Wine Growing in Great Britain 2nd Edition - Complete Guide to Cool

In this review of Wine Growing in Great Britain 2nd Edition the bottom line is simple: this is the most practical, UK-focused guide available for anyone planning or expanding a vineyard in a cool climate. Stephen Philip Skelton MW presents both the hands-on viticultural tasks and unusually detailed financial guidance, so readers get a clear picture of what planting and running a vineyard actually involves. The book is updated to 2020 and is written with the depth expected from an expert, making it a go-to reference for planning, site selection and understanding costs.

Key Features

• Comprehensive viticulture: Covers site selection, vine varieties and establishment so growers can choose the right location and plants for UK conditions.
• Practical vineyard tasks: Explains seasonal management and vineyard maintenance to help small-scale growers improve vine health and yields.
• Financial analysis: Provides detailed coverage of land, establishment and management costs so prospective growers can budget realistically.
• Income considerations: Discusses income streams from grape sales and wine sales, helping readers assess commercial viability.
• Updated second edition: Reflects developments up to 2020 so the guidance is current for recent viticultural changes in Britain.

Who It's For

Wine Growing in Great Britain is aimed squarely at prospective vineyard owners, small-scale growers considering expansion and students of viticulture who need a UK-specific reference. The combination of practical tasks and financial detail makes it useful for those planning an initial planting through to managing a working vineyard.

It is less suitable for readers seeking a purely winemaking manual focused on cellar practices or marketing and branding of finished wines; those topics receive less emphasis compared with site, vine care and cost analysis.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Authoritative, UK-focused guidance makes site selection and variety choice much easier for British conditions.
• Balanced mix of practical vineyard tasks and business-oriented cost information benefits planners and small producers.
• Updated second edition content reflects recent developments up to 2020, keeping recommendations current.

Cons

• Does not concentrate on detailed winery cellar techniques, so readers wanting in-depth winemaking may need an additional reference.

Specifications

Title	Wine Growing in Great Britain 2nd Edition
Author	Mr Stephen Philip Skelton MW
Edition	2nd Edition (updated to 2020)
Primary focus	Viticulture and vineyard economics in Great Britain
Target audience	Prospective vineyard owners, small growers, students of viticulture
Contents overview	History, site selection, vine varieties, establishment, costs and income

Our Verdict

Wine Growing in Great Britain 2nd Edition is a practical, well-structured guide that combines hands-on viticulture with clear financial insight, making it an excellent buy for anyone planning or scaling a vineyard in the UK. It represents good value for readers who need a single, UK-centred reference on site choice, vine care and cost planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover costs of establishing a vineyard?
Yes. The second edition includes detailed discussion of land costs, establishment and ongoing management expenses so readers can assess financial viability.

Is it suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. It is written to help those contemplating planting a vineyard, though readers wanting in-depth winemaking techniques should consult an additional resource.

Does the book address vine varieties for Britain?
Yes. Site selection and vine variety choice are key chapters, helping growers match varieties to local conditions.