Many in the wine industry said the 2002 grape harvest had been the finest for a decade, boosted by a good spring and a warm, dry late summer and early autumn. But this year's dry, sunny run could make 2003 an English vintage to look back on with pride, wine-growers say. Will Davenport, owner of the Davenport Vineyards in Kent and east Sussex, said: "The weather we have enjoyed this summer has been absolutely perfect for our grapes.

"They are a Mediterranean crop and we have been enjoying Mediterranean weather so we couldn't ask for any more. It doesn't mean we will get a bigger crop - that is decided by the number of canes planted last year - but it is the quality of the grape, how quickly it matures and its sugar content that will be helped." Mr Davenport said the dry weather has helped to ensure the grapes have not become swollen with rain. This can dilute the sugar and acidity, and make them susceptible to disease.

'Wait and see' Tom Hayward, of Sharpham Vineyard in Devon, said: "Last year was an excellent year, 2001 was good as well, but it's looking very, very good again this year." However, he warned: "We have to wait and see because the weather could change quickly."

There are about 400 vineyards in England and Wales, with about 1,000 hectares under vine. Most are in the south-east of England, and Kent in particular, with some in the south-west. A handful are in Wales.

Seyval blanc, Reichensteiner and Muller-Thurgau are the most widely planted grapes, followed by Bacchus, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.