Tim Youngs, a third-generation farmer at Grange Farms in Hockwold, near Thetford, Norfolk, has diversified his business by establishing a vineyard. He has transitioned from growing crops such as onions and sunflowers to cultivating grapes for wine production.
Mr Youngs stated that he felt the need to diversify due to increasing risks, including weather challenges and changes in government support. He assessed his chalk-rich soil, finding it suitable for growing grapes, similar to the Champagne region of France.
The vineyard spans 7.5 hectares (18.5 acres) and contains 31,500 vines. Last year, it produced six tonnes of grapes. Mr Youngs hopes to produce 70,000 bottles of wine annually in the future, despite the current year's drought potentially leading to a lower yield but higher-quality grapes.