STAFF at Bookers Vineyards in Bolney have been hard at work planting 13,500 vines over 33 acres during May.
The new plants are part of a long term strategy to increase production over the next two to three years.
At present Bookers rack up 40,000 bottles annually but this could rocket to 110,000 during that period.
The vines are mainly Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir grape varieties, which make Bookers popular Pinot Gris white wine, Pinot Noir red wine and Barts Bubbly rosé sparkling wine.
What started as a garden gate business for Bookers has now become a concern of the major multiples.
Bookers sales are spread throughout 34 Waitrose stores in the South East, Booths stores in the North and online with Ocado, Waitrose Wine Direct and Virgin Wines with a further listing pending in Tesco.
Managing director Samantha Linter said: "A string of high-profile awards and rising sales have helped to quell jokes about English wine in recent years. Increased investment in English vineyards and wineries, combined with developing customer interest are all positive signs for further growth.
"Consumers are willing to pay a little more for premium products, which haven't been produced to the detriment of the environment.
"Shoppers are now actively seeking out home grown wines that compete with mainstream brands in terms of taste and quality but haven't amassed hundreds of food miles."
For more information visit
www.bookersvineyard.co.uk.
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