Winemaker Chapel Down Group PLC (AQSE:CDGP) said favourable conditions generated by this year's hot summer led to exceptional grape quality and yield as it delivered a record tonnage of grapes in this year’s harvest.
According to an update, it harvested over 2,000 tonnes, compared to 1,400 last year, of its sparkling wine grapes, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, which is expected to produce roughly 2mln bottles.
Additionally, the group said it has recently invested to extend its winery in Kent, which will enable efficient processing of the harvest, allowing for greater production volumes.
Chapel Down said it continues to expand its capacity and has planted 38 additional acres of vines this year, with a further 118 planned in the near term, meaning it will have over 900 acres by next summer.
“Our strong performance in the first half of the year and the bumper harvest we have announced today leave Chapel Down well on track to meet our target to double the size of the business by 2026,” said chief executive Andrew Carter.