A Kent-based wine producer is predicting a “sensational” quality of harvest this year, thanks in part to the recent spell of hot weather.

Vintners are very happy with the quality

The heatwave, combined with a hard winter and mild spring, should help produce a crop of tasty grapes, according to experts.

Industry insiders regarded last year as phenomenal, with English producers turning out a record-breaking four million bottles, up by around a million on the previous year.

The trade body English Wine Producers said they do not expect such a bountiful harvest this year because many vineyards are reporting smaller berries.

But they are predicting a high quality of English wine as the smaller grapes are expected to be concentrated with flavour.

Julia Trustam Eve, spokesman for English Wine Producers, said: “The reports that we are getting from around the country is that people are very happy with the quality.

“It’s not going to be a massive volume but this last blast of summer weather has been magnificent in raising sugar levels and lowering the acid content.

“We are expecting to have a high quality of vintage and various factors govern that. We have had a wonderful spring, and although we didn’t have a fantastic summer, rainfall was low and that has contributed to smaller grapes.”

Frazer Thompson, managing director of Chapel Down wines in Tenterden, Kent – a producer who has gained support from chefs Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver and Gary Rhodes – was excited about this year’s crop.

He said: “The recent heatwave, plus last-minute ripening grapes, means we are looking at the potential for an absolutely sensational year for English wine.”