LEAF STRIPPING AT OUR LEITH HILL VINEYARD
WHY IT MATTERS FOR EXCEPTIONAL ENGLISH WINE
As summer progresses at our vineyard on Leith Hill, Holmbury St Mary, one of the most important jobs in the vineyard begins, leaf stripping. This vineyard management technique plays a very important role in producing the high-quality grapes that go into our artisan English wines.
Like many Surrey vineyards, we carefully manage our vines throughout the growing season to give every grape the best possible chance of ripening in this unique Surrey Hills climate.
WHAT IS LEAF STRIPPING?
Leaf stripping or canopy management, involves carefully removing selected leaves from around the grape bunches. Only the leaves surrounding the fruit are removed to allow better airflow and increased sunlight to reach the grapes.
This delicate process is carried out by hand, allowing our vineyard team to look at each vine individually and ensure the perfect balance between protecting the fruit and encouraging ripening.
Growing grapes in the UK presents different challenges to vineyards in warmer European wine regions. The cooler climate and occasional summer rainfall mean canopy management is particularly important.
BETTER AIR FLOW REDUCES DISEASE
At our Tanhurst Estate vineyard, improving airflow around the grape bunches helps reduce humidity within the canopy. This makes conditions less favourable for fungal diseases such as botrytis (grey mould), powdery mildew and downy mildew, especially following periods of rain or heavy morning dew.
More sunshine helps the grapes ripen
One advantage of leaf stripping is that it allows more sunlight to reach the grape clusters. In the Surrey Hills, where every hour of sunshine counts, increased light exposure encourages the grapes to ripen more evenly and develop the natural sugars, acidity and flavours that are essential for producing premium English wines.
IMPROVING FRUIT QUALITY
Selective leaf removal encourages healthier grape bunches with improved flavour concentration and more even ripening. Whether it’s our elegant sparkling wines or beautifully balanced still wines, the quality of the grapes harvested in autumn begins with careful vineyard management throughout the summer.
How is leaf stripping carried out?
Leaf stripping is done by hand to give every vine individual attention. Only selected leaves around the grape bunches are removed, ensuring enough foliage remains to support photosynthesis while allowing the growing grapes to benefit from improved light and ventilation. Removing too many leaves can expose the grapes to adverse weather, while leaving too many can trap moisture and shade the fruit. Finding the right balance is part of the skill and experience required to produce exceptional English wine.
TIMING IS REALLY IMPORTANT
Leaf stripping usually takes place after flowering and fruit set, once the young grape berries have formed. Depending on the weather, additional canopy management can be carried out later in the summer if vigorous growth begins to shade the fruit again. Every vintage is different. Warm, dry summers may require less intervention, while wetter growing seasons often need more to keep the grapes healthy until harvest.
A small task with a big impact
Visitors to our Surrey vineyard see team members working carefully among the vines during the summer months and often ask why perfectly healthy leaves are being removed. In reality, leaf stripping is one of the many behind-the-scenes tasks that help produce our exceptional English wine.
Here at Tanhurst Estate Vineyard, in Holmbury St Mary, every decision we make in the vineyard is guided by one goal: producing the highest quality grapes possible. From winter pruning to harvest, careful vineyard management allows nature to do the rest, resulting in artisan wines that truly reflect the unique landscape of the Surrey Hills.
SEE VINEYARD LIFE UP CLOSE WITH A WINE TOUR & TASTING
If you’d like to discover how our vines are nurtured from bud to harvest, why not experience it for yourself?
Join us for a Wine Tour & Tasting which starts with a guided walk through our beautiful vineyard in the Surrey Hills. You’ll learn about the seasonal work that shapes each vintage, explore our winery, and finish with a guided tasting of our handcrafted English wines while enjoying spectacular countryside views.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable day out in Surrey, our vineyard tours offer a fascinating insight into English winemaking. Book your Wine Tour & Tasting today and discover the passion, craftsmanship and dedication behind every bottle.