Chapel Down Group PLC (AIM:CDGP) shares climbed 11% to 39p after the English winemaker reported one of its strongest-ever harvests, with both yields and grape quality well ahead of last year.
The company said the 2025 crop totalled 2,882 tonnes, up more than 50% from 1,852 tonnes in 2024, as favourable summer weather produced “exceptional” fruit quality.
The Kent-based producer now has 1,018 acres of vineyards, 777 of which are fully productive, a 30% increase since 2022, and achieved an average yield of 3.7 tonnes per acre, 15% above the five-year average.
The higher output will allow a greater focus on Traditional Method sparkling wines, which remain Chapel Down’s core strategic priority.
Chief executive James Pennefather said the 2025 harvest “will be seen as one of England’s great vintages,” crediting excellent growing conditions and the skill of its vineyard teams.
Head winemaker Josh Donahay-Spire added that the wines from this vintage would “change the way the world thinks about English wines.”
The company said it remains confident in meeting full-year market expectations and continues to target a 1% share of the global Champagne market by 2035.