While some businesses wilt in the hot weather, the heat has been wonderful news for wine makers.

The family behind Ridgeview wine estate, near Burgess Hill, are expecting a bumper crop of sweet, plump grapes this year thanks to some of the highest temperatures they have ever had.

Run by Mike and Chris Roberts, along with their son Simon and his wife Mardi, the estate specialises in sparkling wine made from grapes from the Champagne region of France.

Mardi said: "The yield has vastly improved from last year because we had such hot weather during flowering back in April and May.

"The hot weather now helps keep disease at bay and means we are going to be harvesting a lot earlier.

"The grapes will be lovely and ripe with higher sugar levels, making them perfect for sparkling wine."

The vineyard at Ridgeview was planted in 1994 and the Roberts have been producing wine since 1999.

They chose the spot at the foot of the Sussex Downs because conditions closely resemble the Champagne region and are determined to show England can produce wines to rival some of the best in the world.

Mardi said: "We have won international medals up against vineyards in Champagne, so we are not just making great English wines but internationally recognised wines."

Ridgeview sparkling wine is available on mail orders, from Waitrose supermarkets, Butlers Wine Cellar and St Martin Vintners in Brighton. For more information, go to www.ridgeways.co.uk or call the estate on 01444 258039.

Monday August 11 2003