Viticultural, Winemaking
and Cider Consultancy
Drone Image over Mugglewort and Flaxley Woods, towards the Cotswolds.
Our consultant
Simon Day
Whether starting from scratch, taking over an existing vineyard, or if you have been running a vineyard or winery for years, you should carefully assess your need for up-to-date knowledge and advice. We offer consultancy to increase quality; increase profitability; reduce risk.
Growing grapes
Evaluating proposed vineyard site
Including climate data, aspect, soil analysis and preparation.
Vineyard design – Variety choice, trellis selection, plant spacing, row orientation and costings
Evaluation of Existing Vineyards
Assess yields, maturity, desired wine styles. Sample soil and/or petioles for nutrient analysis and interpretation. Assess disease problems, cultural practices including canopy management.
Improving Wine Quality with Vineyard Management
Identification of problems and defects in wine quality, and the relationship to viticultural practices (variety selection, environmental conditions, trellis, nutrition, etc.)
Recommendation of remedial treatments and vineyard redevelopment plan where required.
Ongoing evaluation of cultural methods, fruit quality and final wine quality.
Making wine
Winery design
From initial concept to commissioning; working with your architects and builders, providing knowledge and understanding of the winemaking processes.
Equipment recommendations, sourcing and commissioning.
Winemaking instruction and advice
Grape and must handling; primary, secondary and malolactic fermentation monitoring; stabilisation and filtration; using oak in winemaking; wine styles by design; blending advice; safe and sterile bottling and packaging.
Troubleshooting problem wines
Identification of problems and defects in juice or wine and methods to correct or reduce impact in finished wine.
Cider production
& other advice
Cider
Advice for small to medium scale cider & Perry producers, from those just starting out, or looking for help scaling their business through to full cidery design & equipment requirements. We can also help and advise with EHO requirements & HACCP.
Product development
Developing products that complement your wines or ciders and make use of equipment throughout the year. We have experience with non-wine products such as co-fermentation, liqueurs and distilled spirits.
Feasibility studies and business planning
Helping to ensure your business is profitable and commercially viable. Also helping to develop business plans for use in planning applications, grant applications, business loans etc.
