer is: "no... definitely not... but... maybe" (which is also, paradoxically, the answer to almost any question is vineyard management).
We have so far seen no signs of vine stress this summer despite three intense periods of heat, where temps in the vineyard were well over 30° for days. The canopy is vigorous, green and protecting the developing fruit from the sun, plus let's not forget that Devon had double the average rainfall in Jan/Feb and was cold enough to freeze (Grrr - literally and metaphorically) on April 26th. One minute you're scrambling for frost protection, the next you're considering an irrigation system!
Vines are very clever and have a couple of natural defence procedures for extreme heat - they make special proteins to protect cells and they shut their leaf pours to limit water loss. This second defence only happens at about 38/39°C which, thankfully, hasn't quite happened in the UK this year, and that's great because shutting down also stops growth and sugar accumilation.
For us, careful canopy management and established root structure have, thus far, seen the plants push through. And, thankfully, the high temps are over for a bit. We haven't over leaf- stripped or over trimmed... yet. With a potential fourth heat wave predicted for mid August, we'll be keeping a close eye on things. Because despite being frosted, the super temps have seen the secondary grapes develope at insane speed. It won't be a bumper yield this year, but the quality could be noteworthy.
N/B when you enjoy a bottle of English 2026 in the future, raise your glass to the guys who stood out in the vines in pounding heat to bring you those grapes. 🥂
