Small grape-growing plot for wineries

Established English and Welsh wineries and sparkling wine producers that buy in grapes, and sometimes local winemakers or home-winemaking customers.

Grapes are sold by weight at harvest, usually under an agreement made with the winery before or soon after planting. Vines take a few years to crop, so early months bring costs rather than sales.

• Practical outdoor and farm work
• Patience and long-term planning
• Willingness to learn viticulture
• Negotiating with buyers

• Check whether you need to register the vineyard and make harvest declarations (the wine standards rules differ by nation, so check with the relevant authority)
• Agricultural land lease terms and whether planting vines is allowed; also check planning rules for any buildings or storage
• Frost, disease and poor weather can wipe out a harvest, so check what crop insurance is available
• Years of costs before the first harvest, so plan your cash flow carefully
• Public liability insurance, and safe use of tractors, sprayers and chemicals

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £70,000, depending on your site, whether you lease or buy, and your set-up. Expect years of costs before your first harvest, so plan your cash flow carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on your site, the varieties you plant and what buyers pay. Poor weather can reduce a harvest, so check what crop insurance is available.

Check whether you need to register the vineyard and make harvest declarations, as wine standards rules differ by nation. Also check that your land lease allows vines, and look at planning rules for any buildings or storage.