There are many reasons for investing in diversification projects and particularly in wine. With potential for funding dedicated to development and diversification after Brexit, there are plenty of opportunities to help diversify. However, both grapes and the financials remain at the mercy of external factors from weather to politics. But with clear and informed objectives, a robust business plan and quality management, a successful business can be developed.

1. Market
   Any successful business must know its customers and whether the price they are willing to pay delivers a profitable margin to the business above any costs incurred. Export markets, especially to the Far East, are booming, but needless to say there is a cost that must be paid in order to access these areas. A demand for a product must first be established in the country concerned, which often requires strong investment in marketing in order to access that country’s wholesale and retail markets.
2. Business plan
   Robust interrogation of a vision for an enterprise will have a significant bearing on all elements of a venture, from the site selection and choosing the right variety of grape, to growing and marketing the final product. There are many factors to consider in setting up a vineyard. Owning an on-site processing units, for example, allows finer tuning of the end product, but that comes at a high initial cost and the employment of specialist vintners may be necessary.
3. Site
   Ideal land for viticulture in the UK often means sheltered, south facing slopes away from the coast, but no higher than 100m above sea level. The quality of the end product relies heavily upon the choice of land. Savills offers a GIS-based site finding service that considers all aspects of the land and local climate to ensure the grape growing conditions are optimised.
4. Expertise
   The sensitivity of vines to prevailing conditions requires informed, precise and regular attention to minimise risk and maximise opportunity. Partnering or contracting services from an expert third party can deliver the satisfaction of a new undertaking, while avoiding mistakes and delivering a healthy revenue.
5. Added value
   Diversification into wine production often provides additional opportunities including:

• Public: tastings, tours, fruit picking
• Retail: farm shops, cafés and restaurants
• Events: weddings, photography, corporate
• Leisure: holiday homes, spa retreats, wellbeing
• Grazing: poultry, sheep, specialist livestock.

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