Winemakers prosper but veg farms wilt in the drought
Summary
The dry and hot weather this summer has caused major problems for vegetable farmers in Wiltshire, damaging crops like cauliflowers and potatoes. Meanwhile, winemakers in Somerset are benefiting from the warmth, producing better quality and more wine due to the favorable conditions.Key Facts
- Wiltshire vegetable farmer Phil Collins has lost many of his cauliflowers and potatoes due to six weeks without rain.
- The drought has caused a shortage of vegetables across the country.
- Somerset winemaker Sandy Luck said the dry, sunny days help grapes ripen and reduce disease.
- Higher sugar in grapes from the sun leads to wines with more alcohol, allowing for new styles like still red wines.
- English wine production increased by 55% in 2025 thanks to warmer summers.
- Traditional vegetable farming is becoming harder as costs rise and crops fail in dry weather.
- Some crops, like the "drought-resistant" Marfona potato, failed this year because of the extreme dryness.
- Southern England’s climate is increasingly suitable for growing grapes, similar to parts of central France twenty years ago.
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