Overview

• Growers report unusually high sugar levels in apples, grapes and berries after the hottest UK summer on record.
• Fermentation has begun, and early batches show higher initial alcohol as concentrated sugars give yeast more to convert.
• Large producers plan to blend and keep ABV near set targets, while some craft makers may let naturally stronger batches stand.
• Dry conditions left fruit lighter, pointing to potentially stronger drinks but slightly reduced overall yields.
• Some orchards brought harvests forward to manage ripeness, with any wine changes expected to follow after cider.